Stay energized, balanced, and joyful throughout the holiday season with these easy tips.
Sacramento, Calif.- It’s important to keep our health on that list. If we don’t make health a priority and end up feeling lethargic or stuck in bed, nothing on the list will get done. We can also avoid becoming a “Scrooge” of the season by taking care of ourselves and feeling our best.
Top 5 Ways to Stay Healthy and in the Holiday Spirit
1. Reduce Stress
Although the holidays are intended to be a time of celebration and gratitude, many of us feel more stress as we take on extra baking, shopping, and events. Stress is a major contributor to aging and is estimated to cause up to 90% of all chronic diseases.
Slow down and ask yourself what’s really important. Check in with yourself before committing to parties or sending out hundreds of holiday cards. Are you sending them out from a place of joy and love, or out of obligation? If it feels stressful, reconsider. Your family and friends will value your well-being far more than a holiday card.
2. Eat Well
Just as a car won’t run properly if we put soda in its gas tank, our bodies won’t function well without proper fuel. Ironically, during the time of year when we need the most energy, we often eat the worst foods—ones loaded with unhealthy fats and sugars.
During the holiday rush, make vegetables the base of each meal. Reducing sugar can also make a huge difference in how you feel.
3. Fortify Your Immune System With Supplements
There are many supplements to consider when you feel a sniffle or sore throat coming on. Among the most important preventive vitamins is Vitamin D, especially during the winter. Other beneficial supplements include Vitamin C and Transfer Factor for illness prevention.
If you do catch a cold, various homeopathic remedies—such as ViraClear—can be incredibly helpful in reducing symptoms and recovery time.
4. Exercise
Our bodies are made to move! The benefits of exercise are almost endless. It reduces stress, boosts natural “feel-good” chemicals, and helps lessen sadness, anxiety, irritability, anger, fatigue, hopelessness, and self-doubt.
Start with something practical—walking in your neighborhood rather than attending an aerobics class across town. Don’t overdo it. Think of exercise as a stress reliever, not another task on your list. Enjoy it!
5. Get Your Neurotransmitters Tested
It’s estimated that 70% of Americans have low serotonin levels. Neurotransmitter imbalances can cause symptoms such as mood disorders (panic attacks, depression, anxiety), eating issues (cravings and appetite control problems), memory and pain disorders, metabolic issues (fatigue and hypoglycemia), and insomnia.
The six neurotransmitters commonly measured by naturopathic doctors are serotonin, GABA, dopamine, norepinephrine (NE), epinephrine (EPI), and glutamate.
This holiday season, give yourself the greatest gift of all—good health to share with the people you love!
Explore additional topics from Sacramento Naturopathic Medical Center with Dr. Godby, ND, MA and his team at Natural Wellness.
As a naturopathic doctor for the last 20 years, I have witnessed the power of a preventative lifestyle and naturopathic medicine to transform the health and lives of thousands of patients.
Sacramento Naturopathic
2530 J Street, Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95816
Phone: (916) 446-2591
sac-nd.com/dr-dennis-godby-nd-ma
