It’s that time of year again. Everyone is spreading the holiday cheer with friends, family, and even complete strangers. For some, the holiday spirit comes easy, but for others, well we are just trying to make sure we have enough cheer for ourselves.
The holidays bring a whole new level of stress, and it just stacks on top of our everyday stress. Extra work hours to make financial commitments, deep cleaning before the family comes, holiday dinners to prepare for, keeping aunt Susan away from uncle buck so they don’t start an all-out brawl in your living room, these are just a few stressors that the holidays bring.
But whatever the time of year, you've got to practice self-care and learn how to be healthy and happy no matter what life throws at you.
We know, easier said than done. That’s why we’ve put together a list of tips to help you keep your spirits up.
Read on to learn how to be healthy and happy.
Meditate
Meditation is extremely underrated. There’s a reason why the monks have practiced meditation for thousands of years.
Meditation works to reduce stress levels, improve symptoms of anxiety and depression, as well as lower inflammation in the body. Honestly, we can’t even begin to list all of the benefits of meditation.
When you think of meditation, you probably picture yourself sitting cross-legged and preaching the famed “omm”.
But medication doesn’t have to be so form-fitted. As long as you can find a quiet place where you can close your eyes, you can learn to drift into a meditative state.
Eat a Vitamin-Rich Diet
Your diet can actually have a dramatic impact on your mood and overall well-being.
Our bodies are designed to thrive off of vitamins and minerals, macro and micronutrients. You need vitamins, you need minerals, you need carbs, and yeah, you need healthy fats too.
There are so many different trending diets floating around the internet, but the healthiest are those that offer rich sources of all of these essential nutrients.
Talk to your doctor about which food lifestyle is right for you.
Drink Lots of Water
Water is life. Water is refreshing. Water is necessary.
Your body is made up of roughly 60% water, and you use your water supply every day. It is crucial that you replenish your body's resources as often as possible.
Does this mean you need to carry a big gallon of water with you everywhere you go? No. But we do recommend keeping a water bottle with you at all times.
You can even find cool bottles that light up when it’s time for more water, and some that sync to your phone via Bluetooth to track your water intake.
Soak up the Sun
You might live in a city where the sun tends to hide during the winter months, and that can really play a big role in your mental and physical health.
Your body naturally soaks up vitamin D from the sun, but if there is no sun, you could develop a deficiency.
Remember all the pretty blue skies you used to see when the sun was out? Are you been feeling a bit more tired now that they come around less often?
Studies have shown that the color blue suppresses your body‘s natural production of melatonin, the sleep hormone.
With all of the dark and dreary skies, it’s no wonder you’ve been feeling sluggish.
So soak up every minute of the sun while you can and reap all the benefits.
Make Sure Your Sleeping Soundly
As much as your body needs vitamins and minerals, it needs rest too.
Your brain and other organs never stop working, but they do slow down and recuperate while you’re sleeping. It’s important to give your body enough time to recuperate after the day, especially if you’re active during the day.
Talk to your doctor if you feel like you’re having trouble falling asleep or staying asleep, as your sleep cycles can affect your mood just as easily as your physical health.
Exercise Every Day - Even If It’s Only a Little
You don’t have to go to the gym and hit the weights every day to exercise. Exercising can be something as little as a brisk 10 minute walk around the block or taking the stairs a few times instead of the elevator.
If you have a dog, consider taking them on walks that are a bit longer each day. Not only will the exercise improve your health and mood, but you’ll notice a difference in your dog's wellbeing as well.
Try Herbal Supplements
CBD, essential oil’s, and herbal healing are all the rage right now, and for good reason.
Have you ever wondered where our medicine comes from? Plants. All of our pills and shots started from plants.
But over the years doctors and scientists have worked to perfect medication, using chemical engineering to alter the natural state. This is not to say that Dr. prescribed medications are bad for you or won’t work, it’s just a reminder that Mother Nature has given us lots of opportunities for natural healing.
Consider trying herbal remedies for mild symptoms of anxiety, depression, chronic pain, etc.
You can find tons of information online for different herbs and supplements, as well as a good CBD gummies recipe.
Share How to Be Healthy and Happy with Your Friends and Family
Most of the time when we are feeling kind of dumpy, it can feel like you’re the only one that's stressing out. But, trust us, your neighbors, friends, and even family are probably feeling the same way you are right now. Most of us just don’t know how to show it.
Do your part in spreading holiday cheer by teaching your loved ones how to be healthy and happy no matter the time of year.
Browse through the rest of our site for more ways to help you live your best life.
