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{Note from Jessica: Today’s post is shared by my good friend, Lauren, author of Lauren Fowler. She is a Registered Dietitian Nutritionist (RDN) and yoga teacher who promotes a non-diet approach to nutrition and health. She wants everyone to connect to their body’s intuitive wisdom rather than following diets. She encourages the tools of intuitive eating and health at every size. Stop by LaurenFlower.co to read more about nutrition, intuitive eating, heart-based health, and yoga.}

During the holidays, things can get crazy…even for the most zen of people.

Between holiday gatherings and extravagant meals, your immune system takes a hit. You may not be used to drinking as much alcohol or eating as much sugar, as you do during the holidays. The last thing you’ll want to be is sick when you’re trying to enjoy the joy and gratitude of family and friends during the holidays.

So, I’ve put together a wonderful self-care guide for you to practice this holiday season. Choose one thing on this list each day to really take care of yourself – even 5 minutes will make a difference! You can go to the list that you seem to struggle with the most – whether that’s food, lifestyle, or movement.

Food

  1. Eat mindfully! At social gatherings when they’re endless appetizers or extravagant feasts, taking the time to slow down, chew your food, and eat mindfully will boost your digestion. You’ll also be able to savor your food more without overdoing it and ending up passed out in sweatpants 20 minutes later!
  2. Stock up on herbal teas! These travel well, and they’ll offer a moment of warm nourishment. Herbal teas like ginger, tulsi (holy basil), or peppermint can be both comforting and anti-inflammatory. Ginger is my go-to for any signs of a cold or sore throat!
  3. Eat warm foods (and load them with veggies!). In the cold months, soups and stews and chilis and curries are super comfort food. I’d argue that they are some of the best foods because you can throw in tons of veggies (and nutrients!), and they make awesome leftovers. Make a big batch, so you have a go-to, nutrient-rich meal.
  4. At holiday gatherings, take a look at the foods available and ask yourself what you really want. Too often, we grab a little of everything because it’s in front of us. Instead, really savor what you truly want, especially those holiday foods you only have once or twice a year.
  5. If you have dietary restrictions or food allergies/sensitivities, bring your own dish and/or pack some snacks for yourself. The last thing you’ll want is to end up starving with food you can’t eat, so be sure to have food you can really enjoy as well.

Lifestyle

  1. Get in your ZZZs. Sleep is one of the foundations of wellness, so set yourself a bedtime during the season to stay energized and refreshed. If you do stay up late, take time to rest the next day with a short power nap or early bedtime, so you don’t end up in a sleep deficit. If you’re traveling, consider bringing your favorite pillow for great sleep!
  2. Dry brush. This is a simple body-loving ritual to naturally detoxify your body and get your lymphatic system moving. It’s also great for the winter, especially if you have dry skin.
  3. Take a hot bath or epsom salt bath. This will feel amazing, and it makes you take a break from your phone (bonus!).
  4. Spend 10 minutes with your legs up the wall. This simple yoga pose is exactly how it sounds – lie on your back on a yoga mat or the floor and lift your legs up the wall. It’s an incredibly restorative yoga pose, and it can help calm your nervous system and reduce stress levels. It’s great right before bed!
  5. Say NO. You don’t have to say yes to every holiday event, and saying no will help you stay present and enjoy the ones you do say yes to. Don’t feel guilty about it!

Movement

  1. Take a walk. Get outside in the brisk air, and move your body. It will wake you up better than a cup of coffee. During a season where it’s easy to lounge around inside all day, taking a walk first thing will get your blood pumping, and your body will love it.
  2. Find a fun holiday event like a Turkey Trot or a Santa Run, and sign up with your family and friends. You may need to motivate yourself more in the winter to move, so making it fun is crucial.
  3. Stretch out your body in the morning. Do what feels good for you, whether that’s a child’s pose, forward fold, or downward dog.
  4. Get outside and move after holiday meals. It can feel really good to take a leisurely walk with family or friends after your meal rather than immediately plopping into the couch. This is one ritual that’s common after Thanksgiving for my family.
  5. Do what you can, but give yourself a break. If you’re normally a pretty active person, give yourself a break from your daily routine to rest your body and move in a way that feels great for you. This could mean hitting up the gym or trying a new class out, or simply taking a walk that day.

15 Ways to Practice Self-Care Over the Holidays // deliciousobsessions.com

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