The season of joy and gratitude is upon us and we all desire to have a healthy, happy family this holiday. However, more often than not I hear more about the fatigue, stress, weight gain, bloating, anxiety, and trips to urgent care. If any of the above has overwhelmed your holiday experience in the past, you are not alone.
The good news is, you have control over your health and happiness this season. It comes down to boosting your immune system to keep everyone healthier and busting stress to keep everyone happier.
Easier said then done, am I right? We have some simple tips – there is no time or energy for complicated – the whole family can use.
1. Get out in nature
Even on the cold days, try to get outside for some fresh air and sunlight. It will improve your mood and energy levels. Doing so in the morning will help set your circadian clock for better sleep as well.
2. Take a walk after dinner
A 10 minute walk after the largest meal of the day will significantly help regulate blood sugar. This is important for energy, mood stability, and to prevent excess fat storage.
3. Load up on vegetables
Cookies and candy are everywhere, but let’s not focus on what not to eat. Just try to eat more of the good stuff. Brightly colored vegetables fill your plate with illness fighting antioxidants and fiber that keeps us feeling full.
4. Include healthy fats
Make sure your meals include healthy fats like raw nuts, avocado, olive oil, or fresh fish. These are required for brain and hormone balance, which is critical to keeping issues like anxiety and insomnia from ruining your holiday fun.
5. Drink more water
We tend to reach for coffee and cocktails this time of year, but getting plenty of water helps flush out toxins and keeps energy levels up. Just a small level of dehydration can result in moodiness, forgetfulness, and cravings.
6. Wash your hands
Spending more time indoors and in larger gatherings circulates more germs in the air that we simply need to wash away with soap and water. Keep moisturizer on hand to prevent your skin from over drying.
7.Continue to Exercise
Even just a moderate amount of exercise will boost the immune system and metabolism while improving sleep and energy. Your stress levels and waist line can’t afford for this healthy habit to neglected through the holidays.
8. Get more Vitamin D
Your body makes vitamin D when it’s exposed to sunlight and we aren’t seeing as much of that. Low levels result in poor mood, low energy, weight gain – just to name a few. For many, a seasonal supplement is the easiest solution.
9. Practice Relaxation
Deep breathing, meditation and progressive muscle relaxation are good ways to destress. Taking a break to refocus can have benefits beyond the immediate moment, leading to long term physical and emotional health.
10. Prioritize Sleep
Sleep can be last on the priority list when we need extra time to wrap gifts or celebrate with friends. However, the benefits of sleep are countless – a strong immune system, level emotions, high energy, and healthy metabolism.
Cold weather doesn’t have to equal sickness. Family gatherings don’t have to lead to anxiety. Holiday meals don’t have to lead to weight gain. Take a few of these simple steps to keep the joy and gratitude flowing.
Ready to prioritize your health and happiness this season? There is no reason to wait until the New Year to set some goals and take steps toward a stronger, more vibrant you. Click HERE to learn more about how Integrative Health Coaching can help you go from fatigued and frustrated with your health to feeling confident and energetic in your body.
Or click HERE to schedule your Free Embracing Health Strategy Session to set your end of the year goals and start feeling your best before everyone else sets those New Year’s Resolutions.
