Stress can affect each of us in countless ways. Try as we might to enjoy the holidays, the added gift-buying, food-making, event-planning, and other obligations can sap the energy from us and leave us in a state of dis-ease. Don’t let the holidays sabotage your health. From an acupuncturist’s perspective, here are some of our favorite stressless ways to stick to your health goals during the holiday season.
Hydration is Key
In Traditional Chinese Medicine, each season has an associated natural element. In winter, it’s water. We can use water literally and metaphorically as a natural holiday de-stressor. We recommend starting each day with a large glass of room-temperature water. Drink slowly, and take deep cleansing breaths to not only keep your body hydrated, but to relax and soothe. This time of year, you probably have higher-than-typical stress loads and may consume more caffeine or alcoholic beverages, so keep your hydration in check.
Go With The Flow
There is a famous Chinese saying: Bu tong ze tong, tong ze bu tong. This is roughly translated as, “If there is not free flow, there is pain. If there is free flow, there is no pain.” Physical and emotional health are achieved when there is free flow throughout the body. Dis-ease arises when the flow stops. Try applying this line of thinking to holiday stress. Whether it’s holiday travel, excess food/drink, or gift-giving, try to focus less on the details and more on your ability to roll with the punches.
Experience Nature
Natural elements are essential parts of all of us, and yet many of us fail to get outside, especially as winter sets in. Just a few minutes a day in the elements can be a refreshing de-stressor during the holidays. Choose a place that inspires gratitude in you. Getting out in nature during the winter months is not only a great recharge, but also a great reminder of the wonderful gifts that surround us.
Stop “Should-ing”
We are ever-changing and evolving. When we fail to think of ourselves as a continual work in progresse, we have a tendency to start to impose a lot of “shoulds” on ourselves. “I should spend $X on my nephew’s Christmas present.” “I should go to the party I was invited to.” “I should have the house all decorated for Christmas.”
Many times, these are undue expectations. If you stop the “shoulds” you may be freed to live without the guilt and pressure that has a tendency to escalate this time of year.
Strive For Balance
By encouraging balance — of Yin and Yang, or deficiency and excess — acupuncture teaches us to appreciate moderation. Holiday time can involve a lot of over doing it— excess food, drinks, spending, late nights, stress… It happens to the best of us, but should be a reminder for us to be mindful of extremes.
Take Care of Yourself
The most important thing you can do in times of stress is to take care of you, in both mind and body. Don’t abandon healthy habits; stick with your daily routine and make it a priority. Make sure to get adequate sleep and exercise. Work to maintain a healthy diet full of leafy greens and stay hydrated. Take a breather and enjoy some warm herbal tea. Stick to treatments that replenish and nourish your body — schedule an appointment for massage, acupuncture, or even infrared sauna to detoxify and stay on track with your health goals.
At Nature’s Balance, we’re your total care for health and wellness. We can help you stay aligned with your health goals this holiday season and throughout the year. 815-788-8383