I know you may not like it and lots of us don’t like to hear the ‘C’ word this early. However, before you know it, Christmas is going to be upon us and I, in the past have certainly used it as an excuse to eat what I like, drink what I like and not really take care of myself. Leading to feeling exhausted in the New Year, alongside digestive challenges like bloating, coming down with a cold and experiencing January blues.
So, with all this in mind, I thought I would share a few tips on how you can create balance, feel healthy, keep energy levels at a consistent level and not deprive yourself along the way. This way, Christmas is enjoyable, and you still feel good come January.
These tips will also help you create a sustainable lifestyle and living by what I describe as the 80/20 rule. Being healthy and nourishing your body and mind 80% of the time and having the things you enjoy but may not be so healthy 20% of the time.
Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, especially leafy greens. By having a good variety, you will be consuming lots of different fibre, which is amazing for your gut health and supporting your liver and mental health too.
Take a pre and probiotic, this again will support your gut microbiome (bacteria) and help with digestion of your food, preventing bloating and other digestive issues.
Up your fluids and keep super hydrated, this is so important for keeping bowel habits healthy, headaches at bay and energy levels high.
Allow yourself time for you to do something you love, even if just for 10 minutes a day.
Move your body, even if just stretching for 10 minutes first thing in the morning or doing squats whilst cleaning your teeth.
Introduce a Zinc supplement daily, this will help support your immune system and help you fight off those common colds and flu.
If you don’t feel you can do all of these, perhaps pick two and do them for two to three weeks and then introduce something else.
Creating a routine and building new habits seems easy, however it can be challenging staying disciplined and consistent even when you do feel good.
If you feel you need support, you can catch me at:
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Amanda
www.purposefullynourished.com
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How To Have A More Mindful Christmas
- Set reasonable expectations!
- Adopt a mantra to help when you are stressed - “not perfect but perfectly good enough.”
- Do your best not to compare yourself to others. It is your holiday experience, enjoy it!
- Double down on the activities you enjoy - if you like decorating, decorate to your hearts content!
- Set boundaries for any family or friends that can be judgemental or make you feel put upon.
- Make a space in your house that is your calm/peaceful spot.
- Enjoy the season.
Amanda
www.purposefullynourished.com
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Whatever your Christmas normally looks like, just remember that it doesn't always have to be that way. Bring to the season the decision that different can be good.
What does Christmas mean to you? For some it may be the whole Christian experience with church services etc, for others it's about the people that you most care about.
What is it for you?
What is it that you love about Christmas? Decorations, cards, presents, food, time off.
What don't you love quite so much? The pressure of finding the perfect gift, cooking that perfect Christmas dinner, planning...
Who is part of your Christmas experience? Friends, family, children, your local community?
This is a great chance to ditch the things that you find tough or don't like but if they are important to someone else on your list then maybe you can find a compromise by making some changes. (If you've seen the Thanksgiving episode of ‘Friends’, you'll know what a pickle you can get into trying to make the day perfect for everyone). This is going to be the hardest part of making changes.
Just talking to others about what makes Christmas special or stressful for you could be the key to making it easier when you realise that others feel just the same.
Clare Wildman
Clare Wildman Coaching.
www.clarewildmancoaching.co.uk
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Now, I love Christmas. Yet there have been times, including the year my mother died, when Christmas felt less like ‘It’s A Wonderful Life’ and more like a time to endure.
Our greatest need is for connection. We crave it. So, Christmas alone can be daunting.
Christmas can also be overwhelming if we make no time for our own peace.
So here are your ‘12 Healthy Ways of Christmas’:
1. Put yourself at the top of your gift list.
2. Christmas-proof your body from the inside out with good food.
3. Rest. Be a human being. Not a human doing.
4. Have fun; whatever works for you.
5. Start a gratitude journal.
6. Stop depressing yourself by watching repressive things like the news.
7. Learn to let go. Especially perfection.
8. Be kind to yourself.
9. Say “I am enough” to yourself every day. Write it on your mirrors.
10. Walk in nature. Take 10 uninterrupted minutes to savour your coffee.
11. Say ‘no’ to others, overburdening your time and good nature.
12. Never say never. Even if you have been hurt in the past you can still find someone.
Rosalyn Palmer
www.rosalynpalmer.com
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Playful Tips For A Stress Free Christmas
1. Find joy in the small things.
2. Make time to be with children, play and have fun. If you don’t have any adopt some for a few hours.
3. Get creative and imaginative (upcycle, bake, make. enjoy and have fun).
4. Dance and sing!
Taking some time for you to walk in nature do some breathwork or meditate. Each practice will support your wellbeing. Let go of having to do and be all at once. Do what makes you happy.
Most importantly laugh and have fun.
Rose
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
www.danceyourheartout.newzenler.com
www.breathingspace.newzenler.com
