5 Tips for a Healthy and Happy Holiday Season
Dec 09, 2025
Ah, the holidays: a time of joy and good cheer and the madness of travel, shopping, and navigating family gatherings. A whopping 115 million Americans are expected to travel for the Christmas and New Year’s holidays. A lot can happen on those journeys to see loved ones.
This season increases the risk of infections like the cold and flu, but traveling to, enjoying, and returning from the holiday festivities can invite other problems.
Residents in and around Mableton, Georgia, looking to stay safe at any time of year can rely on Dr. Temeka Johnson and the dedicated medical staff here at Quality Health Source. Here are five of our top tips for a healthy and happy holiday season.
The traveling, shopping, and eating that are hallmarks of this season can take a toll on your health:
Most people experience some stress regularly. However, the holidays can amplify stress, for example, finding the perfect gift for someone or ensuring things are just right for family and friends at a large gathering.
Almost 9 in 10 adults report dealing with additional stress during the holidays, which can lead to mental health issues such as anxiety or depression and an increased risk of digestive and cardiovascular problems.
Overindulging on all the wonderful foods you don’t enjoy the rest of the year can cause problems, such as diarrhea, constipation, indigestion, bloating, and gas.
Holiday heart syndrome refers to heartbeat irregularity called arrhythmia caused by excessive eating and alcohol consumption, leading to heart palpitations, shortness of breath, chest pain, and weakness. Preexisting heart problems can make it worse.
Developing this syndrome raises your risk of heart attack and stroke.
Try these helpful hints for a happy, healthy holiday season:
It’s easy to get overwhelmed by the expectations of the season, but you have control over how much you can do. Know your limitations, and reduce stress by not taking everything on your shoulders.
Spread the seasonal responsibilities so you can focus on what’s truly important. Let others help with cleaning, cooking, or other jobs.
It may be hard, but to preserve your sanity, set limits regarding what others can ask of you.
Drinking less and eating smarter make a big difference in your holiday health. Enjoy, but don’t go overboard.
If you have health issues that too much food and alcohol might exacerbate, take precautions to reduce your risk of problems. Have the medications you need and be aware of any potential interactions.
A healthy holiday means everyone gets to come back and do this again next year, so please take steps to prevent problems.
For more healthy tips, or treatment or management of chronic diseases or other medical issues, make an appointment by phone or online today with Dr. Johnson and the Quality Health Source team.