The best way to enjoy the hustle and bustle of the holiday season week after week is to make a commitment to self-care and restorative practices. This is true all year, but especially true when the calendar is suddenly bursting with holiday lunches office parties, family gatherings; not to mention the assortment of traditions that must be adhered to. While it’s exciting and festive, it can also all feel overwhelming.
Restorative practices are ‘filling up the tank’ on the journey through this festive time of year and shouldn’t be considered optional. We must make opportunities to restore our energy to continue at the same pace or we will end up running on an empty tank. When a car drives faster or greater distance, it requires more fuel and more maintenance to carry-on or end up stalled in a ditch. Self-care preferences will vary from person to person. The one caveat is that they won’t work if you don’t do them!
Here are some tips to get through the season in stride:
- Mark it on your calendar just like any other commitment. You wouldn’t plan a trip without booking a place to sleep each night and some dinner reservations along the way. Don’t go through the holidays without booking yourself some time for restorative practices.
- Identify what works best for you to restore your energy and vitality. Do you like to snuggle up with a mystery novel and a cup of tea? Enjoy a bubble bath? How about meditation, journaling, a massage, working on jigsaw puzzle, playing music, or watch favorite TV with a family member.
- Do one thing at a time. Studies show that multi-tasking doesn’t really work and ends up taxing our brains even more in the process of shifting back and forth from one talk to another. The best way to make progress is to go through the list, focus one just one item, and then continue on to the next item.
- Stay positive. When you notice that your mood is shifting from the positive enjoyment of the season to feeling burdened, frazzled, or frustrated, that’s a sign that it’s time to schedule in some self-care.
- Say “NO”. Know yourself. Does socializing energize you or drain you? If you have more introvert tendencies and are exhausted after parties and big get-togethers, then protect yourself. Plan to make a brief appearance or don’t go at all. Find ways to connect with friends and family in smaller more intimate situations.
- Make gratitude a daily practice. Studies show that those with regular gratitude practice are more content with their present life situation. We don’t actually need all that stuff that the retailers tell us that we need anyway. Discover contentment in the present moment.
Don’t bail on the basics: Sleep, diet, movement, stress management are essential. - SLEEP – There is a natural tendency this time of year to more sleep as the nights get longer and darkness comes earlier. Allow for adequate sleep and even naps when there are a lot of nighttime events that interfere quality sleep. (Click here to read more about sleep.)
- DIET – Ok, this one is super extra tricky during the holidays, but it’s really important. The challenge is magnified because the traditional treats that we enjoy this time of year are specifically related to the comfort and coziness that we feel and often trigger memories of delight from our childhood. (Click here to read more about holiday traditions.) As much as possible, choose nutrient dense foods with plenty of proteins. Avoid too many sweets and highly processed foods. I can’t sugar coat the fact that sugar is the enemy for optimal health and vitality. Consumption of sugar and highly refined products leads to inflammation, so don’t overdo it. Furthermore, since they share the same receptors in the body, when sugar is consumed, it hijacks the vitamin C absorption, weakening the immune system. (Click here to read more about the importance of Vitamin C.) Seasonal fruits like mandarin oranges, figs, and dates are a great way to enjoy some sweetness without contributing to the mal effects of sugary treats.
- MOVEMENT – An exercise routine is often the first to go when the going gets tough and the weekly schedule is filled up. You may not be able to manage a one hour zumba class, but don’t ditch it all together. Park further away from the front door and enjoy a longer walk to get the shopping done. Walk around the block after dinner or go for an ice-skating session. Hit the dance floor at the holiday parties. When at home, stand and do some arm circles, twists, jumping jacks when watching tv. Get creative and find a way to squeeze in a few minutes here and there whenever possible. (Click here to read more about movement.)
- STRESS – We all know by now that stress is bad, but it’s actually REALLY bad. When we are under continual stress, vital body functions like digestion and restorative sleep are put on hold and don’t work properly. Stress simulates an emergency and in order to allow the ability jump up and flee if necessary. Stress drains electrolytes and nutrients in the body very rapidly. If you remain under continued stress with deadlines and expectations of the season, be sure you are getting enough electrolytes to support all of the body systems. (Click here to read more about electrolytes and best sources.) Maintaining restorative practices each week will further support reduction of stress levels.
Finally, while you are out and about enjoying the tasty offerings of the seasons, remember that the first restaurants were for travelers. The word restaurant comes from the French word restaurer, which means to restore. It’s simple and thrilling to dive into the variety of activities celebrating the holiday season. It’s also important to remember to refuel and restore ourselves so we can continue to sparkle.
