10 Holiday Wellness Tips To Keep You Healthy
It seems like Atlanta skipped a whole lot of fall over the last few weeks. We went straight from summer to winter. On top of that, everyone has been dealing with rampant sickness, especially families with children are battling flu and RSV. So now is a perfect time to not only keep warm and cozy, but also take good care of ourselves and our families.
So here are 10 of our go-to simple tips to help you stay healthy and happy during the holiday season:
1. Focus on nourishment. The holiday season can be a time of indulgences, so lets focus on prepare for it.
Reduce stimulants (sugar, caffeine, alcohol, simple carbs, and processed foods)
Choose high-quality, nutrient-dense foods to maintain a healthy response to stress.
Use spices (garlic, onions, ginger, and peppers) while cooking to boost the immune system.
Choose healthy fats (fish, nuts, and seeds) to reduce the inflammation in the body and fight the winter “blues.”
2. Stay well hydrated. We tend to forget to drink enough water because we are not sweating like in the warmer months.
Staying hydrated to help control appetite and reduce overeating.
Keep your metabolism going and get rid of toxins as well, especially if you consume alcohol.
It also moisturizes your airways as well as your skin during the drier months.
3. Soothe with warm liquids. Warming liquids help ease a sore throat and cough, breaking a fever, calming nausea and upset stomach, and improving digestion.
My go-to tea choices include mint, ginger, chamomile, green tea, etc. They are delicious with local honey, lemon, and cinnamon sticks.
Try delicious bone broths and soups, which can be prepare with a multitude of choices with lots of vegetables, legumes, grains, and lean proteins.
4. Take the time to breathe. Spend some time focusing on a breathing practice to calm your nervous system and re-center during the busyness of the season. Try this technique below:
Sit still and tall somewhere comfortable with a neutral spine.
Close the eyes and begin breathing through the nose. Inhale for a count of 4; hold the breath in for a count of 6.
Exhale gently, counting out for 8.
5. Move your body. Adding daily movement is a great way to reduce stress during hectic times, while staying healthy, increasing energy levels, improving the mood, and maintaining weight.
Choose winter outdoor activities and sports, such as hiking, ice skating, snowboarding, and sledding.
If hitting the gym isn’t exciting for you, do a dance party in your living room, jump on the trampoline, or another activity where you can even the kiddos involved.
6. Go outside. The shorter and colder days can be a little rough on our bodies, physically and emotionally, so we have to up our vitamin D production at minimum of 5,000 IUs.
Go outside for 15 minutes a day 3-5 times per week to improve health and mood.
Change your light bulbs to “full spectrum” bulbs to mimic natural light.
Choose foods that have vitamin D in them: shiitake and button mushrooms, fish, cod liver oil, eggs, and cruciferous vegetables.
7. Get more rest. Sleep is that illusive concept as an adult! And it tends to be the first thing we sacrifice when we are under stress.
Time management and discipline are essential in maintaining a consistent sleep routine.
Aim to get 7-9 hours of sleep to develop a good sleep hygiene.
8. Take a detox bath to relax, get rid of toxins, and improve sleep.
Soak 1-2 times per week, with 1 cup of Epsom salt and 1 cup of baking soda.
Add essential oils to your liking. My favorites are lavender, eucalyptus, and frankincense.
9. Stay Well Adjusted With Chiropractic. Keeping the nervous system at optimal function by allowing the body to communicate to the brain appropriately is a vital aspect of spinal and overall health through a natural, effective, drug-free approach to health.
Chiropractic allows the body to release the accumulated physical, mental, and chemical stress and further allows the appropriate alignment and movement in the spine and its structures.
Chiropractors work with people of all ages, including newborn babies, pregnant women and children.
Talk to your local chiropractor today and start on the path to health to maximize your nervous and immune system function that leads to overall more energy and increased vitality!
10. Be generous. Sharing our presence with others during this time is the true gift of the holiday season.
Take the time out to help and nourish others by offering your generosity.
Offer your time and volunteer for those who need the help in any shape or form.
By nourishing and loving yourself, be grateful for your circumstance and share with others.
Also, be willing to accept the help from others because they want to be of service to you as well.
This is a season of giving and receiving, so practice both!
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