Dec. 14 -- There's a lot of advice this time of year about how to get through the holidays without gaining weight, melting down or otherwise suffering a seasonal hangover. Here are five sensible tips, culled from years of reporting on health:
1. Call it meditation, a retreat to your cave, whatever you like. But carving out 20 minutes or so a day to sit in silence can carry you through the season with a sense of calm you hadn't thought possible. Meditation can lower your heart rate and strengthen your immune system, and you'd be amazed by the serenity that comes from quieting your mind. Find a comfortable seat. Shut out noise. Focus on nothing more than breathing. If your to-do list pops into your head, acknowledge the intrusion, and allow yourself to relax back into stillness. Better yet, write out that to-do list before you start, so you don't spend time worrying about it.
2. Walks are invigorating and don't cost a cent. You can walk at the mall -- just bypass the stores for a lap or two -- or do it outside or on a treadmill. Take 20 minutes to walk as briskly as you can a few times a week. You'll strengthen your muscles, heart and lungs, clear your head and get an energy boost that's better than what you get from caffeine.
3. Alcohol is a staple at many holiday parties, making this an especially tricky season for people with drinking problems. Even for those without a problem, it's smart to limit what you consume. Drinking too much can lead to weight gain and hangovers, plus reckless and embarrassing behavior. For women, doctors consider one alcoholic beverage a healthy daily amount. For men, it's two drinks.
