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We had a feeling this Christmas was going to be different, but we all were hoping for a better outcome. Things will be better soon, but in the meantime, with one of the most celebrated holidays we have to think outside of the box when it comes to our safety and gatherings.

As we so desperately want to spend the holidays with our family and friends, Which I get, we have to remain mindful about not only our health, but the health of our children, parents, and extended families. Not everyone has underlying conditions, but that still does not mean that they are safe from this virus and cannot suffer tremendously if contracted.

There are some ways to prioritize your safety and well being during this holiday season. Here, I am going to help you figure out how to accomplish this, if you cannot absolutely go without being around others.

3 Ways to Set the Tone During a Covid Christmas

1. Communicate clear boundaries
Remind your guests that they are welcome, but things will be different this time around. Now, I know not everyone accepts CDC guidelines and what-not, but you as a human should want to make a difference in people’s lives in a non-selfish, positive way. This means, masks aren’t a bad idea. I would also suggest making them wash their hands as they come into your house. This should be a part of good hygiene, anyway, especially during flu season. Staying 6 ft. from one another is another wise choice to make. Shoe covers are another barrier against inviting covid inside your house into your rooms/kitchen/ restrooms/ etc., that you will eventually step on and spread onto your bed. And NO SHARING DRINKS. You are probably looking forward to taking shots with your company, but I highly doubt you will be keeping track of who’s shot glass belongs to who and if you’re taking shots, chances are you won’t think clearly and could care less. That is up until you begin feeling symptoms a few days later…. One important thing to remember, after everyone leaves, sanitize every part of your house. Doorknobs, light fixtures, restrooms, sinks, toilets, floors, couches, tables, chairs…. basically – EVERYTHING.

2. Set the standards
Not only do you all have to think about yourselves, but also about the other guests that will be around everyone else as well. There is no telling who they can possibly come in contact with for the next 14 days after leaving your house and who’s body cannot fight a virus such as covid. Let’s keep an open mind and remember those who have a weak immunity and even those who don’t know that they do actually have an underlying condition. This applies to you as well. Safety begins with you and your household rules. Right now, your choices may affect someone’s life, even someone who you don’t personally know. Be responsible and caring.

3. Skip gifts and enjoy the time instead
This couldn’t be a better idea for many reasons. This year has been hard on a lot of people, not only in a health perspective, but financial situations have been shaken. Some have to save their every penny they can as jobs aren’t as secure as before. Jobs that are open today may shut down tomorrow. Layoff’s may be a companies only resort to stay afloat. Not to mention, exchanging gifts may also include exchanging covid. Skip gifts this year and instead focus on the guests that are able to attend and cherish making those memories. As we may have figured out, this year was the year of being grateful for those we do have in our lives and appreciate the moments spent in togetherness.

Remembering Those Who Choose To Stay Home

Christmas is a time to be with those you appreciate and love the most. Though, this may not be an option for many that does not mean they cannot be a part of the memories. Visit virtually with those who cannot join you during this time. Set time aside to make phone calls to them and send them Merry Blessings.

Stay safe. Protect yourself and the little ones who depend on you to protect them. Keep the peace. Laugh, Love, Make memories, and maintain a safe distance from everyone else. Merry Christmas and may this be the last Christmas that’s been pandemic-tized!

I chose one of the least popular topics to write about for this next blog, but I truly believe that the details I have found on drinking the appropriate amounts of water daily will WOW you. Water is not the number one choice of beverage for most people and I honestly can’t say I blame them. Now, I know water can be boring and have “no taste”, but don’t be fooled into falling into that trap…. Add lemon, kiwi, strawberries, even honey to your water and really quench your thirst. Plus, reap the benefits from it and if you do not know what benefits I am talking about just keep reading and be flabbergasted!

Some of the information mentioned below are those that have been told to us by our parents who tried to get us to drink water as much as possible when we were kids riding our bikes in the blasting summer heat, and they weren’t fibbing. However, some facts that I have gathered for this particular piece, I hadn’t learned up until now and am excited to share with you.

The advantages to drinking H2O:

1. Water Helps avoid headaches
With summer here, the heat is a constant bother, now add dehydration and you’ve got a big problem. Mild dehydration may trigger headaches. It is said by experts that a loss of electrolytes cause nerves in the brain to produce pain signals- hence your headache. Staying hydrated is key to keeping the troublesome aches away as well as treating it. Room temperature works best as cold water will only intensify the pain.

2. Relieves constipation
It is no false claim that water helps keep the GI tract moving. If you are not drinking water as much as you should, you might be suffering from mild to severe constipation. Water helps loosen stools sending them on their way.

3. Pass and avoid kidney stones
People who produce 2-2.5 liters of urine are less likely to develop kidney stones than those who produce less. In order to produce that amount of urine it takes eight to ten 8-ounce glasses of water. Drinking water helps move stones through the urinary tract and flushes toxins out avoiding new formations.

4. Aids in weight loss
Water helps boost your metabolism and makes you feel fuller; suppressing your appetite. Drinking more water keeps your body from retaining water, ironically. Which leads to the loss of water weight. Replacing a soda or other sugary drinks such as lemonade or sweet tea with water will also cut down your calorie intake.

5. Boosts skin health
Due to the ability of flushing out toxins, water helps in calming skin irritations such as eczema, wrinkles, psoriasis, and acne resulting in enhanced complexion and gleaming, healthy skin.

6. Regulates body temperature
Body temperature must remain regulated in order to function properly. When the body temperature is unable to be maintianed, the human body becomes impeded causing blood flow reduction and possibly a stroke. That is why heat strokes are so common during the summer. In order for the body to stay regulated, water intake is imperative. Even while working out, you are expelling water through your pores. Stay hydrated!

7. Maintains blood pressure
If you are at a constant battle to lower your blood pessure then look no further! Water is one of the best ways to lower your blood pressure naturally. Drink eight 8-ounce glasses of water per day. On days you workout, ten 8-ounce glasses of water are necessary.

8. Washes away cavity causing bacteria
Not only is swishing water after eating perfect for washing away left over food and residue that can cause cavities, but also drinking water regularly keeps teeth clean for the meantime until you are able to brush again.

9. Produces saliva reducing dry mouth
Dry mouth is most times a side effect from medications one is taking. Saliva contains substances such as electrolytes, mucus, antibacterial compounds and enzymes. It helps you chew, taste, and moisten your food to swallow down, preventing choking incidents. Drinking water assists in producing saliva at an ideal rate lessening dry mouth.

10. Strengthens your teeth
Fluoride is a cavity fighter. I know nobody likes to drink tap water, but it not only helps fight cavities it also helps keep your teeth strong. Your local tap water is the most cost effective way to prevent tooth decay!

11. Washes away bacteria that causes bad breath
The primary cause of bad breath are food particles that are sticking to your teeth and gums. When there is no way for you to floss all that junk out from your mouth, the next best thing would be to drink water. As mentioned before, water washes away food particles and fights bad breath.

12. Helps the brain react faster
Our brains work 24/7 to keep things running smoothly within our bodies so we must keep it hydrated. We want to make sure that when a message comes into the brain from anywhere in our bodies, our brain reacts quickly and correctly.

13. Think with more clarity and creativity
Have an important exam tomorrow morning? Drink water and pass with flying colors. Your brain works 14% faster when you drink just 3 glasses of water in the morning. Even a 2% drop in hydration can make it hard for us to focus and concentrate. Therefore, hydrated brains tend to work with more creativity and think with more clarity.

14. Helps balance your mood and emotions
Lack of water can leave you feeling restless, fatigued, and just not your best. Taking in the right amounts of water help you feel calm and ready to get things done. You are more prepared to accomplish things leading you to feel positive and upbeat about your day.

15. Helps manage anxiety
Water has natural calming components that are extremely useful when you suffer from anxiety. If you are in the middle of a panic attack/anxiety attack, sit down and drink some water. You will see what a difference it makes in helping you get out of that scary feeling. Drinking water is salient in controling your anxiety.

16. Improves sexual performance
This is a touchy subject, but if it helps why not bring it up? If you are having difficutly in staying lubricated during sexual intercourse and are not really wanting to depend on the types of lubricants that are out there, then this will def be helpful to you. Tissue dehydration can lead to vaginal dehydration and water is a natural lubricant that has come to your rescue!

17. Experience better and longer orgasms
When the body is hydrated properly, there is more blood flowing to the genital areas, which lead you to have better and longer orgasms! Bet this is one fact you didn’t know of!

18. Assists with hair growth
Drinking 2 liters of water a day supports the vitamins that are needed for hair growth and also helps with the strength of it from root to tip. It helps prevent split ends and brittle hair texture.

I hope this was as interesting for you as it was for me. Drinking water really has tons of benefits and it really does the body good, inside and out. If there are any fruits that you are crazy about remember you can throw them into your water to add that taste that you love. I know that there are recommendations on about how much water you should drink, and I also know that not every body is the same. The amount also varies on your age and weight and has factors that play into it. To further help you on how much water YOUR body requires you can visit GIGACalculator.com and fill in your weight, activity level, and age and it will enumerate the amount of water you should be drinking. Give it a try and good luck!

P.S.

Here’s the link to the GIGACalculator: https://www.gigacalculator.com/calculators/water-intake-calculator.php