Tips to Stay Safe During the Holiday Season

news / By Smart Monitor

Safety Tips during Holiday Season
December 10, 2024

The holiday season is upon us and is widely recognized as one of the most wonderful times of the year. Streets and homes are lit up and decorated in festive cheer. Loved ones come together to celebrate, exchange presents and sweet treats, and simply revel in each other’s company. While this may be the most magical season, it can also be filled with stress and hold the potential for mishaps if one is not cautious. The festive season can easily become overwhelming, with the rush to complete tasks, the challenge of seasonal illnesses like the flu, and the added stress of holiday preparations. However, taking a few preventative measures can make all the difference in enjoying your favorite season and easily navigating this busy time. Following a few of these easy tips can help you and your loved one stay safe, healthy, and stress-free.

Effectively Managing Stress

The holiday season can be stressful with shopping for gifts, meeting family obligations, decorations, and last-minute preparations. Prioritizing self-care during this time is essential. Getting enough sleep helps rejuvenate the mind and keep your body energized. It is important to aim for 7 to 8 hours of sleep per night to achieve this. Participating in activities such as meditation, yoga, or a short deep-breathing session can significantly help reduce stress. In addition to getting enough rest and exercise, connecting with loved ones to share your feelings with them can greatly improve your mood. 

Keep your Body Active

Incorporating activities such as yoga into your daily routine can also help keep your body active while helping you burn off the excess energy from the sweet treats and heavy meals we all tend to indulge in during the holidays. Alternatively, you can keep your body active by incorporating other activities like walking, pilates, or a quick at-home workout routine. It is important to balance out festive indulgences with regular movement to stay energized and healthy. Include plenty of vegetables and fruits in your diet to keep energy levels elevated and boost your immune system as well. 

Sticking to a Routine

The holidays tend to include a rush of activities, whether it be taking off work to watch your children’s school musical or attending an impromptu gift exchange with neighbors. It’s important to stick to a routine during this busy time. Make sure you are adhering to your medication schedule by utilizing alarms on your phone or assistive technology to remind you to take your medications at the proper designated times. Proper medication adherence will help you stay healthy and can potentially help you stay out of the doctor’s office! Creating a schedule for drinking fluids, eating meals, sleeping, and taking medications is important for your immune system and your physical and mental health.

Hydrate your Body and Skin

Running around to complete errands and answer social calls can be taxing on the body. Be sure to stay hydrated throughout the day. Drink warm beverages like herbal teas to combat the cold and stay hydrated as well. Apply sunscreen when stepping out during the day as the sun can be unforgiving even during the winters. Moisturize your skin with creams and lip balms as cold air can strip away the skin’s natural oils. 

Wear Appropriate Clothing

Hypothermia and frostbite can prove to be dangerous. It is imperative to stay protected from freezing temperatures. Avoid staying out in the cold too long and be sure to stay covered. Layer up with warm clothing like thermal wear, gloves, winter jackets, scarves, and winter caps. Put on boots that are waterproof so as to prevent your feet from getting wet and slipping on icy surfaces. A small errand outdoors or stepping out to meet family and friends can be fatal if one is not protected properly. Ensure you are bundled up and prepared to face the freezing temperatures outdoors. 

Implement Assistive Technologies

A more efficient way to keep a watchful eye over your children and loved ones as they venture out by themselves during such a busy time of the year is to adopt assistive technology. There are applications compatible with smartwatches that are equipped with features such as SOS, medication reminders, geofencing, and live tracking. These devices send alerts if the user encounters an emergency or leaves a designated safe area. Another advancing technology on the market are safety pendants embedded with two-way communication and fall detection features. These assistive tech tools help you stay updated on your loved one’s whereabouts and offer peace of mind during the bustling holiday season. SmartMonitor offers an assistive technology application, Inspyre, enabled with motion monitoring and heart rate monitoring, and a personal safety pendant, AllWell, as part of their advanced assistive technology suite. 

Equip Yourself with a First Aid Kit 

Despite all preparations and precautions, unforeseen accidents can still occur. Therefore it is imperative to keep a first aid kit handy at home, in the vehicle, and at the office. Ensure the first aid kit is fully stocked with essentials like antiseptic wipes, bandages and bandaids, and over-the-counter medications for colds or headaches. Being equipped can make a huge difference in handling unexpected situations so be sure to familiarize yourself with basic first-aid techniques and keep emergency contact details handy as well. 

Every small precaution taken counts toward ensuring a safe and happy holiday for you and your loved ones. Take advantage of a 25% discount on your Inspyre subscription and enjoy a stress-free holiday!