Healthy Living
5 Tips For A Peaceful Holiday Season
With shopping, party planning, food preparation, gift wrapping, and trying to see all your family and friends in the space of two weeks, the holiday season can certainly take its toll on your well-being.
Try these tips to stay calm and tranquil during the busiest and merriest time of the year:
1. Maximize Movement. If you’re feeling frazzled, a short burst of exercise could help release some of that pent-up stress. Dance around the house to your favorite holiday song, take the dog for a walk in his holiday sweater, or jog around the neighborhood looking at holiday lights and decorations.
2. Curtail Caffeine. A nighttime hot chocolate sounds good, but even a moderate amount of caffeine can disrupt sleep and increase stress. Studies show that the equivalent of two espressos could disturb sleep five hours later. If you’re tired but wired, cutting caffeinated drinks could solve the problem.
3. Try Tea. If it’s a warm calming brew you seek, try jasmine tea. The scent of jasmine has a sedative, calming effect, which can decrease heart rate. Many retailers offer tea versions blended with antioxidant-rich green tea, so you can double the benefits.
4. Increase Vitamin D. If the winter weather is cloudy and bleak, you may have a deficiency of the “sunshine” vitamin. Eat lots of Vitamin D-rich foods like oily fish, fortified yogurts, eggs, and cereals. Also, consider taking a vitamin D supplement to boost your mood and happiness this winter.
5. Schedule Sleep. The National Sleep Foundation recommends adults get approximately 7-9 hours of sleep each night. Include rest time within your busy schedule, and use relaxation methods before bed, such as meditation, reading, or soft holiday music, to unwind and improve sleep quality.
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