How to Use Naturopathic Medicine Through the Holidays
Extravagant presents to buy. Elaborate meals to make. Exuberant parties to attend.
And…exhaustion from it all.
The holidays can be filled with joy and special memories as well as chaos and an empty wallet.
Expectations seem to increase each year in our culture, encouraging us to do extra and buy more. It can all lead to added stress, added pounds, a weakened immune system, and a sensitive mood – just to list a few.
If you are feeling this way, you may want to put naturopathic medicine and its philosophies to use so your holidays are overflowing with love and laughter rather than sugar and stress.
1. Rewind to Years Ago.
Thirty to forty years ago, holidays were much simpler. They focused on family and close friends, possibly a holiday play or movie, and were limited to a few days to a week or two.
These days, it seems as though gifts are shared between every acquaintance, big events are a must-attend, and decorations start going up the day after Halloween.
Consider making this holiday season what it used to be. Simple. Meaningful. And less.
This may mean:
- cutting down a Christmas tree (get your $20 Colorado permit here) that supports healthy forests.
- a donation to charity to help those in need, made in honor of your neighbors, co-workers, book club, etc. Click here for Colorado charities.
- an intimate holiday meal with just your immediate family and up to one or two others who are alone.
- limit presents to consist of: something they want, something they need, something to wear, and something to read.
2. Consider What You Want This Holiday Season to Look Like
Forget about the commercials, the social media posts, and the store displays of what your holiday “should” look like. This year, make it what YOU and your family want.
Maybe it’s:
- cooking a family recipe together
- snowshoeing a new trail
- enjoying hot chocolate on a cold day
- putting a holiday puzzle together
- watching a favorite holiday movie
or any other relaxing and calming activity. And this doesn’t have to be done every night of the week! Planning one or two evenings of holiday cheer with something simple can be just as special.
Sure, many of us love a night out to watch the latest play, hear the orchestra, and see the dazzling city lights in our new holiday outfits, but this year, you can still have fun without the added stress…you may even find a new holiday tradition that you love!
3. Reduce Your Stress.
You don’t have to outdo and overspend (or even pretend everything is the same this year) to have a wonderful holiday season.
Get back to health and meaning this year by squelching holiday stress.
Try this with:
- acupuncture
- good sleep (call us if you are not getting this as it may only get worse)
- supplements for anxiety and stress
- CBD
- movement
- journaling
- warm baths
- daily walks
- yoga
- breathing exercises and/or meditation
- a diet filled with lots of fruits and vegetables
Make sure you utilize healthy stress management tools that work for you. Not only will your body and mind thank you, but your family will as well.
Change isn’t always easy and at the holidays, it can be even tougher. Expectations can run high and perfection can be the illusive goal that only triggers stress and unhappiness.
This year, be open and honest with friends and family about what you want. It is okay to change things…it may even be the healthiest thing you can do.
For those living in Castle Rock, Castle Pines, Highlands Ranch, Lone Tree, Centennial, Parker, Larkspur, Monument, Colorado Springs, and the greater Denver metro area and are in need of stress reduction, grief processing, pain relief, sleep support, immune enhancement, hormone balance, or any other physical or mental health issue, please call us at (303) 688-6698 or schedule a complimentary 15 minute phone consultation with Dr. Graves to talk further about what you are dealing with.
Yes, you can have truly happy holidays. Are you ready to make changes for that to happen?
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