Keep fit mentally and physically this holiday season

By BEVERLY FLEMING

Keeping healthy, both physically and emotionally during the holiday season is especially important. A real key to this is making time for yourself. One suggestion is to begin your day one half hour earlier. To do this less stressfully, set your alarm five minutes earlier each night for the next six nights. By the end of the week, you will have given yourself an extra half hour of time.

Now that you have that half hour, use the time to renew yourself by going outside and doing some breathing exercises. Breathe deeply, hold for three seconds, then blow out. Repeat three times. By getting more oxygen to the brain, you feel more alert. This is a good exercise when you are waiting in line for anything. It also relieves stress.

Always eat breakfast. A bowl of unsweetened cereal and a banana with low fat milk will go a long way to make your morning better. It is much better to eat at least three time or even four small meals than loading up with a large meal at night. Be sure to include plenty of fresh fruit. Locally grown citrus is now in season and is available from many dooryard growers and roadside stands.

Drink plenty of water and cut back on high caffeine coffee and sodas. If you drink bottled water, you will need at least four pints a day. This may seem like a lot at first but after the first week, you will begin to feel much better. Your skin and hair will look better also.

Cut back on stressful situations. Avoid conflict. Plan for delays while driving, shopping or long distance travel. Delays are bound to happen this time of year so anticipate the happening and leave earlier. Take along a stress-reliever. Soft music, a good book or even a photo album of happy times are appropriate.

Don't deprive yourself of holiday treats but limit sweets to smaller portions and freeze extras for gifts or for later. Keep alcohol to a minimum. Gaining a little weight during the holidays seems inevitable but you can minimize the impact by good choices and increased exercise. Walking for just thirty minutes, three times a week is a real benefit.

Make plans for a low stress party. A Sunday afternoon holiday tea for girlfriends is a simple idea. Plan a traveling party among friends. Each host is only responsible for one course which could be appetizers, entree, dessert and after dinner coffee or stretched into more courses by the addition of a soup course, salad and a fish course. Plan to carpool to make parking easier.

Cookie swaps are also enjoyable and easier if you plan and bake ahead. Don't forget to include recipes. This is also a great kid activity if your children are old enough to appreciate good cookies instead of store bought gifts.

Remember those less fortunate in your community. Holiday time is often lonely for single people, the elderly, or those who are ill. Plan to include an extra person in at least one of your holiday events. Provide transportation (both to and from) for them.

And don't forget the homeless. A blanket, a coat, a hot meal or a box of personal toiletry items, delivered by you with a sincere smile will go a long way to show your heart goes out to them. Also remember the children who have no families. Check with your church for appropriate candidates in your community.

After the mad rush of the actual holidays are over, many people become depressed by the down time. Staying physically active with your children or friends will help to lessen this feeling. Go out to the library or to the park or get in touch with those you missed seeing during family time.

Beverly Fleming is a park naturalist with the St. Johns County Recreation and Parks Department. She can be reached at (904) 284-9488.