My family’s favorite holiday movie is Christmas Vacation. You actually feel anxiety as you watch Clark W. Griswold struggle with holiday stress. “Can I refill your eggnog? Get you something to eat, drive you into the middle of nowhere and leave you for dead?”
If Christmas Vacation plays out like your holidays, here are some tips to ensure a stress-free and fun-filled holiday season.
- Cut the sugar (just say no to those little bite-sized candy bars on your co-workers’ desk) and caffeine (you think you need it but your adrenals don’t). Adrenals need pampering, especially during the holidays. If you step foot on that rollercoaster it adds extra stress to these organs that help with your stress management. Adrenals are our friends, help them help you.
- Increase healthy fats, proteins and consume plenty of foods high in vitamin C. Not only do they keep you fuller, longer, they also support adrenals (organs that help with stress). Great examples are: avocados, extra virgin coconut oil, crispy nuts, organic grass-fed beef, organic eggs, organic oranges, organic bell peppers and hummus.Remember while grocery shopping to grab things to have on hand for those weak moments we all face. Replace toxic die and GMO-filled candy keeping healthier alternatives in your office desk. Personally, I love Organic Dark Chocolate Double Truffle Bars (Trader Joes), or Alter Eco Quinoa Chocolate Bars (Coborn’s or Whole Foods). Don’t forget Teeccino Chocolate Herbal Coffee Tea (Whole Foods or Thrive Market) to sip on when you’re cold, or Live Cola Kombucha (Coborn’s or Fresh Thyme Market) when you want bubbly and refreshing. Have fresh organic vegetables washed, cut up and ready to grab. Fill up on healthy food before a party and bring food to share you know you can eat, this will help you avoid the junk food that is always present.
- Get plenty of sleep! We know studies show we need 6-8 hours of sleep to recharge. Put a dab of lavender essential oil behind your ears before bed to help relax. Turn electronics off at least an hour before lights out, blue lights stimulate the body. If you short your body on sleep you’re going to put more undue stress on those adrenals and you’re going to be more likely turn to the sugar and caffeine.
- Have a few hostess gifts on hand. I like to buy a couple extra bottles of organic sulfite-free wine (prevent those pesky headaches, we don’t have time for them). And don’t forget the cute gift bags.
Finally, remember Jesus is the Reason for the Season! Christmas is a celebration of Christ’s birthday and it’s easy to lose sight of that. I know when I forget that, stress piles up.
Do yourself a favor and set yourself up for success. Take some time to plan ahead. You deserve it! You’ll eliminate bad choices and regrets, ensuring your New Tear starts off on the right foot.