No products in the cart.
The holiday season always seems to bring an onslaught of stress, and that’s especially true this year. Our social calendars may be emptier than years past, but we’re each faced with new and unique struggles. Perhaps your family is in the midst of transitioning to distance learning or dealing with the new dynamic of working remotely. You might be trying to work out how to celebrate with your loved ones in new and different ways. Or likely learning how to cook a holiday feast for two instead of a big gathering. Maybe you’re just thrown by all the uncertainty during these ever-changing, strange times.
Whatever your situation, the next several weeks are almost certain to create their share of stress and frustration. But don’t despair; there are things you can do to reduce the temptation to bury yourself under a festive fleece blanket and not emerge until 2021.
Above all, prioritize your health—both mental and physical. While this is true every year, it is especially important this year. Good well-being can go a long way toward helping you manage the ups and downs of this busy and uncertain season. Our longtime friend, and one of the country’s leading integrative physicians, Dr. Ronald Hoffman has provided some tips for keeping your health on track during the winter months.
Catch those Zzzz’s. We’ve talked before about the health benefits of getting enough sleep, and Dr. Hoffman agrees: “The holidays are a busy time, so don’t shortchange your sleep. You’ll feel better, you’ll enhance your resistance to viruses, and you’ll even put the brakes on runaway carb cravings.” Check out our previous article for tips on sleep hygiene, then try to keep yourself to a consistent schedule that allows for seven to eight hours of uninterrupted, restful sleep per night.
Stay active. While many of our routines have been disrupted by gym closures, there are still plenty of options for staying physically active—even in the chilly winter months. Investing in something as simple as a set of hand weights or a resistance band can bring your at-home workouts to the next level. A quick YouTube search can provide a plethora of free guided exercises. If you’re on a budget, try something equipment-free like yoga, or use your own stairs as a low-tech step machine!
Don’t be afraid to bundle up and get out there. Outdoor activities like jogging, cross-country skiing, or even briskly walking laps around the neighborhood can help get your heart rate up and your stress rate down. “Your workouts will not only keep you lean,” Dr. Hoffman says, “they’ll also generate endorphins to bust your holiday stress.”
Embrace the chill. Don’t avoid the cold entirely. Spend a little time outdoors or turn your thermostat down and reap the benefits. Not only can the cold help you acclimate better to the winter months, it can also improve sleep and may even help keep those holiday pounds at bay. “Bundle up and face the elements,” encourages Hoffman. “The chill will stimulate upregulation of your brown fat—the fat-burning kind that promotes weight loss.”
So go ahead and pass the cookies (in moderation)!
Avoid isolation. Don’t let restrictions on gathering in-person keep you from socializing entirely. Instead, use them as an opportunity to explore new ways to connect! With virtual options like Zoom or Skype, and video chat apps like FaceTime or Marco Polo, it’s easier than ever to keep in touch with family that’s far away (or not so far away!). “This holiday, reach out to friends and family members whose social networks are limited,” Dr. Hoffman suggests. Schedule time to call or video chat your loved ones—and make a special effort to reach out to those you know who are living alone or who struggle particularly this time of year.
Give back. They say it’s better to give than to receive, and studies have shown that altruism can actually boost our health and extend our longevity. This year has seen record unemployment numbers. Many people and families around the country are struggling to put food on their tables or presents under the tree. If you’re financially able, seek out neighborhood toy or food drives, or donate money or time to community resources that help those who have found themselves struggling this year. If you’re not in a position to help others financially, you can still gift your time by offering services like online tutoring for families struggling with at-home schooling, or even organizing an online event to stream some festive cheer to all through music or other entertainment.
“Volunteering is a way of getting outside of yourself and reaping the benefits of generosity,” Dr. Hoffman reminds us. “You can help a senior citizen. . . shop for Christmas toys for needy kids, tutor a child, or mentor an aspiring young person.”
Prioritize downtime. These days, it seems like distractions and input are our constant companions, but too much time spent “on” can wreak havoc on our stress levels. Designate a space in your home for some quiet relaxation, and spend a bit of time each day reflecting, journaling, or doing something else that helps you relax. But put that phone away! Hoffman warns, “Avoid the temptation to check your email, texts, holiday sales announcements, or social media for a short time. Read a favorite book, listen to music, or enjoy a regular hobby to reboot your brain.”
You can read more of Dr. Hoffman’s tips for weathering the holiday madness in his two-part series, “13 Tips for Surviving the Holidays.” (Part one / Part two).
All of us here at Nutritional Therapeutics wish you and yours a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season.
