With the holiday season in full swing and the winter months officially upon us, we must try not to lose focus when it comes to our personal health and safety.

The desire to hunker down and stay home during the freezing weather can be strong. We might like to stay warm in our homes, avoid the outside because of icy conditions, or just want to watch TV or read because we want to stay comfy, but remember, do not stay inactive for too long because that is more harmful to us than we often realize.

If you choose not to go out when the weather is brisk, remember to keep moving around in your home.

If you are sitting for long periods of time, set a timer, or, when a commercial comes on, make sure to stand up and walk from one room to the next.

Do seated stretches that keep your blood circulating and your muscles from cramping. If you decide to go outside for a walk, be safe by wearing supportive shoes with tread and being bundled so you stay warm. Watch for icy conditions and remain cautious.

After all, staying active keeps us healthy.

After doing something physical, remember to relax and recharge. While staying inactive for too long is bad, so is being too active and ignoring self-care.

Self-care not only gives us time to regroup but allows us to manage our mental and emotional well-being easier. We can decrease stress by scheduling downtime and being mindful about our needs.

This time of year often gives us access to food we might not otherwise enjoy.

When it comes to snacks and cookies, enjoy in moderation. Try not to overindulge because portion sizes matter.

Stay hydrated as adequate hydration is essential for sustaining energy, keeping us alert, allowing us to digest those snacks and keeping our brain healthy.

These things do not have to be limited to the holiday season. By staying focused on our personal health and safety, we can be ready to tackle many of the New Year’s resolutions we tend to set for ourselves.

Starting today makes setting goals in January more feasible and easily achievable. Let us look at staying healthy and strong so we can continue to be our best versions.

According to AARP, it is important to focus on nourishing your body, hydrating, staying active, relaxing, managing medication and protecting yourself, as this will help you have a more enjoyable, healthy and injury-free holiday season.

It is important to use these key principles as a guide to also have a safe New Year. Should you want to make a resolution, know why.

If you know your why, when it comes to selecting something you want do or change, you might be more willing to follow through if you look at the motivation behind it.

Whether it is to eat healthier to get off a medicine, or learn something new because you have always wanted to try it, be happy! And please do not forget to celebrate each success! You are your biggest advocate and supporter.