New Delhi: Indulgence is a good thing! You heard that right, but there is a small caveat – Mindful indulgence is a better term and practice in general. The reason we are reminding you of mindful or healthy indulgence is because August onward is the arrival of many festivities in this part of the world. There are indigenous rituals that all Hindus follow (Navratri, Shravan, Pitr Paksh), then there are umpteen state-wise festivities, and of course there are a few that we have borrowed from the western culture (Halloween, thanksgiving). Each week is one for rejoice. In most cultures, enjoyment is all about getting together as a family and engaging in familial activities but this scenario also presents itself with a host of challenges. For one, neglect of health is a very common occurrence.
This happens because we are so lost in the niceties that we forget about maintaining personal good health and hygiene. This is a very basic list of ‘to-avoids’ during the festive season.
Skipping your medicine schedule – AVOID
Given lifestyle and some other ecological changes, we are subject to a schedule of medicines from a very young age. Every household will have people who are on a strict medicine schedule, be it to monitor their blood pressure (both high and low), to keep diabetes in check, for their orthopaedic requirements, for vertigo, for Urinary Tract Infections, beta blockers for better heart health, anxiety pills, anti-depressants… the list is exhaustive. These are only basic medicines that we have written about. Some in the family may also be in the midst of a generalised treatment which will require stricter adherence to a medicine schedule.
You have got the point. The schedule is there for a reason and no excuse for not following it is in your best interest. If you think you may get too busy to remember, set an alarm for every medicine, make a sticky note and have it around the home. Or better still, keep someone in the loop so that they may remind you when it is due.
Overeating in just one meal, seriously AVOID
This one is a no-brainer. Festivals call for activities that are planned through the day which means there will be food items at the disposal almost all day long. If you have heard about portion control, the time to practice it is NOW. Divide your meal-wise intake so that you are half-full and have enough space to consume some items later on. You can revise your portion plan according to the meals that have been planned during the day.
For instance, if there is a bigger spread for the night, have some light salads for lunch
If you have had a heavy lunch, go lighter for dinner (maybe some soup and proteins)
Breakfast on these days can be the most light meal of the day. Think oats or some good ol’ millets. Even idli is a good option
Avoid mid meal snacking as far as you can. And if you do need something for those gossip sessions, keep seeds and multigrain biscuits handy.
Giving workouts and walks a miss? NO WAY
We get it, there will be no time to fit in your entire workout regimen bang in the middle of a festive season. But a moderate one can be devised. Alter your fitness schedule to fit most of your regular exercises in the given time that you have. For example, if you exercised for 45 minutes daily, restrict that to 25 minutes. The same goes for your morning jogs or evening walks. The easy way to do it is to opt for some basic cardio exercises and a mix of strength training in the morning and step out for a leisurely walk/jog in the evening. You have got both – your daily workout, time with the family and guilt-less indulgence in food. Keep outdoor-sy exercises for a even more fun experience.
Mental health can wait? NO!
There are a lot of us who are worried about keeping good health especially during festival season but we tend to ignore our mental health. This is also the time when anxiety and panic attacks will be at the peak. Experts say this could be due to the sudden pace of activities and the fact that we are exposed to more people during such times. If you are not used to entertaining guests or friends, festive season can be very stressful to your mental health condition.
If you are into earthing or do meditation to keep you mind calm, do not forget to continue with that schedule. Like exercising, you may want to time-restrict yourself. But never give it a complete miss.
If you are new to this alternate healing, don’t panic. There are many YouTube videos teaching us how to keep calm and stress-free during hectic days like the ones that may be coming. Try doing this for a week before the actual events start. You will get used to the routine and will find yourself in a more calmer space.
The other thing that one can do is to make a list of triggers for anxiety and brace yourself ahead of what may be impending. Such as, a sudden improvising of the plan, some uncalled for activity, something that requires quick redressal… all of these can be thought of before hand (to quite an extent) and train your mind that this is okay.
Being careless about things you know, AVOID
Again, there is nothing called full-proof but you can at least give it a try. There is a checklist that can come in handy.
Has the medical first aid kit at home been stocked up?
Do we have enough antacids and pain relieving tablets for use?
Have we kept unhealthy things away from the reach of children?
Is our home, germ free?
Have we sanitised our surroundings?
Have we sensitised others at home about basic health guidelines to follow?
Are we eating mindfully?
These are some of the basic things that every household must prepare in advance and avoid so that there is no damper on the celebrations. Remember good health cannot be compromised with, not today, not any day.
Celebrate right so you don’t have to regret it tomorrow. These are basic health habits that one must recall especially during celebrations. Let’s start with keeping a watchful eye on the calories. Next up is a reminder that one should not miss their medicine schedule in the hullabaloo of the celebrations… Here’s a ready reckoner on what one must avoid Health Conditions Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
