Thanksgiving is one of the highlights of the year for many Americans. It gives us the chance to reconnect with friends and family while recharging for the winter to come. Although Thanksgiving is an occasion for joy, it can also be one that negatively impacts the health of older adults. More specifically, unhealthy foods and the stresses of the holiday can diminish an otherwise cheerful time.
However, you don’t have to allow Thanksgiving 2020 to harm your health. Instead, use the tips in this article to keep your celebrations fun without the negative side effects typically associated with the season.
One of the best things you can do for yourself this Thanksgiving is to learn how to manage the stresses of the season more effectively. Stress hormones will boost blood pressure, increase your heart rate, and suppress your digestive and immune systems. It can lead to high blood pressure, angina, heart disease, heartburn, and sleep disorders.
Make your holiday more relaxing by focusing on experiences, not things. Your Thanksgiving dinner doesn’t have to be perfect. Each dish doesn’t have to be flawless. The table setting doesn’t always need to sparkle. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed by these things, take a deep breath.
Use mindfulness to reconnect with the experiences that make the holiday special for you. Spend an afternoon baking with your grandkids, or show the family your favorite Thanksgiving shows and movies. Keep your celebrations grounded in experience to avoid the stress associated with prioritizing things over people this Thanksgiving.
One of the best ways to manage stress is to keep yourself healthy. Generally speaking, this means getting the sleep, healthy food, and exercise your body craves. Of course, this can be somewhat challenging during a holiday known for its tasty treats. Still, there are things you can do to prioritize your health this Thanksgiving.
For example, try making a healthy new recipe. Websites like the Food Network have dozens of healthy Thanksgiving recipes to choose from. By cooking with a focus on health, you’ll eliminate the most challenging aspect of staying healthy over the holidays.
That being said, your Thanksgiving feast will almost definitely still have some unhealthy foods present. That’s alright. It’s fine to indulge once in a while. Just be sure that you’re not going overboard. Create simple rules for yourself like no seconds and slowly savoring your food to reduce the number of unhealthy calories you consume.
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This year, COVID-19 may make it even more challenging than usual to have a healthy, stress-free Thanksgiving. However, you don’t have to face that challenge alone. Instead, you can use your Medicare health insurance to make the season a healthier one.
For example, you may be able to use your Medicare Part B insurance to find an online fitness program. Companies like SilverSneakers are giving older adults the opportunity to socialize while working out from the comfort of home. This is an excellent way to reduce your stress.
Medicare is also expanding its telehealth options in response to COVID-19. Consider taking advantage of virtual visits with doctors, clinical psychologists, physical therapists, and more this holiday season. It’s another way you can turn your Thanksgiving into a happier one by focusing on your health.
Want to learn more about how you can use Medicare to have a better Thanksgiving 2020? If so, consider contacting Time for 65’s partnered licensed agents today. You can do so by filling out this form or giving us a call.
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