7 Holiday Tips for Managing Your Health & Wellness

The holiday season brings together friends and family in celebration, but it’s no secret that a busy holiday schedule can challenge your health habits. That’s especially true if you live with chronic conditions or want to maintain long-term wellness.

At AssociatesMD, we support you through every season with preventive care, primary care, and more. These seven tips can help you stay healthy amid the holiday whirlwind, so you can start the new year as strong as ever.

1. Schedule your annual wellness visit before the new year

Your annual wellness visit sets the foundation for healthy living all year long. This appointment gives us the opportunity to assess your overall health, screen for conditions like high blood pressure or high cholesterol, review medications, and discuss preventive care.

If you’ve been postponing it, the holidays are a great time to schedule your next visit. That way, you start the new year with updated labs, a refreshed care plan, and a clear set of health goals.

2. Keep up preventive health measures

Routine health care doesn’t pause for holidays. If you’re due for vaccinations, lab work, blood pressure checks, or chronic disease monitoring, try to address them before the year ends.

At AssociatesMD, our primary care team can wrap up these preventive services during your wellness appointment. You can get everything taken care of in one appointment and enjoy peace of mind as you head into the new year.

3. Maintain medication and care routines

It’s easy to lose track of medications, blood sugar checks, or other treatments when things get hectic during the holidays. But for chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, or arthritis, consistent management is crucial.

Keep a dedicated spot for your medications, set reminders on your phone or calendar, and carry extra supplies if you travel. Ask your care team about holiday hours, so you know where to go if urgent issues arise.

4. Prioritize balanced nutrition

Holiday meals are often rich and indulgent, but you don’t have to sacrifice nutrition to enjoy them. Try filling half your plate with vegetables or salad, choose lean proteins like turkey, fish, or beans, and limit heavy gravy, sugary desserts, and extra salt.

If you have a chronic condition like diabetes or heart disease, making thoughtful choices helps prevent spikes in blood sugar, fluid retention, and other issues. 

As part of primary and nutrition care at AssociatesMD, we can help you build a meal plan that supports wellness and balances comfort foods and health, so you can enjoy celebrations without guilt.

5. Stay active — but embrace flexibility

Between parties, travel, cold weather, and busy schedules, staying active during the holidays can be a challenge. But even light activity helps, so find opportunities to take a short walk after a big meal or do some gentle stretching in the morning.

If you have arthritis, hypertension, or other chronic conditions, choose low-impact activities like walking, stretches that improve core strength, or swimming, and avoid overdoing it. Regular movement supports circulation, mood, and joint health, all of which are key ingredients for year-round wellness.

6. Listen to your body and manage stress

Even when holidays are supposed to be joyous, they can bring stress in the form of social pressure, financial strain, travel fatigue, or family tension. Stress has real effects on your body, including raising blood pressure, disrupting sleep, and weakening your immune system.

Make time for restful practices and carve out quiet moments away from the bustle. Prioritizing good sleep, hydration, and mindfulness protects your physical and mental health during this busy time of year.

7. Adjust expectations and build realistic traditions

Holidays rarely look exactly the same year over year, and that’s okay. If your health doesn’t allow long parties, late nights, or heavy meals, consider modifying celebrations to match your needs right now.

Maybe you host a potluck-style dinner so dishes are shared, choose a shorter gathering time, or focus on low-stress traditions like board games, light desserts, or a movie night. 

By setting realistic expectations and clear boundaries, you give yourself permission to enjoy the holidays without compromising your health.

At AssociatesMD, our primary care, nutrition, and preventive care services are here to support you during the holidays and every day. 

If you’d like help preparing your health plan now or in the new year, book an appointment at one of our clinics in Plantation, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Weston, Margate, Dania Beach, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida.