How do you stay zen during the holidays?
While the holidays are often a time of celebration, joy, and being closest to the ones you love, it can also be, well, stressful. It is easy to not feel so wonderful during the most wonderful time of year…but with the right balance, you can navigate through the holiday season with as little stress as possible.
Avoid getting your stockings in a twist with some simple tips.
Eat Clean
You don’t have to give up eating clean just because it’s the holidays. Many of your favorite special-occasion treats can be “cleaned up” simply by swapping whole grains for refined ones, choosing low-fat dairy products, and using minimally processed sugars like honey over granulated white or brown sugar. Even if you do splurge on a few items, be smart and don’t overindulge. Maintain your healthy diet to fuel your body for endless festivities, but enjoy your traditional treats as well – moderation is key!
Breathe
It sounds simple enough but we forget to breathe when we are stressed or upset. Deep, cleansing breaths can actually help lower your stress level, not to mention your blood pressure. So when you’re feeling stressed:
- Close your mouth and inhale quietly through your nose to a mental count of four seconds.
- Hold your breath for a count of seven seconds.
- Exhale completely through your mouth to a count of eight seconds.
Stay Active
We know it’s a challenge to eat healthily and squeeze in a workout when you have work parties and family gatherings, but it can be done. You just have to stick to your exercise routine and prioritize yourself. Traveling for the holidays? No worries – hop online and do a little research. Inquire about a temporary gym membership or get a free guest pass with a family member. If you would rather be outdoors, look up running routes and hiking trails in the area. Even when you’re busy holiday shopping, park further away and take the stairs instead of the elevator…every little bit counts.
Sleep
Between parties, shopping for gifts, and family get-togethers, the holidays can leave you stretched for time and sleep. Give yourself a healthy gift this season: a good night’s rest around 7-9 hours. You will wake up feeling recharged and ready to enjoy the festivities!
Be Grateful
Although there are tons of reasons to love the holidays, there are even more reasons to be grateful. Shift your mindset and start focusing on what’s really important: family, friends, being present, and making memories. Studies have shown that gratitude can reduce stress and anxiety, improve relationships, and even promote physical health. A gratitude-filled approach to life has the potential to enhance your general well-being both this holiday season and all year long.
Get A Massage
After all the hustle and bustle are said and done, give yourself a boost to start the new year. A massage from Zen Massage of Salt Lake City is just the thing to help revamp after a busy holiday season.
Zen Massage offers many different styles, prices, and massage specials so you can live life without stress holding you back.
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Zen Massage Luxury Massage in Salt Lake City, Utah
Text (385)448-5634
Call (801) 467-3529
We are located at:
5520 South Van Winkle Expy,
Salt Lake City, Utah 84117