This time of year can be stressful for most people.  The hustle and bustle of the holiday often leaves us feeling stressed and sick.  If you have a chronic illness like IBD on top of that it can be even more difficult.  In this blog we will talk about ways to make it through these crazy days with your sanity, and your health, in tact. 

The first thing that usually goes when we get busy is sleep.  Make sure you are getting enough sleep for your body to rest and renew.  Most people need somewhere between 7-9 hours of sleep at night.  Make it a priority, like taking medications, to get the right amount of sleep for your body!  If you find that you are suffering from insomnia, talk to your doctor about ways to deal with it so that your body does not pay the price.

Sometimes in the hustle and bustle of holiday drama we can forget to take our regular medications.  Make sure you take yours on time.  Set an alarm on your cell phone or make an appointment with yourself to be sure you get this accomplished.  Be sure to check your prescriptions and get refills before the pharmacies are closed for a holiday.  There is nothing worse than being completely out of a medication and having the pharmacy closed.  If you are headed out of town be sure to get enough filled for your entire trip.

Continue your healthy eating through the holiday season.  Yes, we all want a slice of pie here and there but the holiday is not an excuse to binge eat or stray too far from what you know keeps you feeling good.  IBD can often be significantly improved by clean eating.  Don't undo your good work for the sake of a holiday party.  That won't be fun for anyone.

Get your flu shot and a pneumonia vaccine (if recommended by your doctor).  These can prevent the two big illnesses this winter.  Keep up with proper hand washing and limit your exposure to people who have recently been sick.  Proper food handling can also prevent any issues with food borne illness over the holiday.

Last but not least, a little exercise helps a lot.  You don't have to sweat it out at the gym if that is not your thing.  A walk in the Fall leaves, a post Thanksgiving football game with the family, dancing in the evenings or anything that gets you moving works.  Exercise boosts the immune system and also fights the stress that can sometimes come with this season as well.

Just a short time spent being mindful of your health can pay you dividends later.  So, be good to your body and have a blessed holiday everyone!