Here come the holidays with all the joys of getting together with family and friends, celebrating the many gifts of the year. And yet, the holidays can be a real trigger for our hormones to get out of balance and undermine our enjoyment of this special time of year.
With the sugar, caffeine, alcohol, the rich foods and added stress, it is no wonder that by the time we reach the New Year, we are more than ready for a detox. Unfortunately, it can take weeks to get our body back on track from this short adventure!
So what can we do to still find enjoyment in the season and not spin off into mood swings, hot flashes and sleep disturbances?
Here are a few easy suggestions:
- Simplify and downsize your holiday expectations.
- Spend time at events, doing activities with people you really enjoy.
- Set healthy boundaries, graciously say, “Thanks, but my plate is already full.”
- Keep up your daily exercise (even just walking) it’s great for managing stress and burning up extra calories.
- Set aside a daily 5-minute minimum for quieting yourself and your mind.
- Eat something healthy before going to a party.
- Take healthy foods to parties – roasted vegetables, flax crackers and hummus, fresh fruit.
- Limit alcohol intake – substitute with pomegranate juice and sparkling water.*
- Eat a healthy protein (nuts, cheese, slice of turkey, an egg) when you eat carbohydrates (sugar, breads & baked goods, pastas, alcohol).
- Plan events into your schedule that feed your soul: A walk around the lake, sitting with a loved one by the fire, enjoying the holiday lights, listening to your favorite songs of the season…
Do the best you can, hold yourself and others in compassion.
Have a Magical, Peaceful, and Joyous Holiday Season!
Jane Kennedy, CFNP, MN, MPH
