Happy “Healthy” Holidays
Tis the season to be jolly . . . . . . Yes the holiday season is full of family, friends and food. It is a time to celebrate and share in our joys, sorrows, and day to day life. It is also a time that stress increases considerably, our food choices lean towards the unhealthiest in the year and we make all kinds of promises for the upcoming season – many of which we do not keep. So how do we change our experience this year?
The most important piece is to SLOW DOWN. Here are some helpful hints to maintain a healthy body, mind and spirit during these holiday times.
Meditate daily for 10 minutes – or at least take 10 deep breaths 2-3 times per day. Breathing is a really good idea.
Spend time with people – not shopping. i.e. spend time not money, it is worth far more. :0)
Eat a healthy meal before attending an event.
Fill your plate once during an event, choose wisely and truly enjoy the food.
Socialize at least 2.5 arm widths away from food so you are not tempted.
Plan a walk with a friend or family member.
Cook and/or bring a healthy choice to a party in place of sweets.
If the holidays are a difficult time for you and you find yourself depressed, seek help and meet with a counselor or call a hotline.
Donate time to help feed the homeless or build a house with Habitats for Humanity.
Attend a live performance and/or listen to live music.
Set New Year’s resolutions that are reasonable and achievable.
Include down time in your schedule.
It is very easy to get caught up in the materialism of the holidays and the manufacturers highly encourage this. The holidays are really about time with friends, family and our spiritual journey, make time to be merry and find reasons to laugh, it is really good for the immune system.