Tips to Stay Healthy & Sane During the Holiday Season!

stay healthy and sane during the holiday season

It seems the temperatures have finally dropped after many gorgeous fall days. The days are much shorter and if you’re anything like me, you’re fantasizing about your pajamas and a cozy blanket by 5pm! Physiologically our bodies are meant to rest more in winter. We aren’t intended to keep the same active schedule that flows more easily during the longer summer days. During winter we are meant to rest more, eat warm cooked foods and limit cold, raw foods and drinks.

Check out these tips to stay healthy and sane this winter:

  1. Our bodies are designed to rest more when there is more daylight. Too many late nights of shopping, cooking, wrapping, working and running our kids to activities will catch up with us much faster this time of year. Find at least a few things that you can cross off your to-do list, and schedule some evening downtime for yourself and your family instead. Plan a family movie night with pizza (I won’t tell!) or a cozy evening with a good book at least once per week.
  2. Go to bed at least 30 minutes earlier than you normally would. If you’re not ready to sleep, just relax in your cozy blankets, listen to some soft music and enjoy a good book. A hot bath right before bed will get your muscles and mind ready for sleep.
  3. Keep your immune system strong with extra vitamins C & D. Low vitamin D levels are associated with higher incidences of colds and the flu, and sunlight is scarce this time of year. Supplementing with D3, taken with food, is a great way to protect yourself. We also carry a traditional Chinese immune boosting herbal formula to help keep your protective Qi strong.
  4. Winter is a time for warm cooked foods. Make warming soups on the weekend, and have healthy leftovers ready in your fridge to make your week easier. Here’s a great link with some simple, healthy soup recipes.
  5. Put on your oxygen mask! Just like they tell you on an airplane, you are no good to others if you don’t care for yourself first. This could mean scheduling a half day off work during this busy season, scheduling yourself a massage or relaxation acupuncture session, and just remembering not to put your own needs last!