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How to deal with Holiday Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time for everyone. The lack of sleep, constant family gatherings, inability to find the perfect gift and need to impress our relatives can weigh heavy on us. Sometimes we get so flustered and stressed that we miss the holidays entirely and never even make time to sit down and just enjoy our family. Don't be that person! Here are some helpful tips to get you through whatever is dragging your holiday spirit down.

Nutrition

While the holidays tend to be a time we all indulge, we need to focus more on our digestive health. Wheat, refined sugar and processed foods are what leads to pathogenic disease such as dampness.

  • Limit the amount of sweets and dairy consumed. This will lead to dampness and ultimately your bodies inability to properly digest food and bloating and discomfort will occur. Snack on healthy snacks all throughout the day. Almonds are a great go to snack that can curb your sweet cravings and keep you full. Snacking on small cookies and treats can lead to overconsumption and ultimately will leave you hungrier than when you started snacking.

  • Limit the alcohol and caffeinated beverages you consume. They will only lead to dehydration. Consume at least half of your body weight in ounces of water. Avoid coffee and switch to tea if possible.

  • Try to stay away from the holiday food table. It will be loaded with delicious foods that can ruin your good eating habits. Bring your own dish to holiday events or put a few things on your plate and walk away. Staying near the table will most likely end in you putting more snacks on your table. Always follow the 80/20 rule and indulge only on what will be worth it.

My Recommendation:

My favorite go to treat is dark chocolate covered almonds. I take plain unsalted almonds and place them on a plate. I then melt dark organic chocolate chips and drizzle the chocolate over the almonds and let them cool and harden. These are a quick pop in your mouth snack when you feel like you're missing out.

My favorite go to appetizer is sweet and spicy chicken. Start with organic chicken breast that has been cut into bite size pieces. Drizzle teriyaki over them and sprinkle an even mix of brown sugar and cayenne pepper over each. Wrap with 1/3 slice of bacon. Pop them in the oven at 350 degrees for roughly 30 minutes. These small little bites are packed with protein and can help you avoid the white grains and wheat on the table. Do be careful! These are meant to be pared with salads and cooked vegetables as the sugars can lead to dampness as stated above.

Lifestyle

With family in town and late night gatherings, it's hard to wake up and fit that workout in. It's easy to say that you are going to also take a vacation from your workout just for a week or so, but the only thing harder than fitting in your workout is starting up again after the holidays. Don't allow the stress to change up your schedule. Make your health a priority and focus on what makes you feel best in that tight Christmas sweater.

  • Don't allow your crazy schedule of events to change the way you take care of yourself. Keep your evening routine or wake up a half hour earlier. If possible, invite your family for a half hour walk or take the kids to the park for a good family game of touch football. Stay active, especially if you will be surrounded by delicious treats. Your body will thank you later!

  • Don't forget HIIT. Time can fly by so quickly, but not much time is needed to give yourself a great workout. Focus on high intensity intervals. Short quick bursts of activity with small rest breaks can lead to a great cardio exercise in just 20 minutes or less.

My Recommendation:

When your time is limited and you can't seem to waste more time getting to and from the gym, head out to your garage or driveway. Grab a jump rope, a set of dumbbells and a timer. Here's what you can get done with 15 minutes of free time. Feel free to interchange the revolving exercises with what works best for you.

15 minute HIIT Workout:

1 min- Jump rope

30 second- Push up

1 min- Rest/ Slight stretch

1 min- Jump rope

1 min- Plank ups

30 second - Rest

1 min- Jump rope

1 min- Russian Twists

30 second - Rest

1 min- Jump rope

1 min- Squats

30 second- Rest

1 min- Jump Rope

1min- Push up

30 second- Rest

1 min- Alternating lunges

1 min- Plank Ups

30 second- Rest

Health and Wellness

Life is about balance. Creating the perfect holiday schedule takes a lot of year of practice. Don't allow your health to become affected. Take time for you and keep up with your acupuncture treatments. Balancing your body can lead to a balanced life and holiday. Message or call now to schedule your appointment and learn how to avoid the stress during the busy holiday season.


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