by Dr. Marita Schauch, ND, Tall Tree Integrated Health Centre – 

The holiday season is supposed to be a time of festivities, yet for many of us, holiday cheer can dissolve into holiday stress. Long distance travelling, family get-togethers, extra shopping and social obligations can eventually wear the mind and body down.

To top it all off, during this chaotic time it’s not uncommon to overindulge in food and drink as we try to soothe emotional stress. Ironically enough, most of us feel worse either during or after the holiday season.

Does this all sound too familiar? This year, it doesn’t have to be! Follow these six tips to keep you healthy in the holiday spirit.

1. It’s OK to indulge – in moderation! Many of us associate the holidays with our favourite comfort foods. You don’t have to completely deprive yourself of all the holiday treats this year, just plan wisely. Make sure to eat your nutrients before your treats!

2. Give your baked goods a makeover. Try experimenting a little with healthy and nutritious substitutions. Some baked goods taste just as great using gluten-free flours. Using sugar substitutes like applesauce or bananas can reduce the amount of sugar on the body or I often even cut the amount of sugar in half when baking. Also, the addition of oats and nuts into many batters will make baked goods more filling and nourishing, minimizing the desire to overeat.

3. Support those stress glands! Extra stress during the holidays can cause your body to use up nutrients more rapidly; therefore, extra anti-stress vitamins and minerals are needed to support the body. The B vitamins especially have active roles in regulating mood and emotional well-being. Taking a B complex once or twice a day can be helpful. Botanical herbs such as rhodiola, ashwagandha, holy basil and schizandra are greatly appreciated to help fight fatigue, reduce the levels of stress hormones circulating in the body, and increase the body’s capacity to cope with stress.

4. Keep up with your exercise! During periods of stress, exercise can alter your body chemistry to calm and soothe upset nerves. Even though the holiday season can be a difficult time to keep up an exercise routine, try working out first thing in the morning or plan family activities such as walking in one of our beautiful local parks.

5. Be diligent with your immune support! This time of the year include vitamin C, echinacea, astragalus, vitamin D and zinc as part of your daily routine to help keep your immune system strong enough to ward off unwanted bugs.

6. Make sure you rest and breathe. Most importantly this holiday season, make sure you get enough rest! Proper sleep and relaxation will help keep the immune system strong as well as relieve stress. Take the time to wind down and don’t feel obligated to do everything and see everyone. Choose activities that truly give you joy and forget about obligations. Let your to-do list get finished tomorrow.

Have a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season!