Managing personal wellness can be challenging during the holidays, but it is possible. It’s even possible on Thanksgiving, when food, travel, and potentially stressful family gatherings are often the focus instead of your wellness regimen. Having a wellness plan can keep you moving towards optimal health, even during busy times.
Here are a few practical and easy wellness tips for your toolkit to enhance your personal wellness plan during the holiday. Enjoy!
Be well,
Dr. Donna
Holiday Stress Management
1) Connect with the spirit of gratitude that marks the season. Some research shows that expressing gratitude can help improve mood, increase energy levels, relieve stress, and increase motivation.
2) Remember to take a few deep, relaxing breaths throughout the day. Even positive emotions like excitement and enthusiasm create stress in the body, so it’s important to periodically do something that will promote relaxation.
3) Make sure you get enough sleep. It’s a necessity not a luxury.
4) Take a walk after you eat.
5) Dance and laugh often. They both burn calories and help lift your mood.
Healthy Holiday Eating
1) Use a saucer or smaller plate.
2) Give yourself permission to get seconds if you are hungry. You’re more likely to take smaller portions the first time if you know it’s okay to go back for more later.
3) Drink lots of water. It helps you stay hydrated, aids digestion, and helps you feel full so you will eat little bit less.
4) Try to eat foods that represent all the colors in the rainbow. This will give you a variety of nutrients.
5) Forgive yourself if you make unhealthy eating choices. Say good-bye to guilt and decide to make better choices the next time you eat.
© 2010 Donna L. Hamilton, MD
A wellness thought leader, she champions a comprehensive approach to health by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual & physical well-being with a simple and potent message. Her book Wellness Your Way offers a practical strategy to assist readers in creating a happier, healthier life. For more information or to book Dr. Hamilton for speaking engagements visit www.ManifestExcellence.com or www.DonnaHamiltonMD.com
- 10 Quick, Easy Holiday Self-Care Tips - December 15, 2017
- Health Benefits of Kindness and Compassion - June 3, 2017
- Why Self-Care is Good for Your Health - May 10, 2017
