Thanksgiving might be behind us, but the holiday season is still in full swing. All around us we can find light, love, and laughter! There is such a special feeling in the air when the holiday season arrives, and with it comes more social gatherings, more outings for dinner, and less downtime. Those looking to stay consistent with their health routine might feel tempted at all corners to skim over their health habits, but we have compiled a list of ways to stay dedicated while also enjoying the beauty of the holiday season — there is no reason one cannot coexist with the other. Let us show you how!
How Best to Stick to Self-Care Activities When There Is Less Downtime
Self-care is not something that you should sacrifice regardless of your available time. Here are some small ways to continue to practice self-care even with limited time.
- Stretch - Stretching is a wonderful practice for both mind and body. You can release any pain or tension you might be holding in your muscles and joints while also giving yourself the time to decompress. Stretching can take as long or little of time that you need making it a wonderful way to get in some quick self-care. We recommend stretching first thing in the morning or right before bed.
- Take a nap - Leisure time during the holiday season tends to be limited, leading to a decrease in quality rest. Taking a nap can make all the difference in your energy levels throughout the day. Taking a 15 minute nap requires little to no commitment, but can completely transform your day.
- Drinking a cup of tea - Herbal teas contain many beneficial ingredients that heal the body and brain. Drinking a cup of tea in the mornings or evenings can be a small way to support your overall health. Tea benefits range from reducing inflammation to supporting your immune system.
- Buy flowers for your home - Gifting yourself something small can be a great way to show yourself some extra self-love. Flowers in the home are a great way to naturally boost your mood and increase the wonderful aromas in your house.
- Call a loved one - Connecting with others when you are busy can be challenging. Be sure to cut out a small period of time during your day to call your loved one and catch up. It is a great way to show those in your life you care, and can take as long as or as little as you would like.
Gut-Friendly Hacks To Implement This Holiday Season
- Take A Probiotic Supplement - A slim supplement that contains probiotics is a pillar to supporting your gut. Probiotics are live microorganisms that increase the amount of beneficial bacteria in your digestive tract. Without a probiotic in your routine, you risk experiencing a leaky or unstable gut which can cause a host of digestive complications. During a busy time of the year such as the holidays, you should consider having all the support to minimize the chances of experiencing complications.
- Abdominal Massages - While we do not recommend eating to the point of feeling too full, holiday meals tend to be yummy yet overfilling. Feeling extremely full, bloated, or having abdominal pain can be extremely uncomfortable. In order to minimize your discomfort, consider giving yourself an abdominal massage. Giving yourself an abdominal massage can help move stool throughout your digestive tract and help the digestive process along.
- Avoid triggering foods and beverages - Everybody’s body is different. What might negatively impact one person can have little to no effect on another. If you know there are certain foods or beverages that tend to cause an adverse effect on your digestion, try and limit their consumption during the holiday season. Lactose intolerance and gluten sensitivity are two great examples of common triggers.
- Prioritize meals - When we get busy, we tend to overlook the ways in which we care for ourselves. Eating meals consistently throughout the day is such a vital part of maintaining a happy digestive system. When you are eating your meals more sporadically, your digestive system has a harder time knowing when to do its job. Be sure to prioritize eating your meals around the same time every day.
Holiday Spirited Activities That Also Promote Overall Health
- Volunteer - There are tons of volunteering options during the holiday season. Volunteering is a great way to get more connected with your community. With the rise of social media and the internet in general, it can be hard to feel truly connected to those within our community so getting out and helping those in need can be a great way to do so.
- Ice Skating - Ice skating is a unique way to get some exercise during the winter. The cold environment that accompanies ice skating will get you in the holiday spirit as well. Indoor ice skating rinks are an option for those who still live in warmer climates during the winter.
- Winter hiking - There is something so special about spending time outdoors during the winter. Hiking in the winter can be a great way to experience it in a new light and breathe in some fresh air. Be aware that in the winter certain trails might become more limited or treacherous due to the weather.
- Get a sweet treat - While sweet treats are not necessarily the healthiest, it is important to treat yourself from time to time. Sweet treats are such a big part of the holiday season, so why not indulge from time to time? Eating a christmas cookie or getting a cup of hot cocoa can be a small yet satisfying way to celebrate the holiday season.
- Create a holiday inspired meal - Are you feeling uninspired in the kitchen? Pulling inspiration from the season or time of the year it is, is a great way to celebrate all that the season has to offer. Apples, cauliflower, and potatoes are all foods that are in-season during the winter.
We hope that you have a wonderful holiday season filled with lots of happiness and cheer!