Do you love the holidays or dread them?
Here are 10 tips to keep your mind and body aligned this season.
#1 – Go to bed at a reasonable hour and sleep in when you can. Sleep is one of the most important things your body does.
According to Healthline.com:
Sleep is essential for good health. We need sleep to survive — just like we need food and water. So, it’s no wonder we spend about one-third of our lives sleeping.
#2 – Use ergonomics when wrapping.
Do you love wrapping? Some people do! But we all know it can be difficult and time-consuming. So here are a few tips (and a cool wrapping hack video.)
Get as many gifts together as you can before you sit down to wrap. It will make the process go much faster!
Ignore the urge to sit on the floor. Sitting on the floor will really do a number on your back and hips. Sit on a chair at a sturdy table and create a wrapping station. Just have fun and let the creative juices flow!
#3 –Keep on your chiropractic schedule.
We tend to overlook our self-care during the holidays. It’s all about giving, right? But how can you give if your body is drained? Keeping up with your sleep and regular chiropractic schedule will go a long way toward a happy holiday season.
#4 – Exercise
The best medicine for your mind, body, and soul is exercise. Whether it’s stretching, yoga, gym time, or a brisk winter walk, enjoying the fresh air, movement is the best medicine.
Eating and Drinking Tips for the Holiday Season
#5 – Pick the treats you love and skip the rest.
It’s hard, I know, as there are so many delicious holiday cookies, candies, and other treats, but you can wreak havoc on yourself if you overindulge. Sugar is chemically more addictive than cocaine so manage your intake.
Choose homemade treats made with love rather than pre-packaged junk.
#6 – Be careful not to overindulge in alcohol around the holidays.
If you’re going to enjoy some holiday drinks, here is an easy thing to remember: hangovers suck.
When you overindulge in alcohol, you are stressing your body and your brain beyond their limits. You become dehydrated, you may throw up due to your body trying to rid of all the toxins, and you may not remember what happened to you (which is not only embarrassing, it’s dangerous!) A hangover feels horrible because, much like the flu, you are full of toxins, and your body works hard to heal.
Have a couple of drinks if it’s fun for you but be safe and always have an alternate way to get home.
Emotional and Mental Tips for the Holiday Season
#7 – Get away from the screens and spend time with the people who bring you joy.
Shut off the computer, quit surfing and take your eyes and attention off the screen and engage with humans. Find the people you enjoy the most, and stop trying to make anyone wrong. Look for what’s right in any situation you find yourself in. Be the better person if necessary. You’ll be glad you did.
#8 – Find some quiet time for yourself (even if it is only a few minutes to breathe).
Remember to breathe. Read a book, take a nap, and have a bath. Even if you have to sneak away, go to bed at 8:00 pm, or take a day off to regenerate. Nothing is more important than your health.
#9 – Do the activities you enjoy and skip the rest.
If you hate sending out cards but love baking cookies, then make cookies. Focus on joy. Don’t put up a big tree if you don’t like putting up a tree. If you love having a giant tree and enjoy it, then put up a giant tree. Don’t sweat it to much. We all want to ENJOY our holidays.
The expectations from the media are immense. You most likely won’t be renting a sleigh with Clydesdale Horses or putting a luxury car in the driveway with a giant bow on top (but if you are, that’s great too!)
#10 – Do what you love to do, and don’t force yourself to do anything else.
We at Worthington Optimal Wellness hope you have a wonderful holiday season!
We look forward to seeing you soon,
Dr. Hughes, Dr. Shannan, Dr. Harris
