“It’s the most wonderful stressful time of the year …”
The holiday season is in full swing, and if you’re like most busy Americans, your calendar is jam-packed, your bank account is dwindling, and your waistline is expanding. For many of us, we find the demands on our schedules, energy, and resources completely overwhelming this time of year. We often neglect self-care as we try to meet our own and others’ expectations for a “perfect” holiday.
But when we do that, we find ourselves most susceptible to anxiety, stress, and illness. You don’t have to resign yourself that sickness is inevitable or that you’ll be stressed out and miserable until January 2nd.
Using these five tips with a little forethought and intentionality, you can make this year’s holiday season happy and healthy:
1. Clear the calendar.
Many busy families could easily fill every night of December with a holiday event: cookie exchanges, Christmas parties, work dinners, and church service projects all beg for your attendance this time of year. Lose the guilt and just decline most of the invitations. Choose a few that are most important to attend. Use the nights you skip a party to relax with the family watching Christmas movies.
2. Make time for meal prep.
Take an hour or two on the weekends to prepare healthy meals for the week. Carefully plan menus that feature as many fresh, whole foods as possible. Wash and store leafy greens in portion-sized containers. Chop veggies for snacking or for use in that week’s recipes. Make a large pot of soup or stew to eat on for the week. Having a plan in place for healthier snacking and meals will help you avoid sweet treats at work or grabbing less healthy options after a busy day of shopping.
3. Sleep well and stay hydrated.
Make sure you’re getting plenty of quality sleep and drinking plenty of water. It’s easy to skimp on both when you’re busy and focused on the busyness of the season.
4. Relax and refresh.
A detox bath is perfect for unplugging after a hectic day fighting the crowds at the mall. Add 1 cup of Epsom salts and several drops of your favorite essential oil (lavender is so relaxing!) to a hot bath. Soak for at least 20-30 minutes. Massage, meditation, and spending time with friends or in nature are also ideal for helping you unwind and refreshing mind, body, and spirit.
5.Get adjusted.
One of the best ways to stay both stress-free and healthy is to keep to a chiropractic adjustment schedule. Regular chiropractic adjustments help boost the immune system, protecting you from any viral or bacterial infections with which you may come in contact. They also keep the nervous system healthy, helping you fight the effects of anxiety and stress.
We’d love to help you get started on a chiropractic care routine that will help you finish this holiday season well and care-free and looking forward to a healthier 2016. Contact us today to schedule your appointment!