[vc_row][vc_column][vc_column_text]Tis the season we’ve all been waiting for! December is the time for festive gatherings, seasonal food, and cheerful decor. Some might even say it is the most wonderful time of the year. But, whether you’re welcoming the holidays with open arms or a ‘Bah! Humbug!’, there are a few pitfalls to the annual season of hustle and bustle. Over-indulging in sweets and spending, deadlines at work, traveling, and keeping up with the Jones’ may add a bit of stress to your holiday cheer. Though these unhealthy habits are common this time of year, there are ways to strive for a healthy, safe, and happy season! In this article, we’ll discuss how to stay safe and healthy during the holidays.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]

How to stay safe and healthy during the holidays:

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1. Travel smart. Millions of Americans will set out to travel all around the world before the year’s end. From visiting loved ones to vacationing on the beach, people everywhere will board planes, set sail, and load up into their cars. But no matter your means of travel or how far you go this season, be sure that you do it safely.
   • Never drink and drive. No matter the distance, long or short, never get behind the wheel if you’ve been drinking– a particular temptation when heading home after a holiday party.
   • Don’t drive distracted. This means no using your phone, no eating, and no searching for Santa flying overhead. Whatever keeps you from staying focused on the road should be avoided. Nothing is worth your safety as you drive.
   • If you’re heading out for a cross-country trip, consider packing healthy snacks. Road trips foster boredom, frequent stops to gas stations, and ultimately overeating junk food. But if you plan ahead and bring along some fruit and veggies, you may curb the temptation to eat poorly as you travel. Also, be mindful of where you stop for meals– though you may not have many options on the road, opt for your healthiest choice!
   • Fit in some exercise. Walk around the airport, take the stairs, or find time for a short jog. Whatever bit of activity you can fit in will go a long way!
   • Wash your hands frequently. You are far more likely to get sick while you travel. So, do whatever you can to stay healthy.
   • Always buckle up as a driver or passenger. Seatbelts save lives. In 2017, seatbelts saved an estimated 15,000 lives, according to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration. 
2. Decorate Safely. While decorations add a festive flair to your holiday, and no Christmas is complete without a tree, be mindful of your safety as you prep.
   • Make sure your tree is stable, set away from any sources of heat or open flames, and that it is adequately watered as long as it’s in your home.
   • When it comes to your sting twinkle light, be sure that no wires are left exposed or have explicit kinks or loose connections.
   • Turn off all lights when you’re not home. Not only will this ease your electric bill, but it will also prevent any potential for fires.
   • As you set up your outdoor decorations, make sure to use a ladder safely. Get a friend to hold the base for you as you step up. And keep watch for any ice on the ground that may cause you to slip.
3. Eat healthfully and get some exercise! With so many parties, cookie exchanges, and sweet gifts to enjoy, healthy habits pose a challenge during the holidays. However, there are some practical and even fun ways to keep up with a healthy diet and active lifestyle this season.
   • As you fill your plate at your family’s feast, making sure it’s mostly filled with fruits and vegetables. This is a great method for eating well while still enjoying your holiday meals.
   • Watch out for too many Starbucks specialty drinks. These sweet coffees are festive and oh so delicious, but don’t forget; they are high in calories.
   • Stay active! All you need is 30 minutes of exercise, five days a week, to help prevent heart disease and other chronic health problems. It will also help boost your mood and reduce any holiday-induced stress.
   • Challenge your family and friends to participate with you as you strive for health this season. Almost anything is made easier when done alongside others. Start a 30 day walking or limited sugar challenge! It will bring you together and keep you fit throughout the holidays.

[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]We at Raynes | Erickson wish you a happy, healthy, and primarily safe holiday! No matter where you travel, who you go to visit, and what delicious things you may eat, always take care of yourself. And if you are injured while on the road or in the case of a product malfunction, make sure to seek legal attention as well. We at Raynes | Erickson are prepared to serve your legal concerns and offer expert advocacy. Reach out today![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]