Senior Connections Senio rConnections Nov-Dec19 | Page 8

Four ways to fi ght holiday fatigue The holidays are a busy time of year and many people push themselves to the point of exhaustion in an effort to try and keep up. If this sounds a little too familiar, here are some tips for enjoy- ing the season without running yourself into the ground. 1. Eat well. With treats and sweets readily available everywhere you go, it’s all too easy to overindulge. When you’re home, make healthy, balanced meals. Avoid over- eating by chewing slowly during holiday feasts. And be sure to drink plenty of water. 2. Move often. Regular exercise gives you more energy and helps you get the sleep you need. If the weather permits, head out or a jog or try your hand at winter sports like skiing or snowshoeing. If you don’t enjoy outdoor activities, head to a yoga class or to the gym. 3. Sleep soundly. While it may seem unfeasible, do try to go to bed and wake up at the same times as you normally do. If necessary, take afternoon naps, just not too late in the day or for more than an hour. 4. Pace yourself. Instead of running around do- ing everything at the last minute, start early this year. Shop in November, decorate during the fi rst week of December and gather the groceries well before your guests are due to arrive. You can even make and freeze some of your holiday dishes in advance. Remember, you don’t have to accept ev- ery invitation you receive. Do what brings you the most joy and say no to things that aren’t worth- while. Lastly, don’t be afraid to ask for help or to delegate some tasks to family members. Aim for a regret-free retirement Try asking a few people over the age of 60 about how they prepared for retirement. You’ll probably hear that they wish they’d gone about their fi nancial planning in a different way. It’s worth studying their answers so you can avoid major discomfort later on. Here are the most common regrets. “I should have started saving when I was younger” It’s important to start saving for retirement even in the early stages of your career. You probably won’t work for the same employer for an extended period of time the way your parents did, and a company or government pension can easily disappear from under your feet if you lose your job before you qualify. Even if you are self-employed, open a 401K and be vigilant about saving to it. “ I didn’t have enough income for a savings plan” Whether you’re highly disciplined or a free spirit whose money burns holes in your pockets, the cost of living may always seem oppressive. But saving mon- ey doesn’t have to gut your paycheck. Set up an IRA with your bank, life insurance company, mutual fund, or stockbroker. Make contributions that match your current capabilities and up the contributions when ever you can. “I didn’t diversify enough” Diversifi ed retirement planning is crucial; don’t be tempted to put the bulk of your savings at the mercy of the marketplace. If you count on just one source of re- tirement income, such as a pension and stocks, you and your loved ones may be left short if the market plum- mets. Practice comprehensive fi nancial planning with IRAs, a 401K, life insurance and mutual funds. Portable Oxygen For The Way You Want to Live Includes Everything You Need to Regain Your Freedom At just 2.8* lbs, the Inogen One G4 is the ultralight portable oxygen concentrator you have been waiting for. The Inogen One G4 is approximately half the size of the Inogen One G3. Meets FAA Requirements for Travel JUST 2.8 LBS. REQUEST YOUR FREE INFO KIT TODAY! CALL TODAY! 1-855-418-3428 *With a single battery. © 2019 Inogen, Inc. All rights reserved. 8 Senior Connections Nov/Dec 2019 Senior Connections HJ.COM