Everyone looks forward to the holiday season. Having time away from work means that you can get up a little later, eat when you want, and have more time to spend with the people you love. There couldn’t be a better way to recharge your batteries and unwind right? Wrong. It’s an unfortunate fact that taking a break away from your daily routine can often mean returning to work more worn out than ever. Many people find they need a holiday just to recover from the effects of their “well earned break” and end up feeling less energised than before they went away!
During the holiday season there’s a huge temptation to overeat and indulge in food we know is bad for us. It’s easy to stay up late and disrupt our natural sleep patterns, and shy away from our regular exercise routine. All of this quickly leads to us feeling tired and lethargic. For many patients at the clinic, the holiday season can mean make or break time. We see a lot of people who feel demotivated, as they feel all of their hard work has quickly unravelled after taking a break.
We’re not saying that the holidays need to be dull and dreary. Everyone needs to take time out to unwind and relax, but if you’re lucky enough to be able to have a few days off over the festive season, then this can be a great opportunity to invest in your health. This doesn’t just mean the physical body, but your mind and soul too!
Try these simple tips for a holistic holiday season!
Treat Your Mind – Make Time for Yourself
Stress is the number one reason many people get ill. Holidays are the best time to quieten that incessant mental chattering we’re all used to hearing on a daily basis. Don’t be tempted to lounge around watching the television – action packed films, thrilling police dramas, and shocking news programmes can send your adrenaline racing, even though you may feel like you’re relaxing! Why not get started on that novel you’ve wanted to read for ages, or try a new hobby like painting or writing? Arts and crafts activities and creative pursuits have all been shown to lower blood pressure and help reduce stress. Meditation classes are run in many areas and are an excellent way to help you switch off. Find out what’s going on in your locality and plan to do at least one new thing for your mental well being during the break.
Look After Your Body – Keep Track of What You Eat
Many of our patients are already used to keeping a food diary to help them keep track of their diet. If you’ve never tried this before, the holidays are the perfect time to get into the habit. Not only will it help you to see how much you’re eating, but the kind of food you are consuming and how often. Keeping a food diary will help you monitor all the snacks, treats and calorific, sugary beverages that are so easy to consume over the season. By regularly writing down what you eat and drink, you’ll be more aware of the burden you’re placing on your digestive system and be better able to stay in control of your diet. Get a head start instead of waiting for the new year to begin your healthy eating regime.
Treat Your Soul – Make Time for Fresh Air
Think about how much time you spend indoors on an average week. If you spend eight hours working in an office, and eight hours each night sleeping, that’s at least sixteen hours every day spent indoors. Make use of your break to get out and about in the fresh air, you’ll be amazed at how much better even fifteen minutes will make. Take a walk on the beach or walk round to a friend’s house instead of using the car. Fresh air is great for your skin, and gets oxygen to your blood stream giving your brain a boost. Being close to nature rejuvenates your soul in a way that being indoors simply cannot. What are you waiting for? Get out there and blow those cobwebs away!
From everyone at here at My Naturopath Gold Coast, we wish all of our patients a very happy and healthy 2014.
