Overcoming Stress and Holiday Temptations
The holidays are a joyous time of food, family, and fellowship! Unfortunately, they can also lead to a New Year's battle of the bulge. The holidays can be stressful with work, activities, school, church, parties, shopping, etc. Stress amplifies the effects of seasonal temptations to over indulge in food, holiday sweets, and adult beverages. In addition to this, sleep patterns can be aggravated by every thing else that is going on.
These are our challenges. Now, what can we do about it?
1. Have a plan. It's easier said than done, but just recognizing what needs to be done can help relieve stress. 2. Don't try to accomplish too much. Understand what your limits are before you bite off more than you can chew. 3. Turn off the TV and phone at least an hour before bedtime to declutter your brain. Pick up a good book to read before bed. That time away from the screens can help you get sleepy more quickly. 4. Avoid snacks and adult beverages before bedtime. Give your body time to process everything before you hit the sack. It makes for a more pleasant night's sleep. 5. Choose nutrient dense foods whenever you can during the holidays. Avoid ultra-processed junk foods and drinks that tend to be nothing more than empty calories. Sure, they can taste good. They've been designed specifically to cause cravings. But, too much will mean more challenges later. Maybe it's best not to indulge at all? 6. Take time for some exercise breaks. Even short exercise sessions spent walking, jogging, hiking, swimming, or playing pickleball can improve metabolism, help you sleep better, and burn off some unwanted calories. If you can grab a little sunshine outdoors while you exercise, you've given yourself a double dose of goodness. 7. Save time grocery shopping and avoid traffic and lines by ordering online from US Wellness Meats. We'll ship free anywhere in the lower 48 on orders 15 lbs or more and most orders arrive at your home within 24-48 hours after leaving our facility.
Well Wishes, Team USWM |
