Your Holiday Stress Reducing Checklist
It's here. The beginnings of the busiest times of the year are upon us!
That's why, before everything ramps up … we should take some time to get prepared Immediately. A little forethought will help you cruise through the holidays without the stress.
It begins with taking care of YOU.
When life gets hectic, one of the first things to drop off our to-do lists is our self-care routine. Which is ironic, since taking a little time for your wellbeing each day helps you do everything else better.
Here are some tips to stay ahead of the game:
1. Try to make a simple meal plan each week (especially during the holidays). This will help you avoid eating too many on-the-go meals. Holiday treats are notoriously high in salt, fat, and sugar, which will reverse your gains and leave you feeling bloated and blah.
Plus, eating sugary foods affects the good bacteria in your gut (that helps you fight off cold and flu viruses), which can harm your immune system, too.
What are some easy meals you can throw together at the last minute? My go-to's are turkey burgers and veggies, scrambled eggs (yes, even for dinner!), and sweet potato hash, pre-roasted vegetables with some grilled chicken.
Search "sheet pan recipes" on Google if you want to find some quick and easy meals that won't take a lot of time!
2. Don't jeopardize your exercise time. Keep your immune system happy and get in at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise (like taking a quick walk) during weekdays.
One study found that women who walked for a half-hour every day for a year had 50% fewer colds than those who didn't. That's because regular walking appears to lead to having more infection-fighting white blood cells.
Not only that, but exercise can help you fight stress. When you work out, your body releases more feel-good, mood-boosting hormones.
3. Make a list (or two!). If you have a crazy holiday schedule, start planning NOW so you can do as much ahead of time as possible. Running around at the last minute, trying to get everything done, is the absolute worst!
Put together a checklist of everything you have to do, and then do it (even better, delegate it!).
4. Relax. Make time for family and friends, and enjoying old traditions or making new ones.
Let go of expectations of how you think things "should" go, and enjoy them as they are! It's often the things that happen out of the ordinary that we look back on with a smile.
If you're going to be alone or working over the holidays, make time to mark the occasion! Watch a movie, eat a special meal, or treat yourself to deep tissue, sports massage.
It's been PROVEN to ease back pain, IMPROVE sleep, BOOST your immune system, REDUCE headaches, and much more!
Here's the link to BOOK YOURS ONLINE today; http://bit.ly/JAOmassage
Until next time, own your age, love your life, happy holidays, and keep on moving toward a better you!
