Wellness and Self Care for the Holidays

While I was walking in the park I overheard one woman ask another ” how do you feel about the holidays?”. I passed by and did not hear her answer but the question remained in my head.
It can be tiring just thinking about the frenetic energy that surrounds the holiday season. The parties, the overeating, the stress of preparation and holiday anticipation can be stressful and weaken energy flow. This nervous tension can interrupt sleep, weaken digestion, and cause anxiety and even depression for many.
Ayurveda relies on daily rituals and natural remedies to create balance. As I mentioned in last week’s blog, eating foods that align with the season, oiling the body, meditation, yoga postures and a healthy morning routine supports energy flow during the cold season. Those suggestions will support a joyful holiday season.

Here are few practical  tips that can enhance wellness to your holidays:

1. Aim not to eat heavy foods late at night. Although most parties are after hours remember the cheese plates and heavy desserts will weigh heavy the next morning. So opt for the healthier appetizers and foods being sure to scrape your tongue the following morning to get rid of excess toxins. Ayurveda suggests eating your largest meal at lunch.
2.Sip on ginger tea or sip hot water during the day to support your GI tract. Ginger tea is warming, aids in digestion and burns off toxicity.
3.If you overdo it with alcohol, drink coconut water the next day which is so hydrating ( not cold or iced) and start the day with two glasses of warm water with lemon.
4.Keep moving during the holidays. Whether it’s yoga, pure barr, walking, running or biking keep it going.Whenever possible take a 15-30 minute walk after meals.
Creating time for yoga in your home can foster the patience for those ” challenging” relatives!

If you havent cultivated some of the habits you’d hoped to all year now is a good time to implement some of them before the New Year.

Two detoxifying tonics from Vasant Lad’s Book  The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies:

One tsp fresh lime juice
1/2 tsp raw cane susgar or coconut sugar
pinch of salt
1/2 tsp baking soda
Mix the first three ingredients then add baking soda. Drink in a glass of warm water in the morning

8 ounces water
One Tbsp yogurt plain ( whole milk)
pinch of cumin powder

Mix all ingredients and drink twice a day.

As you prepare for how you feel about the holidays, may some of these tips give you the fuel you need to be in joy, generosity, and love.
with fierce love,

Gedalia