It’s the ‘most wonderful time of the year!’ – right? As the holiday season brings with it feelings of joy, excitement, love and togetherness, lesser talked about feelings of stress, loneliness, depression and overwhelm can also sneak into your holiday experience.  Busy schedules, and gatherings with yummy, but let’s say ‘decadent’ foods and the consumption of one too many holiday spirits can leave you feeling bloated, worn out and depleted.

“Taking time for yourself is extremely important during the holiday season,” explains Dr. Fern Moreno, Naturopathic Doctor.  “Maintaining a proper sleep schedule, eating healthy and keeping up with your regular self care schedule are just some of the easy ways to help you stay on top of your health during this hectic time of year.”

Our top tips to keep you feeling healthy this season:

Get Chiropractic Care

Chiropractic Care is a great way to maintain your balance.  “Regular adjustments aid in proper digestion, relieve stress, and reduce pain and risk of injury,” explains Dr. Johnathan Cavallo, DC, DACRB.  “Believe it or not, chiropractic care can even help to enhance your mood and boost your immunity by balancing the nervous system, promoting lymph drainage, eliminating toxins and strengthening the lungs and other organs.” If there is a time to make chiropractic care a regular habit, it’s the holiday season!

Contact us to schedule an appointment with one of our chiropractors!

Sleep Well

Sleeping Well during the holidays can be tough. Busy days, late parties, and a to-do list that never ends can really cramp your sleep schedule. For adults, seven to nine hours of sleep per night is ideal. Children and teens need even more. A sleep schedule, sleep-friendly bedroom, regular exercise and healthy eating will all help ensure a restful slumber.

Eat Well

Healthy Eating within reason is definitely doable during the holidays. Some quick tips include eating a healthy meal before you go to a party, going in with a plan and bringing along a healthy dish that you know will fit within your diet – it’s not only smart, its gracious to bring along a dish to add to the spread.  “Portion size is always something to keep in mind,” adds Dr. Moreno.  “Don’t overindulge and try to skip the extras, like gravy and sauces, as those calories really add up.”

Taking a digestive enzyme supplement is a great way to aid in your digestion during the holidays.  Our favorite is our Digestive Enzyme Support supplement that improves protein breakdown and maximizes nutrient absorption. Call or stop by to purchase yours today!

Limit Alcohol

Alcohol can impact your mood, your sleep and your waistline. It’s best to skip the alcohol altogether, but if you are feeling festive and want to indulge, just like with healthy eating, it’s best to have a plan, choose wisely and stick to moderation.

Exercise

The American Heart Association recommends 2.5 hours of exercise per week.  That’s tough to do during these cold, dark, busy months.  But getting outdoors, even for a brisk, bundled up walk, can do wonders for your health and your mood.

Reach Out

Even with all the festivities, the holidays can be a lonely and overwhelming time.  If you are feeling low, make sure to seek out help. Support can come in many forms. Some turn to their friends and families, while others find it in a community or religious organizations. Professional help can also be helpful when dealing with feelings of sadness or loneliness that don’t seem to go away. Remember, you are not in this alone–seeking out a professional who understands your lifestyle and health goals can make all the difference.

By: Dr. Johnathan Cavallo, DC, DACRB and Fernanda Moreno, ND, MPH