Dr. Robyn Restrepo, Family Medicine Physician at Mission Highlands-Cashiers Hospital, loves to see and treat her patients, but what thrills her most is their attentive self-care for optimum health.
“The season is upon us,” she says, “And while there’s no evidence the holidays cause more illness, people are more susceptible to health problems, particularly after the holidays if they don’t get enough rest and practice self-care December and January.”
Following is her list of suggestions for holiday survival, flu-free. Copy it and hang it where family and friends can take advantage of its simple wisdom:
Dr. Robyn Restrepo’s Take-Care-of-Yourself Holiday Guide
1. Keep things simple.
2. Do what relaxes you and take a break from screen-time:
a. Listen to your favorite music
b. Cuddle to excess with kids and pets and spouses
c. Call a friend, preferably a low-key, positive kind of friend
d. Write in your journal
e. Doodle
3. With all the talk about mindfulness, take five minutes of mindlessness to re-boot your brain.
4. Get a massage. To learn more about Massage at Mission, call MyHealthyLife Wellness Services at (828) 213-8250.
5. Get shopping done early.
6. Exercise daily. Hiking, Yoga, dancing, workout at gym, walking.
7. Laugh, laugh, laugh.
8. Hygiene:
a. Rub elbows instead of shaking hands.
b. Sneeze into your shirt (sleeve or collar).
c. Wash hands often.
d. Stay home if you’re sick
e. Avoid crowds if there is an abundance of germs out there.
9. Get eight hours sleep, no compromise.
10. Stretch often (even while sitting at work).
11. Eat more fruits and veggies. Drink lots of fluids before you chance getting sick. Vitamin C can’t hurt and might help.
12. Read something fun/relaxing. You can read while riding a stationary bike, stretching your toes, rubbing your dog’s belly, etc.
13. Go outdoors. Fresh air helps. Holiday smells are invigorating and remind us of happy times.
14. Use prompts (posters, signs, coffee cups with messages) to remind you to kick
back, and let go.
15. Get a flu shot.
16. Breathe, breathe, breathe.
17. Laugh some more.
For additional info about wellness, check-ups, and self-care, contact Dr. Restrepo at (828) 526-4346.
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