A Few Tips For a Healthy Holiday Season

As we are fast approaching the end of the year and Holiday Season, this period can often elicit a lot of stress, discomfort and anxiety in many of my clients.

With the many social and family gatherings, the last minute gifts shopping and end of the business year craziness, many people often feel overwhelmed, pressed for time and exhausted..

It is totally understandable and to help you cope with this special time of the year, I’d like to offer you a few simple tips to keep yourself sane and healthy even throughout the Holiday Season.

Here are 5 of my favourite tips for a healthy holiday season:

The best way to avoid getting overwhelmed and sick at the end of the year is to slow yourself down. If your schedule is too crazy to allow you to slow down; then let this be an indication that your plate is already too full and that it’s time to prioritize and cut down on your projects and to-do’s. You’ll feel instant relief when you realize you don’t have to do it all at once nor right away. Re-evaluate what is most important and focus on that task/project.

If you are unable to slow down at work, then at least make sure you carve out dedicated ME-time into your weekly schedule. Taking the time for self-care will allow you to relax and regroup. Not only will you feel rejuvenated but it will also help boost your immunity and bring down your stress levels- both essential for staying healthy and sane.

As a holistic nutritionist, teaching my clients how they can use nutrition to feel supported and strong is one of my favourite things to do. Indeed, when you consume wholesome and nutrients-dense foods, you’ll feel more grounded, energized, healthy and happy. It is all connected. Here are a few foods I would highly recommend at this time of the year: grounding root vegetables (squash, pumpkin, sweet potato), seasonal fruits (apples, pears, pomegranates, persimmons), warming and anti-inflammatory spices (ginger, turmeric, cardamom, cumin & cayenne pepper) and immune-boosting leafy greens and cruciferous veggies.

I know it can be very tempting to skip exercising and keeping your body moving when it’s cold outside or when we are so busy.. But this is exactly when we need to keep moving. Moving your body regularly will maintain your energy levels up, improve your mood and keep you healthy and strong. Think of it as a fun way to give yourself a break. Choose forms of movements that you truly enjoy doing and that you can look forward to.

This is another important self-care practice that often gets tossed out the window at this time of the year. Yet, sleep is primordial for your health and well-being, especially during the Holiday season! Make it a priority by developing a night time routine that will help you unwind and signal to your brain that it’s time to relax and get ready for some much needed rest & rejuvenation. Note: Avoid screens for at least 45 minutes before bed. This will really help you if you’re having a hard time falling into a deep and restful sleep.

And there you have it, a few simple but very effective ways to stay healthy, strong and sane this Holiday season.

For more tips, or if you would like to figure out exactly how you can implement  specific lifestyle and nutritional tips to support your health, feel free to call or write to Sinews.