Thanksgiving is right around the corner, and if you are anything like me you are ready to put on that apron, snatch your hair back in an updo, and begin preparing one of the largest meals to be cooked in the year!
Can you smell the warm apple pie or fresh, oven-baked cornbread dressing nearby?
Oh, I sure can!
We get the best of the holidays back to back, Thanksgiving right on the heels of Christmas. For many, the holidays bring up mixed emotions as we reflect on the state of the world these last few years after literally going through a global health crisis! In writing this post, I intend to help you develop some strategies to have the most positive and life-giving holiday experience possible.
Tip #1: Slow Down
The holidays tend to buzz on by with busyness and lots of activities. I want to encourage you to intentionally carve out time and savor sweet moments to self reflect.
The Global Wellness Institute considers “Wellness” to be multidimensional and includes at least six dimensions (Physical Health, Mental Health, Emotional Health, Spiritual Health, Social Health, and Environmental Health)(1).
What dimensions of wellness are you looking forward to improving the most this year?
What do you want your health vision to be this upcoming year?
Consider taking time to slow down, curl up with a hot drink of your choice, read a great book, stare out a window, and savor your moments.
Tip #2: Step outside and Get some Fresh Air
Vitamin D
Try to take time to bask in the glimpses of sun during this Fall Season and increase your vitamin D levels! Vitamin D is a fat-soluble vitamin that we can eat and a hormone that our bodies can make upon exposure to the sun. Vitamin D3 or cholecalciferol is the best form to increase and sustain blood level Vitamin D status (3)(4).
Vitamin D helps support women’s hormonal health by balancing predominant female and thyroid hormones. Vitamin D also supports bone health by supporting proper calcium balance and reducing the incidence of fractures in adults 65 years of age and older. It also supports healthy glucose (blood sugar) regulation, boosts immune function, and supports brain health(3).
Other Benefits
Natural light has been shown to be a natural mood elevator and a possible concentration booster . Taking deep breaths outside may even help to clear toxins out of the body by causing the lungs to release more airborne toxins and irritants than when in doors (5).
Tip #3: Increase your Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a water-soluble vitamin and natural antioxidant known to improve immune function, hormone regulation, collagen (skin and joint) health. It enhances non-heme iron (iron in plant-based foods) absorption in the blood. As an antioxidant, it helps to protect the body from free radicals or agents that can contribute to abnormal cell production and helps to protect against low-grade and chronic inflammation (6). Citrus fruits like oranges, kiwis, pineapples, and grapefruits are excellent natural food sources for vitamin C. Vegetables are great sources for this nutrient as well!
Tip #4: Decrease your Screen Time
Consider reducing your phone and electronic time this holiday season so that you can take more time to savor moments with loved ones and yourself. Researchers have found that increased screen time and time spent on digital devices are linked to physical and psychological health declines. It has also been found to be a sleep pattern disruptor (8). For some, constant exposure to digital devices can negatively affect mental health.
Consider engaging in a little experiment. Try silencing or turning off your phone for an hour daily during your most productive times. Do a little mini-assessment to see how you feel after trying this for a few days next week. You may be surprised about ways your mood and productivity could increase.
Tip #5: Strive to Enter a Heavy Rest & Light workflow
We all have to-do lists, goals, accomplishments, and priorities to achieve, but doing everything we need to do can be slowed down if we’re not balanced in the areas of resting and working. If we put lots of pressure on ourselves to stay in accomplishment mode more than resting mode, we could find ourselves having regrets and longing to regain missed moments. The National Institute on Aging recommends adults sleep 7-9 hours each night. Getting adequate rest promotes immune health, cognitive (brain) function, positive mood, and overall alertness (9). Do you have a favorite nighttime or bedtime routine?
Thank you for reading!
Take care, and Be well this Holiday season!
Choose Life & Live,