For this post, we teamed up with our friends at Hydrant to bring you 5 ways to stay healthy this holiday season! Hydrant makes rapid rehydration packets that help you stay hydrated, alert, and boost your immune system. Their drink mixes are perfect to stay in tip-top shape so you can celebrate the holidays to the fullest – and we could all use a good celebration right about now. The best part? They're offering 20% all Hydrant products with code: BRIGHTCELLARS20. Simply click here and enter your code to enjoy 20% off tasty rapid rehydration mixes! Now keep scrolling for a few tips on how to stay healthy this holiday season so you can celebrate like you deserve to!
It’s hard to believe, but the holidays are almost here! With that being said, here are 5 ways to stay healthy this holiday season! Of course, this year feels a little different than most. Instead of decorating the whole house and breaking out the good wine for your guests, you may simply be decorating your Zoom square since holiday parties have gone virtual. However, many of us are still planning to spend the holidays with family. That’s why it's more important than ever to try to stay healthy throughout this season. Maintaining good health will allow you to make the most of the time spent with your loved ones (and keep drinking wine without feeling rundown or sick). So, what can you do to stay on your A-game? Aside from wearing a mask and getting tested for Covid, there are still common colds and, of course, the flu to worry about. Check out these 5 useful tips for staying healthy this season so you can focus on what matters most.
1. Rest Up
Everybody knows that getting proper sleep is an important part of staying healthy, but for some of us, it’s easier said than done. If you tend to have trouble sleeping, limiting your screen time at night and keeping a consistent bedtime can help. Thankfully, a glass of red wine in the evening can also help you drift off to dreamland. Why is that? Studies suggest that red wine has many health benefits, ranging from improved complexion to increased longevity, due to natural compounds found in wine. One naturally occurring compound in red wine is melatonin, which helps to regulate our sleep cycles. To get the benefits of melatonin, sip a glass of Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, Sangiovese, or Nebbiolo. But remember, always drink in moderation, since studies show that drinking wine at levels exceeding moderation actually suppresses deep sleep – meaning you’ll fall asleep, but it won’t be restful and you’ll probably wake up tired.
2. Stay Hydrated
Sometimes the most effective tips for staying healthy can be the simplest. Whether you’re healthy as a horse or you start to feel a cold coming on, pound some good ol’ H2O and you’ll may start to feel better. Aim to get eight glasses of water in throughout the day. When you enjoy a glass of wine with dinner, remember to drink a tall glass of water in the evening. If you’re drinking plenty of water and still feel sluggish, or want to get more from your water, give your body a boost of electrolytes with Hydrant’s delicious drink mixes. Simply mix one of their Hydrate packets with a tall glass of 8-16oz of cold water and enjoy! Hydrant works to quickly hydrate you and keep you hydrated throughout the day.
3. Pace Yourself
While this is certainly the season for indulging in your holiday favorites (read: pie), it’s important not to overindulge. That goes for both eating and drinking. So, how do you rein it in? When it’s time to eat, take a page from the Spanish and slow things down a bit. Eating more slowly – while taking time to enjoy the company of those you’re eating with – will cause you to eat less. Pretty clever, huh? That’s because it takes your stomach about 20 minutes to tell your brain that you’ve eaten and you’re full. If you eat slower, you give a chance for your stomach to catch up to your brain. When it comes to imbibing, try reaching for a low-ABV wine that will allow you to sip without getting tipsy. Some of the lowest-ABV wines (between 5-10%) are sweet, so if you’re trying to cut down on sugar, your best bet is to look for a dry wine in the 11.5%–13.5% range, like Pinot Noir, Beaujolais, or Sauvignon Blanc.
4. Be Kind to Your Immune System
Your immune system works overtime to keep you healthy, so it’s important to build up a robust wellness routine to keep supported.. Getting quality sleep and drinking lots of water are great additions to your routine, and there are other things you can do to help make sure your immunity is firing on all cylinders. Feed your body with good, healthy food. Immune-boosting foods include citrus fruits, garlic, ginger, and leafy greens. Fun fact: certain red wines are high in antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. You can sip a glass of Malbec, Pinot Noir, or Shiraz for an antioxidant boost. When you want to support your immune system, try Hydrant’s Immunity drink mix. Available in Lemon-Ginger or Hot Apple Cider, their Immunity mixes are not only delicious and hydrating (thanks to their electrolytes), but also includes great immune-supporting Vitamins like B6, B12, C, D, ginger extract and zinc.
5. Exercise (with Wine)
You know we should be doing it, but there are so many factors working against you getting a good work out right now. So, how do you keep up your exercise routine at home? We’ve got you covered. Grab a mat, two unopened bottles of wine, and follow along with this easy 30-minute workout. Seriously, after you get warmed up, two full wine bottles are the perfect light weights to help you work those muscles. Designed to be noise-friendly for your neighbors, this workout will leave you feeling energized. And yes, after you finish your workout, feel free to pop one of those bottles open. After all, you’ve earned it!
