The holidays can be exhausting, both mentally and physically. I love Christmas, but I get it – it’s tiring and often I feel like I need a vacation come January.

Whether it’s family stress, fear of complete derailment from your fitness or weight loss goals, or a gamut of other anxieties, here are six simple and effective self-care tools could be just what you need to enjoy a totally rad holiday season this year!

1. QUIET TIME

I’m not talking about time-out sitting in a chair facing the corner (although I know many people who’d kill for the opportunity!), but wherever you happen to be when you find yourself alone and can steal 5 minutes to sit in silence.  Research shows that as little as 5-10 minutes of quiet, meditative or deep breathing time can significantly reduce cortisol levels in the body.  Cortisol is that nasty stress hormone that wreaks havoc in our bodies; from disrupting our sleep to depositing extra fat around our midsections. And we all know how much extra stress there can be during the holidays, so as often as possible, take those 5-10 minutes in the bathroom or in your car before you leave work to reduce that cortisol.

 2. BALANCE THOSE BLOOD SUGARS

Eat smaller meals and snacks more frequently during the day.  Blood sugar instability is recognized as one of the leading contributing factors behind anxiety and depression.  And we know that poor calorie distribution (ie: eating the majority of calories in the evening), as well as going several hours between eating, leads to blood sugar dips and highs.  Often, improving blood sugar balance with more frequent, smaller meals and snacks is all that’s required to reduce stress responses and regulate mood.  And bonus: this style of eating fosters increased metabolism and weight loss too!

Extra pro tip: Do NOT skip lunch to “save for dinner” when you’re heading out to a holiday function.  So many dieters fall victim to this, but rather than doing yourself what you think is a favor, you’re actually disrupting your blood sugars and significantly increasing the likelihood of overindulging even more than what you would have had you just eaten normally throughout the day.

3. DRINK LOADS OF WATER

It’ll help fill you a little, thereby reducing the extent to which you overindulge in sweet treats, it’ll flush toxins (from increased alcohol and treat consumption), and it’ll ensure you maintain optimal digestive and elimination function.  Last thing you need is to be bunged up and bloated!

4. TAKE YOUR VITAMINS RELIGIOUSLY 

During a time that immunity is typically low, and there’s lots of colds and virus’ going around, be sure to maintain optimal nutrient intake with a quality multivitamin/mineral and 3000-4000 mg vitamin C daily.

5. EXERISE

Do yourself a big favour and don’t convince yourself you’re too busy to get to the gym this holiday season.  Not only will you keep your metabolism revving with regular exercise and help offset the damage from those extra holiday treats (that you can enjoy that much more guilt-free), but it’s a stress release too.

Bonus: you’ll be a positive role model to all those around you who are inspired to see a real person taking care of themselves during a busy time of year.

6. ASK FOR HELP

Don’t hesitate to include others around you in the many tasks required of you during the holidays.  Grocery shopping, cleaning the house, holiday baking, gift wrapping… these tasks pile up to a whole lot of overwhelm! Get the spouse and/or kids involved.  Not only will it take the sole burden off you, but it provides opportunity for spending quality time together  – which is what the holidays are all about!

 

Too busy to get to the vitamin store to buy your quality multivitamins and vitamin C to boost your holiday immunity?

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