As we have discussed, weight gain is often associated with the holidays and all of the stress that comes with them. Ever hear of that little thing called “nervous eating?”
According to an article in the Brownsville States-Graphic, stress raises levels of the hormone cortisol, which often increases appetite. The article also discusses other ways in which stress can take a toll on your health. For one, stress can weaken your immune system, causing you to become more susceptible to infection. In order to avoid spreading bacteria and infection, it is important to wash your hands often; “wash with soap and warm water for at least 20 seconds.”
Digestive problems are also a common occurrence with the onset of stress. The stress hormones either slow down or speed up the emptying of the stomach, causing much discomfort in either case. “Heartburn is another concern for holiday revelers. Make it a point not to skip meals or overeat. Fatty foods are harder to digest, so limit those foods. Stay away from foods that usually give you digestive trouble.”
Levels of important values such as blood pressure, glucose, and cholesterol usually go up during stressful times such as the holidays. “This increases your risk for stroke & heart disease if left unmanaged. If you have health concerns such as diabetes or high blood pressure, monitor your numbers closely during the holidays and stick to your diet, physical activity, and medication schedule.”
The best piece of advice the article gives regarding maintaining good health during the holidays is “Your best defense against holiday stress is a good offense. Getting plenty of sleep, eating a balanced diet, pausing during the day for deep breathing and/or meditation, and exercising regularly are all good strategies for keeping holiday stress under control.”