3 Things You Can Do For Your Well-Being This Festive Season:
Season’s Greetings to you and your loved ones!
As the end of the year draws near, how are you feeling? For many these last few weeks of the year feel fraught with work pressure, family and social commitments and the expectations of the festive celebrations themselves. Somewhere in amongst all of this, it’s easy to push away our own needs, allow our well-being practices to lapse and lose sight of what’s really important to us.
Here are a few simple ways to stay connected to yourself and make this holiday time both enjoyable and restorative:
1) Don’t take on too many commitments:
You don’t have to accept every invitation or plan too many events. Be selective and practice the power of saying “no” to certain things.
2) Pick your moments with the “festive eating and drinking”:
Decide ahead of time which events you’re going to attend and what your approach will be towards “festive treats”. Letting it “all hang out” for most of December is likely to leave you feeling unhealthy and regretful come January. Instead, try choosing 1-2 events and your favourite 1-2 items to indulge in at these, and then perhaps skip the rest.
While good food and alcohol have become a huge part of the holidays for many, this often leaves one feeling sluggish, uncomfortable, perhaps even guilty and blaming oneself for over-indulging.
Having a preconceived strategy and sticking to it can be very empowering. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to enjoy the festivities and feel BETTER on January 1, rather than sluggish and regretful? Decide how you want to feel and then make choices that align with that.
3) Take a break from the caffeine:
If you generally can’t start the day without your coffee (or several coffees), try taking a break over the holidays and allow your body to find it’s natural rhythm again without the caffeine jolt. Although coffee does have some health benefits
when the need for caffeine crosses the line from a pleasant pick-me-up to a daily necessity, addiction is possible. Individuals who habitually drink caffeine-containing beverages may develop a physical, emotional, and psychological dependence on it and may experience a caffeine withdrawal syndrome.
Sources of caffeine intake are coffee, tea, green tea, yerba mate, energy drinks, caffeinated soda (cola-type), and chocolates (mostly dark) some energy bars, medications and cocktails.
Over time, caffeine is quite depleting on the adrenal glands. Too much caffeine can lead to increased stress levels, which causes your adrenal glands to work harder. It can also lead to: anxiety, insomnia, digestive issues, high blood pressure, rapid heart rate, fatigue, and frequent urination.
If the idea of skipping “your daily fix” for a couple of weeks brings you out in a cold sweat, this could indicate that you are reliant on it and the holidays are a great time to break the habit. Studies show that in as little as 5 days the adrenals start to recover and return to baseline levels. Plus, as your adrenals start to recover you will feel a clearer more consistent energy coming through, will feel less anxious, and sleep better.
Be aware that you may notice a “withdrawal headache” for the first day or two of coming off the caffeine, this is an indicator of how dependant you have become on it. Rest assured the headache will pass within a day or two. Ensure you drink plenty of water and rest during this time.
In Conclusion:
During this end of year time, consider what’s really important to you and prioritize that. Think of “long-term gains” rather than immediate gratification.
Allow time to rest, reflect on the year, prioritize your self-care practices and envision what you’d like for 2025. Enjoy a balance of time taking care of your own needs, and spending time with loved ones in meaningful ways. Sometimes something as simple as a walk in nature can be the perfect practice to come back to ourselves or connect with a loved one.
Wishing you a restful healing and joyful December!
Warm regards
Tammi
P.S: Still looking for Christmas gifts? Rather than another trinket or dust-collecting gift, consider the gift of wellness: Gift vouchers available for various wellness programs or in denominations of your choice. Contact me to arrange.
