Don’t Let Stress Ruin Your Holidays

Are you knee-high in decorations, cookies, songs, and events, all geared to celebrate the holidays but end up stressing you out?

Does it seem fun at the beginning only to be overdone by the time the holiday comes around?

Or maybe you’re just overwhelmed by it all from the start.

Well, this year…let’s turn that around

Holidays weren’t meant to add so many extra things to our plate that we become stressed out, frustrated, tired, and ornery (were they?).  They are meant to be enjoyed!   But as our culture continues to grow the holiday season longer and longer each year (can anyone say holiday songs in September at stores?), the expectations and stress can just keep adding up and up.

So what to do to make it a calm and peaceful holiday season? That’s where we come in! Keeping you healthy, happy, and joyful is our job and we’re excited to share 3 tips in keeping stress away this time of year.

Wondering if you read that right? Yep!

The holiday season is filled with parties and events. Rather than fearing them due to your diet and schedule, embrace them with special tips that work just for you!

Pre-Party Planning:
Before indulging in the goodies at your next party, prepare yourself by eating a healthy meal at home before you go.   Eating 1-2 handful sizes of protein with plenty of vegetables, you can ward off cravings later on.

Need ideas?   Try a handful of starchy vegetables such as sweet potatoes, beets, parsnips, turnips, yams, or carrots.  They can help you feel full while providing you great nutrients before slightly indulging in those holiday cookies later on!

Getting Your Party On:
It’s the holidays – enjoy! Well, to the extent that you control what you can control!

Think about it…how many times are you put in situations out of the ordinary at the holidays? Holiday office parties, family gatherings, neighborhood events, etc. – all boasting unhealthy and non-nutritious foods, foods that when you’re starving seem even more appetizing!

Because…you’ll start over tomorrow, right?

It’s fine to enjoy in moderation and can be fun to try delectables at this time of year – you don’t need to starve yourself of enjoyment!  Just keep in mind that only eating those treats can put a damper on your emotional and physical state throughout the holidays.  Extra sugars can leave you feeling tired and cranky, so be mindful of how much you indulge.

Need suggestions on what you can snack on that’s healthy?   Try some of our favorites by having them on hand in your car or purse to pull out when your cravings seem like they may get the best of you!

Mary’s Gone Crackers Super Seed (GF, DF, non-GMO, soy-free)

Two Moms in the Raw Blueberry Burst Nut Bars

Raw Crunch Bars

Oloves Green Olives with Lemon & Rosemary or Garlic & Basil

Justin’s Classic Almond Butter packets with Carrots or an Apple

Applegate Farm Oven Roasted Chicken or Turkey Breast with Mustard, Primal Kitchen

Paleo Mayo & Cucumber

Mix of Walnuts, Almonds, Dried Blueberries, & Coconut Flakes

SeaSnax Roasted Seaweed Packs

Made in Nature Sundried Organic Figs

Not Forgetting About the After Party!:
After all that fun, remember to treat yourself well after the party. This can be done with digestive bitters. We use Urban Moonshine Organic Bitters. These bitters are used to relieve gas, bloating, and upset stomach while promoting good acid balance for digestion.

We can’t say this one enough… Take Time For Yourself!

Yes, it’s easy to say and think about, but what have you actually planned for YOURSELF this holiday season?

We know…you’re taking care of everyone else, making sure they receive the gifts on their list, their favorite treats, and have memories to last a lifetime – oh, and all surrounded by stunning decor. But, who’s taking care of you? That should be top on your list.

Take time right now to pick at least one activity over the next few weeks that can help you relieve stress and refresh your spirit.

Need ideas?  Here are some of our favorites:

– massage (call us for our specials!)

– acupuncture – like a massage for your brain!

– a fun class at the gym or local yoga studio

– downloading an app for at home yoga and/or meditation

– a personal day to ski, snowboard, snowshoe, or hike outdoors

– weekly baths with a good new book

Got one? Good! Now, go and put it on the calendar!
 

Ok, so maybe stress free may be stretching it for some people – especially if you have kids!

But, it’s not to say we can’t strive for it, right?!

One of the best ways we help clients cope with stress at the holidays is by guiding them in nourishing their bodies with proper nutrition and supplements that combat stress and anxiety.

Did you know certain nutrients can help you ward off stress? Good nutrition can help you keep balance with your body and these can do just that:

– B Vitamins: B6 helps promote calm in the body, supports energy, metabolism, and neurological function while Pantothenic acid (Vitamin B5) encourages healthy adrenal response and immunity (for all of those surges of stress hormones!). It’s best to take the B vitamins together for full support. A B Complex such as Thorne B Stress Complex is a good option.