Mindful Living Tips to Manage the Holidays
I love the holidays and the magic they bring. The excitement, the energy, celebrations, cozy nights at home watching movies, warm fires in the fireplace, friends, family, food, decorations, shopping — the list goes on.
So much fun packed into this time of year, and for many, so much stress, with post-holiday burnout and winter blues just around the corner.
But what if this year you approach the holidays prepared with a plan and an intention to be less stressed and more in the flow to enjoy the season...and prioritize the fun.
If you stay in the hustle and bustle 24/7 for the next month, this will inevitably lead to burn out, stress, cold and flu, because our bodies and minds will eventually say “stop” in the most unpleasant way...by making us sick!
8 Tips to Stay Sane, Healthy & Happy This Holiday Season
Get your calendars out and have a look at what parties are the most important to you, not the ones "I should go to" or "I am expected to go to" or the "what will everyone think if I don't show" parties. I mean the "I really want to go to that event, I always have so much fun there and love the people" events. Don’t be afraid to RSVP “No, thank you” to the gathering that don’t make your final cut.
Schedule time for the traditions you want to incorporate. Shopping to pick out those special gifts for friends and family, time with the kids playing in the snow, going to parades or holiday events to see the man in the big red suit — if these are important to you, schedule them into your calendar, just like you would the holiday parties! Baking is a special tradition at my house, so you bet there’s a spot (or two) on my calendar marked for “baking with the kids!”
Now, with all these celebrations and traditions in the calendar alongside all the regular daily to-dos, we want to make sure we are staying on top of our health and honoring our bodies and minds so we can have the energy and mindset to enjoy all the festivities when we get there. Make sure to drink enough water every day, and add extra if you are indulging in a few more lattes and vinos!
Focus on eating of whole foods and lots of veggies and fruit, loading up on lots of foods that will support your immune system at this time of year. Foods like kale, collard greens, cabbage, broccoli, tomatoes, garlic, mushrooms, onions, berries, pomegranates and seeds are all readily available at your local grocery store and easy to have on-hand!
Get your zzzzz's and stay well rested, so all those late night parties and events don't lead to exhaustion. Your body needs that rest and repair time to de-stress, repair and recharge for the next day.
Make time for some exercise and body movement...it helps strengthen the immune and give you energy. Schedule it in the calendar, if need be!
Get your supplement routine in order to fill in those nutritional gaps and give your body what it needs to stay strong and healthy on the inside. Look for quality, pharmaceutical-grade products and have a guaranteed purity. Focus on building a strong healthy gut. Your health starts in your gut!
Book in some down time to relax and chill. You don't want to be in the "go, go go" phase all the time. Your body and mind need some down time. Read, have a warm detox bath, do some yoga, watch a good movie, do whatever you enjoy...but whatever you do... take "a time out."
And most importantly enjoy the holiday season, make memories and cherish the time with those you love!
