Healthy tips

Help! I have felt sick for nearly a month, and the holiday season of eating and drinking hasn’t helped. I tried to get back to the gym. I feel even worse afterwards. What can I do to shake off the holiday sickness and blues?
All kinds of people feel the same way! The New Year’s paradox of hitting the gym and getting back into fitness is both desirable and often hard. You have been overindulgent for a while and your body has adjusted to getting too much in excess – food, alcohol, rest and even stress.
Studies have shown that moderate, regular exercise boosts the immune system and decreases the rate of respiratory tract illness. Your immune system fights most effectively when it isn’t stressed. Don’t make the mistake of trying to go back full force into a workout schedule. A single rigorous exercise session or event may make you more susceptible to infection. Pay attention to your body. There is the good “push” of effort, which is different from pain or over exertion.
After illness, injury or being sedentary for 2 weeks or more, you need to ease into your workout regime. Start with a nice long walk, light cardio, tennis, easy jogs or whatever might be comfortable for you. Think of it as ½ speed and effort in the beginning. Usually a week of this will get you back to your normal workout levels. Consistency is the key.
“An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.” The best way to stay healthy is to simply maintain a healthy lifestyle. Some key steps to defeat that post holiday malaise: eat fresh fruits and veggies, avoid processed foods, decrease sweets and sugars, wash your hands regularly, get good quality sleep, and exercise regularly!
As we enter a new decade, make a fresh commitment to reserve at least 30 minutes a day four times a week to move your body. Your body will thank you and you will maintain an optimum level of health, as long as you stay consistent!