A change in routine, no matter how fabulous and fun the reason, can disrupt the best of intentions to stay happy and healthy. The holiday season is a great opportunity to increase awareness around mind and body health to help balance out indulgence. This balance can help foster enjoyment and relaxation throughout the holidays and, quite possibly, a feeling of rejuvenation at the start of the new year.
Mind
Expectations have a funny way of undermining happiness. With the increased amount of family time during the holidays, the expected fun, laughter, and love can quickly turn sour when things don’t go as planned. Instead of holding tight to a vision of the perfect gathering, consider remaining flexible to all the curveballs and changes that will inevitably take place. For many families, the holidays are a rare time of togetherness that sounds wonderful in theory, yet the reality is often different. Take a deep breath and go with the flow. Notice the difference in how it all feels when choosing to let go of the idea of how things should be and instead opening to how they actually are. The results just might be surprising. As author Jonathan Lockwood Huie says, “A wonderful gift may not be wrapped as one expects.”
Body
Indulging in more sugar, caffeine, and alcohol can affect the quality of skin, sleep, mood, and energy levels. Couple that with less time spent exercising, and the results intensify. Double up on water intake during the holidays. Before the first cup of morning coffee and before going to bed, enjoy a mug of warm water with lemon to help boost digestion and hydration. Three days a week, break a sweat to move out the stagnation and lethargy that come from overindulgence. If that seems impossible, perhaps let go of the idea that a workout needs to be an hour long and at a gym or studio. Even 20 minutes of a brisk walk outside does wonders for boosting energy.
Connection
During the year, the intense focus on work, family, and personal health can take precedence over meaningful friendships. A 2006 study by the Department of Psychology at the University of Utah showed that strong social connections have a positive impact on the cardiovascular and neuroendocrine systems — as well as on the immune system and the body’s inflammatory response. In short, good friends bring good health. Take advantage of the extra days off of work. Invite a friend on a lunch date or finally take a yoga class together at the new studio in town. Meet outside for a walk or take in the latest exhibit at one of Fort Worth’s finest museums. Remember, the social connections good for health are the ones that are live and in person. One good friend is much more rewarding and life-affirming than 500 social media friends.
Lauren Wessinger is a yoga and meditation instructor, and the owner of The MIndful Project. You can follow her on Instagram @laurenwessinger
