STAYING HEALTHY THROUGH THE HOLIDAYS
It’s here. The crisp air, the parties, family time, and of course the desire to eat and drink anything that makes you feel warm inside. Before spinning into a fury of stress and overindulgence there are a few things I like to keep in mind.
It's easy to overextend ourselves during the holidays and absorb energy from others, so it's important to find ways to ground ourselves and find peace. Practice taking long, deep breaths and take quiet time to unwind. Make conscious choices, establish boundaries, exercise and nourish your body with healthy food. Offering this to yourself makes it so easier to offer more love and gratitude to those around you.
Here are a few key tips to keep you healthy, happy and ready for a vibrant holiday season! I'm also offering $5 off my 5 Day Reset Program with code DAHL15 at checkout. Enjoy & Have a bountiful holiday!
MOVE | It’s important to avoid stagnation. Take this time to embrace the change of the seasons and get outside! Go for long walks, especially after meals, take the stairs, whenever possible, and keep your body fluid by practicing yoga at home or in class. This will keep your Qi flowing, boost your immune system, release feel good endorphins, and help you move with ease throughout the season.
REST | It’s imperative that we rest, especially when life gets busy. During the cooler months, going to bed earlier and following your natural circadian rhythms will have you feeling your very best. Getting extra sleep boosts immunity, regulates hormones, and balances body weight. When you fall behind on your sleep, the body starts overproducing a hormone called Ghrelin, “the hunger hormone.” This sends signals to the body that you’re still hungry & you will find yourself wanting to snack all day long. Stave off cravings by getting plenty of sleep and staying hydrated. Be cautious not to drive yourself too hard or make too many commitments; we all tend towards this during the holidays.
EAT CONSCIOUSLY | Eat slowly, don’t overeat, and try to stick to a plant based diet. Bring a healthy dish to a holiday party or eat something before you go, so you don’t overindulge in too many processed or sugary foods. If your system is feeling overburdened, try a 1 day cleanse to give your digestive system a break. Keep your focus on fun, not food. Food doesn’t have to be the main source of enjoyment this holiday season. Connect through other holiday activities and feel better all season long.
STAY HYDRATED | The key to radiating from within! Drink half your body weight in ounces everyday to keep your body systems regulated. For instance, if you weigh 130 pounds, drink 65 ounces of water daily. This will keep cravings at bay, support digestion, and give you more energy & glowing skin. If you choose to drink alcohol, stick to organic wine or champagne, and make sure to increase your water intake that day. Abstain from water 15 minutes before and roughly 30 minutes after each meal to enhance digestion, especially with heavier meals.
EXPRESS GRATITUDE | This is what it’s about – gratitude, appreciation and thoughtfulness. You get what you give, and it’s time to give thanks to everyone and everything in your life supporting your existence. Take this time to slow down and center yourself in the feeling of gratitude. When we give thanks, we affect all the people around us. Take time to write thank you cards, reach out to loved ones and recognize the things you have to be grateful for in your life. Write a list of things you’re grateful for on a regular basis. Living with an attitude of gratitude will change your whole world.