As the holidays roll along, they can start to take with them our rest, energy, cash and digestion. While there is so much to celebrate and to be thankful for this time of year, overdoing it and feeling run down and sick just isn’t one of them.
This holiday season, take the very best care of yourself, so that you can indulge and enjoy without lasting consequences. After all, the holiday season coincides with cold and flu season, and it’s important to take precautionary measures to keep your immunity strong and your life as stress-free as possible.
Staying healthy through the holidays doesn’t require expensive supplements or fancy treatments. Basic tender, loving care will more than do the trick, and we have a few tips to help you get started. Here are our favorite holiday health tips to help you make this your best holiday season yet!
Rest, Rest & Rest Again
No matter how well you eat, drink and exercise, if you aren’t getting the sleep you need, you won’t have the energy and immunity to feel your best. Aim for 8 hours or more of sleep each night, and when you feel tired, go ahead and give yourself permission to rest. The holidays can be hectic, social and stressful, and your body may need more sleep and rest now than it normally does. Give it what it wants, and get in those Zzs.
Just Say No
Overdoing it can truly be the name of the game for many during the holiday season, but you can say no and do things a different way. Say no to social events that you know will zap your energy or bring on extra stress. Say no to overindulging in food and drinks that you know will cause you discomfort later. Say not to overspending and putting yourself or your family in debt. By respecting your personal boundaries, you’ll find it much easier to enjoy the season for what it truly is: a time for quiet, togetherness and joy.
Limit Sugar, Caffeine & Alcohol
Drinking too many cocktails in the evening followed by too many cups of coffee in the morning can leave your body feeling drained and burned out. The same goes for sugar. You can enjoy your favorite foods and drinks during the holidays, but use moderation as your guide. If you’ve already been out to two holiday parties in one week, and indulged in drinks or sweets, consider taking a few days off to rest, fuel up on greens and fluids and give your body the nutrients it needs to thrive.
Stress Relief
The holidays are a joyful, wondrous time for some, but for many, they can bring on stress that is hard to manage and combat without careful attention. If you know that the holidays can be stressful for you, take the time now to carve out daily stress relief practices. These can be as simple as a daily yoga class, morning jogs around the neighborhood or an end of the day bath and meditation practice. Whatever helps you to release your stress and clear your mind, will help you to free up your energy to help you feel your best.
Diet & Exercise
We don’t recommend being strict about your diet and exercise during the holidays, but it is a good idea to pay attention to what you eat and how often you move, to keep your body and its many systems working well. Make sure to include fresh fruits and veggies in your meals every day, and schedule in movement and exercise as you see fit. Even a 15 minute walk at the end of the day can go a long way to keep your body feeling energized and getting your blood flowing. Come January 1st, your body and mind will thank you-we promise!