Labor Day Celebrations: Embracing Health and Wellness

As the end of the summer approaches, we all get excited about spending time with family, making a trip together, or hanging out at parties. But do you know why we celebrate this holiday?

Labor Day is dedicated to honoring the contributions and achievements of the American labor movement and workers' social and economic achievements. It serves as a tribute to the efforts of the workers and their role in the nation's development, growth, and prosperity. It's important to note that Labor Day has historical significance and emerged due to the labor movement's fight for better working conditions, fair wages, and reasonable working hours during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

This holiday typically marks the end of the summer season in the United States and is often celebrated with various events, parades, picnics, and gatherings. Many people take the opportunity to spend time with their families and friends and enjoy the last days of summer before the start of the new school year and the fall season.

Since your good health should always be your number one priority, we decided to provide a few health and wellness tips on ways to celebrate labor day.

With some planning and mindful choices, you can still enjoy the holiday while caring for your health.

Tips for a Healthy Labor Day

Here are a few labor day safety tips on how to stay healthy during this long-awaited holiday.

1. Stay hydrated

Staying hydrated during Labor Day weekend is crucial, especially if you're participating in outdoor activities, attending gatherings, or spending time in warm weather.

• Keep a reusable water bottle with you at all times. Having readily available water will make staying hydrated throughout the day easier.

• Set a reminder on your phone or watch to prompt you to take sips of water regularly. Aim to drink water every hour or so, even if you don't feel thirsty.
• Enjoy water-rich fruits and vegetables like watermelon, cucumbers, oranges, strawberries, and grapes. These foods can help contribute to your overall hydration.
• Sugary drinks and alcoholic beverages can contribute to dehydration. If you consume them, do so in moderation and balance them with water intake.
• If you're spending time outdoors, especially in hot and sunny conditions, you'll need to drink more water to compensate for fluid loss through sweating.
• Remember that caffeine can have a diuretic effect while enjoying coffee, tea, or energy drinks, leading to increased fluid loss. Balance your caffeine intake with water consumption.
• Pay attention to the color of your urine; if it's light yellow or pale straw-colored, you're likely well-hydrated. Dark yellow or amber urine may indicate dehydration.
• If you're engaging in holiday sports, hiking, swimming, or other physical activities, drink water before, during, and after to stay hydrated.
• If you're spending time outdoors, find shade or take indoor breaks periodically to avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and excessive heat.
• If you start to feel thirsty, don't ignore it. Thirst is your body signaling that it needs water, so drink up.

2. Choose healthy foods

Opt for nutritious foods at barbecues and parties. Incorporate a variety of fruits and vegetables into your meals and snacks. They are rich in essential vitamins, minerals, and fiber. You can enjoy them fresh, grilled, or as part of salads.

Choose lean protein sources, such as grilled chicken, turkey, and fish, or plant-based options like tofu or legumes. Avoid processed meats that may be high in saturated fats and sodium. Choose whole-grain options for bread, buns, and pasta. Whole grains provide more nutrients and fiber than refined grains. Watch out for foods and beverages high in added sugars, such as sugary drinks, desserts, and processed snacks. Opt for natural sweeteners or smaller portions of sweets.

For a barbecue, grill lean meats and fish instead of high-fat options. Include a variety of vegetables on the grill for a flavorful and nutritious meal. Keep healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, or yogurt on hand to avoid reaching for less nutritious options when you get hungry.

Remember, food for labor day can be healthy! Click here to find out some labor day meal ideas to help you.

3. Practice portion control

Be mindful of portion sizes, especially regarding desserts, snacks, and high-calorie foods. Enjoy your favorite treats in moderation.

Opt for smaller plates and bowls when serving yourself. This can help you naturally reduce portion sizes while still feeling satisfied. Make vegetables the centerpiece of your meals. They are low in calories and high in nutrients, helping you feel full without overloading on calorie-dense foods.

Instead of snacking straight from the bag or container, portion snacks on a plate or in a small bowl. This can help you be more aware of how much you're eating. It's okay to enjoy holiday treats, but choose your favorites and savor them in moderation. Avoid overindulging in high-calorie sweets and desserts.

Eat slowly and enjoy each bite; it gives your body time to recognize when you're full and helps prevent overeating. Skipping meals may lead to overeating later in the day. Have balanced meals throughout the day to maintain a stable appetite.

If you're at a gathering with lots of food, take breaks between plates to assess if you're still hungry before returning for seconds. Pay attention to your body's hunger and fullness cues. Stop eating when you feel satisfied, even if the food's still on your plate.

4. Be active

Engage in physical activities or sports during the weekend. Being active on Labor Day weekend is an excellent way to make the most of the holiday while prioritizing your health and well-being.

• Take advantage of the holiday and spend time outdoors. Go for a hike, bike ride, or nature walk in a local park or nature reserve.
• If you're near a beach or lake, engage in water activities such as swimming, paddleboarding, or beach volleyball.
• Organize friendly sports games or activities with family and friends. Play soccer, frisbee, badminton, or any other sport you enjoy.
• Attend a dance class or dance to your favorite music at a party or gathering. Dancing is a fun way to stay active and burn calories.
• Look for outdoor yoga or pilates classes in your area. Enjoy the fresh air while improving your flexibility and strength.
• Many communities host special events or festivals on Labor Day weekend. Attend street fairs, farmers' markets, or cultural festivals where you can walk and explore.
• If you can access a pool, swim or play in the water.

• If you enjoy gardening, spend time tending to your plants and flowers. It's a great way to be active while also beautifying your surroundings.
• Explore your destination on foot or by bicycle instead of relying solely on cars or public transportation if traveling.
• Challenge yourself and your friends or family to fun workout challenges, like relay races or obstacle courses.

Remember to choose activities you enjoy so that being active feels like a pleasure rather than a chore. Also, consider inviting friends or family to join you in the activities to make them more enjoyable and motivating.

5. Practice sun safety

If you're spending time outdoors, remember to apply sunscreen regularly, wear a hat, and use sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun's harmful UV rays.

Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply it generously and evenly to all exposed skin, including your face, neck, ears, and other areas not covered by clothing. Reapply every two hours or more frequently if you are sweating or swimming. Limit your time in direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Seek shade under trees, umbrellas, or pop-up canopies when possible.

Wear lightweight and loose-fitting clothing that covers your arms and legs. Choose clothing with a tight weave to provide better sun protection. Wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses with UV protection are also essential to shield your face and eyes from the sun. Don't forget to protect your lips with a lip balm that contains SPF.

Avoid using tanning beds, as they emit harmful UV radiation that can increase your risk of skin cancer and premature aging. Water and sand reflect the sun's rays, increasing your exposure. Take extra precautions in these environments by using more sunscreen and seeking shade frequently.

If you're attending outdoor events, like concerts or festivals, try to find shaded areas to protect yourself from direct sunlight. Remember that sunburn can occur even on cloudy days, so practicing sun safety is essential.

6. Get enough sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for overall health. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule, even during the long weekend. Go to bed and wake up at the same time each day to regulate your body's internal clock.

Reduce exposure to electronic devices (phones, tablets, computers, etc.) at least an hour before bedtime. The blue light emitted by screens can interfere with your sleep quality.

Try to avoid heavy or spicy meals close to bedtime, as well as caffeine and nicotine, which are stimulants that can disrupt sleep. While alcohol may make you drowsy initially, it can disrupt your sleep cycle and lead to poor sleep quality. If you drink, do so in moderation and avoid alcohol close to bedtime.

If you need to take naps during the day, keep them short (around 20-30 minutes) and avoid napping too close to bedtime. While staying with family or friends during the weekend, let them know about your sleep preferences so they can support your restful nights.

7. Socialize mindfully

Spend time with loved ones, but remember to practice safety measures, especially if there are health concerns or gatherings with many people.

Socializing mindfully during Labor Day weekend can help you enjoy meaningful connections with others while taking care of your well-being.

• Be clear about your limits and set boundaries for social interactions. It's okay to decline invitations or take breaks if you need time to recharge.
• Focus on spending quality time with friends and family. Engage in meaningful conversations and activities that bring joy and connection.
• Practice being fully present in the moment during social interactions. Put away distractions like phones and be attentive to the people you are with.
• Seek out gatherings that align with your values and make you feel comfortable. Avoid situations that might lead to unnecessary stress or discomfort.
• If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. Overconsumption can lead to impaired judgment and affect the quality of your interactions.

• Listen attentively to others when they are speaking. Show empathy and understanding, and ask open-ended questions to encourage meaningful conversations.
• If you feel overwhelmed or need some alone time, don't hesitate to take short breaks during social events to recharge.
• Be mindful of others' needs for space and time alone. Not everyone may feel as social during the holiday, so respect their preferences.
• Participate in group activities that promote teamwork and collaboration. This can strengthen bonds and create positive memories.
• Express gratitude to those you spend time with, acknowledging the value they bring to your life.

The Bottom Line

Be aware of your health goals and make choices that align with them. It's okay to enjoy treats and special foods during the holiday, but try to strike a balance and make health-conscious decisions when possible.

By making conscious choices and balancing indulgence with healthy habits, you can have an enjoyable, healthy and safe Labor Day weekend while caring for your well-being.

Have fun!