It's the most wonderful time of the year . . . or is it?
From Thanksgiving through New Year’s, most of us are accustomed to throwing all our healthy habits out the window, hoping for the best, and pushing reset on January 1. After all, we're out of our regular routines, on the road traveling and tempted at most every turn with indulgent treats.
But it doesn’t have to be an either/or situation. You don't have to give up everything you love about this festive time of year to stay on track with your health and wellness goals. A little bit of proactive planning can help you move through the holidays with ease.
Follow these five wellness tips for the holidays to look and feel great all season long.
1. Moderation is key while keeping your kitchen well stocked with healthy items.
You don’t have to sacrifice holiday traditions such as Grandma’s pumpkin pie or Aunt Betty’s mashed potatoes and gravy. Plan ahead which dishes you really want to eat and then go ahead and have one serving.
Keep your fridge and pantry filled with healthy options, including fresh fruits and vegetables. Make it a priority to get in your 3 to 5 servings every day.
2. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Now is not the time to give up drinking your water! We all know that water delivers many benefits. During the holidays, we need its boost to our metabolism and digestion. And as we spend more time indoors in the drying heat, our thirsty skin becomes more supple and less dry when we're well hydrated.
3. Work in exercise.
Since you're more likely to have an altered schedule during the holiday season, you're more likely to skip the gym, too. With the extra calories you're likely to consume, you will need to keep moving.
Get creative to work exercise into your daily routine: take the kids ice skating, make an extra loop at the mall while you are Christmas shopping, or sign up for a 5K race on Thanksgiving morning. Even short walks and gentle stretching can help offset calories consumed from extra indulgences, improve your mood, and fight the effects of stress and anxiety.
4. Turn on a diffuser filled with essential oils.
This time of year, our senses are overwhelmed with the sights, sounds, and smells of the season. Instead of using scented air fresheners or candles, though, opt to diffuse authentic essential oils. Not only will you get to enjoy the same fragrances that you already associate with the holidays, but you will also be enhancing your overall health and wellbeing.
Think about your favorite scents this time of year. They likely include candy canes, Christmas trees, pumpkin pie, and hot spiced cider. The essential oils that are the foundations of these holiday fragrances smell fantastic while also delivering health benefits:
Peppermint – uplifting and promotes alertness, helps ease tension headaches and muscular aches and pains
Pine – helps with clearing the mind for alertness and focus, energizing and uplifting
Spruce – supports the respiratory system, helps with muscle aches and soreness
Fir – supports the respiratory system, energizing and uplifting
Cinnamon – supports the digestive system, helps with increased cognitive function
Clove – helps fight infection, offers pain relief
Citrus – (including lemon and orange) offers immune system support and helps with detoxifying
Another favorite this time of year is Frankincense, which is calming and relaxing and supports healthy skin. You may find unusual "autumn," "Thanksgiving," or "Christmas" essential oil blends from various companies. Those blends feature many of these oils in a lovely combination that will make your home both more welcoming and healthy when diffused.
5. Keep regular chiropractic visits for routine adjustments.
Chiropractic care is important year-round. Still, it can be especially helpful during the holiday season when your body's immune system is taxed from the extra stress and changes in diet and routine. Regular chiropractic adjustments keep your nervous system healthy, which boosts your immune system and can help fight off illness.
Chiropractic Care: A Gift for Yourself This Holiday Season
We are currently offering an exclusive special for new patients: $49 for your first exam. Chiropractic care is a great way to establish a healthy habit going into the holiday season!
Contact us today to schedule your first session with Dr. Susan Knight.