Holiday Blues? Brighten Your Season with These Simple Tips

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The holiday season, while filled with joy and cheer, can also be a challenging time for many. Feelings of anxiety, stress, and depression can creep in, making it difficult to fully enjoy the festivities. But don’t worry, there are simple, effective ways to brighten your mood and navigate the season with greater ease.

The Power of Self-Care

Self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity, especially during stressful times. Here are a few tips to help you prioritize self-care this holiday season:

  1. Embrace the Morning Light:
  • Why it helps: Early morning sunlight helps regulate your body’s internal clock, improving sleep quality and mood.
  • How to do it: Make it a habit to wake up early and spend some time outdoors, even if it’s just for a few minutes.
  1. Move Your Body:
  • Why it helps: Exercise releases endorphins, natural mood boosters that can reduce stress and anxiety.
  • How to do it: Find activities you enjoy, whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or dancing.
  1. Fuel Your Body:
  • Why it helps: A balanced diet provides the energy and nutrients your body needs to function optimally.
  • How to do it: Prioritize protein-rich foods like lean meats, fish, beans, and nuts.
  1. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate:
  • Why it helps: Staying hydrated can improve cognitive function, mood, and overall health.
  • How to do it: Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water daily.
  1. Nourish Your Soul:
  • Why it helps: Eating whole, unprocessed foods can enhance your mood and energy levels.
  • How to do it: Incorporate plenty of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains into your diet.
  1. Limit the Sugar Rush:
  • Why it helps: Excessive sugar consumption can lead to mood swings and energy crashes.
  • How to do it: Opt for natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup and choose fruits for dessert.
  1. Connect with Loved Ones:
  • Why it helps: Strong social connections can provide support and reduce feelings of loneliness.
  • How to do it: Spend quality time with friends and family, or reach out to loved ones who live far away.
  1. Cuddle with a Pet:
  • Why it helps: Interacting with pets can reduce stress, lower blood pressure, and boost mood.
  • How to do it: Spend time with your furry friend, whether it’s a cat, dog, or other pet.

Remember, you’re not alone. If you’re struggling with holiday stress or depression, reach out to a mental health professional or a trusted friend or family member. By taking care of yourself and seeking support when needed, you can navigate the holiday season with greater peace and joy.

   

Survive A Sugary Holiday Season

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Are you a little concerned that your good work to date will get derailed this holiday season? Don’t despair, healthy living does not mean total deprivation. It does, however, require a few strategies to keep you on the right track.  Here are a few ways you can limit temptations over the holidays:
  1. Drink up. (Water…that is!) You’d be surprised at the difference dehydration can make. It’s often mistaken for hunger. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
  2. Out of sight, out of mind.  You know how there’s a reason for product placement at the grocery store? Do your own “marketing” at home by removing food or snacks not healthy for your family. Out of sight, out of mind.
  3. Keep a log so you can identify triggers and are realistic about input/output. Most folks overestimate calories burned and underestimate calories consumed. Keep it real.
  4. Know your limit. Can you indulge a little? Or does one bit turn into the entire bag/box? If the latter is the case, then that means no sugar should pass your lips. So be it. Is it difficult to eat out if you see or smell dessert or French fries? If so, skip it for now. Honor thyself. If you CAN indulge a little, go for it. Enjoy it, savor it, and then add some extra workout time. It’s all good.
  5. Good fats help resist the sugar urge. As does protein. Eat up.
  6. Create a bit of crazy. Visualization, that is. If sugar is still tempting you, imagine your sugar free life and the healthy/energetic/lean self you’ll be sporting! SEE it, claim it, then make the choice that aligns with that vision.
  7. Change your habits…or people around you. We talked about this one before. If you eat mindlessly while watching TV, don’t let yourself watch TV unless you are on the elliptical. Or, avoid that “friend” who eats junk food in front of you daily while you nurture your self goals.
  8. Lead the way. Influence your friends and be the change you want to be. Cook healthy, commit to exercise. Healthy habits beget other healthy habits.
  9. Commit publically. With your friends, family, online. Ask to be held accountable. It works!
  10. Take a nap! This is a goal every weekend (for me). It doesn’t always occur, but when it does, it’s soooo sweet! I find I want sugar when I’m tired. Not to mention I get a little bit grumpy when I’m in need of more zzzz’s.
Last, it’s not about being perfect, but choosing to make better decisions, more frequently, and more consistently over time. Becoming healthier is a journey.  And tomorrow always brings a new day.    That’s awesome.  So next time you are faced with that fork in the road, ask yourself, “What have I got to gain?”
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Until next time, choose fit, be strong. And, laugh often.
~Lisa