Wellness During The Holiday Season
Despite the festive cheer and merriment, the holiday season can be one of the most stressful and challenging times of the year for many people. Here are a few tips to help support your well-being this holiday.
Give yourself space
There is a lot of pressure for us to do all and be all for a lot of people at this time of year. While giving to others can be enriching, it can also leave you feeling depleted if you do not find time to reset.
Everything in moderation
The bounty of food and drink available at Christmas is most certainly tempting. However, overindulging often leaves us feeling regretful when the New Year comes. Excessive alcohol consumption can negatively affect your mood and stress levels, as well as affect your immune system and digestive system. Ensure you drink plenty of water, to stay hydrated and improve digestion, particularly if you are going to drink alcohol.
Take stock
This is a good time to evaluate the things you have achieved throughout the year and the things you are looking forward to for the coming year. This can be done for yourself, as a couple, a friendship circle or as a family. You can then have someone support you and push you throughout the year.
Get spicy
The traditional herbs and spices used at Christmas such as cinnamon, ginger and cloves have digestive properties - so their use in Christmas foods and drinks is a match made in heaven! Try a winter blend of fresh sorrel, ginger, cinnamon and a dash of cloves to improve your circulation and digestion.
Keep it moving
Keeping trim during the holiday season can be challenging and having a rigorous exercise regime during this time may be too overwhelming. Instead of going all out, why not try including things that are practical and include the whole family. Enjoy light exercise with the family with early morning or afternoon walks. Create an obstacle course with the children, or take a trip to the beach for some family games by or in the water.
Support your immune system
Rushing around stores and standing in long queues is enough to raise even the calmest person's blood pressure. As we know, stress can have a negative effect on our immune system, so it is vital that we are extra mindful of supporting our immune system over the holiday season. Eat a wide range of fruits and vegetables so that you get a selection of vitamins and minerals. A B vitamin supplement may be useful in helping with energy, brain function and the health of your cells. And most importantly, get plenty of rest!
Reach out
The holidays can be extremely isolating and anxiety inducing for many people. Reach out to someone you trust. If you know of someone who is alone or who finds this time of year difficult, please reach out to them with a simple phone call.
If you need support contact, the Samaritans of Barbados on (246) 4299999
Please consult your physician or healthcare provider before starting any new supplements or medications, particularly if you are taking any medications, have any pre-existing conditions, or if you are pregnant.