The holidays bring expectations of happiness and joy and for many people, it is a season of family gatherings, comfort food, and often the days slow down. For many the season also brings anxiety, high expectations, and occasionally health challenges. From ladder accidents to overeating and family tiffs the holidays bring a mixed bag of emotions and challenges. I reached out to Dr. Jayne Middlebrooks Morgan who is the Vice President of Medical Affairs at Hello Heart to speak with us about staying healthy and happy.
The holidays bring a set of health challenges including overindulgence which is actually encouraged during the holidays. I asked Dr. Morgan how we can keep ourselves on track when overindulgence is encouraged. Morgan speaks about setting boundaries for ourselves and others. She also shares that we need to stay hydrated and drink more water to help dilute the saltiness of many of the foods on the holiday table. Additionally, we are reminded to pace ourselves.
I asked Dr. Morgan if she had any advice if we crossed every boundary we set and are now bloated, uncomfortable, and looking for relief. Dr. Morgan goes back to hydration. Drink water or herbal teas without sugar to help settle stomachaches. Additionally taking a walk before or after a meal helps with digestion.
We talk about alcohol consumption and while mocktails have become acceptable and people who refuse a drink are not chastised Dr. Morgan cautions us to beware of mocktails that rely on heavy sugar, and unnatural dyes which are just as harmful as alcohol. She also reminds us that alcohol is a depressant and to be aware of the cumulative effect of drinking alcohol every night during the holidays.
SAD or Seasonal Affective Disorder which affects a multitude of people during winter months when the days are shorter and the sun sets early. Dr. Morgan speaks about this challenge and hopes that one day we will not participate in the annual changing of the clocks.
Family dynamics good and bad are also at play and Dr. Morgan suggests that we also plan and even devise a script for conversations with well-meaning family members who may trigger with invasive questions. I mention that one year at a family gathering we planned and discussed our family health history. Dr. Morgan also expresses that holiday hosts should “go with the flow” reminding us that even event challenges often become funny stories to share.
Dr. Jayne Morgan posts her Stairwell Chronicles every Wednesday on Instagram.
#ListenLearnAct