Twelve Tips For Healthy Holidays

12 Tips For Healthy Holidays

By Nancy Ruby

Quell your inner Grinch by following these guidelines.

We can all strike a balance between our festive celebrations and personal care. Moderation is key as things like butter, sugars, cheeses, and wine aren’t inherently bad. They’re simply different kinds of energy that, when thoughtfully consumed and balanced, can fuel various levels of exercise, activity, and goodness. From mindfulness to community involvement, these tips will tip you in a most positive direction. Choose one or all 12 to put into practice! I’m going for all 12! Won’t you join me? Embrace this holiday season with joy and gratitude.

1. Give the gift of being present

Slow down, and take the time to actually look another person in the eyes – see them, acknowledge them. Whether you give your undivided attention to a loved one or a stranger, for a moment or a minute, your presence is the greatest gift you can give. Connection is not based on how much time we spend with someone or what we do with them. Connection is always based

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on quality of presence.

2. Breathe deeply

Studies prove that conscious breathing, even when done for only five minutes at a time, stimulates the vagus nerve, activating the parasympathetic system which calms the heart, lowers blood pressure, and eases us into the relaxation response.

3. Meditate for a few minutes every day.

Make the time to stop, drop and sit daily. Meditation decreases stress and increases happiness.

4. Sip hot water between meals

Improve your digestion and immune function. Aim for half your bodyweight in ounces each day. Add sliced ginger for sluggish digestion. Herbal tea is fine too.

5. Make your meals mindful

Choose one meal per day and be 100% present, not distracted or multitasking. Take 3 slow, deep breaths before you eat. Be emotionally ready to receive. Pause for gratitude between bites. Chew thoroughly. Enjoy immensely.

6. Eat your greens

After a day or rich celebratory foods, dial it back. Think healthy and simple like green smoothies and soups. Stay balanced through the holidays. At YogaMotion we enjoy the convenience and pure, premium super foods from Purium.

7. Move your body daily

Yoga, walking, biking, skiing, dancing. Regular exercise reduces stress and improves your mood!

8. Get Outside

Bundle up and enjoy the outdoors. Sync up to the daily and seasonal rhythms for optimal wellness. Slow down and immerse yourself in the natural environment, tuning in to the smells, textures, tastes and sights around you.

9. Marinate in gratitude

Make it a habit to reflect on 3 things/people you are grateful for each day. Do this for 7 days and feel the love!

10. Enjoy the Ayurvedic habit of Self Massage

This radical expression of selflove takes 5 minutes! After your shower, towel off and massage yourself with oil from face to feet. For a special treat, use lavender essential oil. It’s a wonderful way to end your day.

11. Go to bed early

Choose a night (or three) each week to unplug all electronics an hour before bed. Light some candles. Create a relaxing mood and enjoy the quiet darkness of a winter’s night. Lights out by 10 PM for maximum rest and rejuvenation.

12. Volunteer your time or donate some of your things…

There are plenty of studies that support the idea that in the act of giving we receive so much. Try the simple act of buying coffee for the person behind you in line or shoveling your neighbor’s driveway. Enjoy receiving through your gifts of giving. May your holidays be Merry and Bright.

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