The festive season is upon us, and this means Christmas parties, chilly mornings and nights, some overindulgence and even burnout from the run-up to the big day itself.
Top tips for caring for yourself this season
1. Prioritise your gut health
It always comes back to the gut! Taking care of your gut is essential for your overall health, wellbeing, and immunity. If you’ve indulged in rich foods, sugary treats and alcohol, your gut may need some TLC. Taking Kefir first thing on a morning is a great way to start. The incredible probiotics in kefir can help to alleviate bloating, improve energy levels and enhance your immune system.1https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23621727/
2. Rehydrate & replenish
Late nights and alcohol consumption can dehydrate and deplete your body of essential nutrients. Ensuring adequate water consumption and replenishing those essential nutrients is vital. Electrolyte drinks such as coconut water with a squeeze of lemon can help to do this. Enjoying herbal teas with ingredients such as dandelion and nettle can aid in detoxification.2https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9253158/
3. Nourish your body with food!
Perhaps you indulge over the festive period, but you can renourish your body with healing, nutrient-dense foods. Make a healing bone broth or a hearty stew to help nourish you whilst being gentle on your digestive system.
4. Reset through sleep
The power of a good nights sleep for recovery, rejuvenation and overall health cannot be stressed enough.3https://newsinhealth.nih.gov/2021/04/good-sleep-good-health Sleep impacts your wellbeing, metabolism, immune system, hormones, and so much more. Quality sleep is vital to support your health and may be needed if you find yourself having some later-than-usual nights.4https://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/health/sleep/why-sleep-important Try sipping a lovely warm drink such as a healthy hot chocolate, reading a book and creating a relaxing and cosy bedtime routine.
5. Plan ahead
If you know you’ll be too busy to cook, try preparing meals ahead of time or ensuring you have leftovers at the ready. If you’re going to be partying and possibly drinking alcohol, make sure to stay hydrated throughout the night to reduce any possible hangover effects. Prepare healthy snacks in advance in case you find yourself worn out from the festivities.
6. Restore tired skin
The effects of a late night, alcohol and indulgent foods can very easily show themselves outwardly on the skin. Taking the time to care for your skin, through a gentle skincare routine can help to combat these effects.
Other ways you can care for yourself this season
- Take an Epsom salt or magnesium flake bath. This will soothe tired and achy muscles. It can also detox the body. Magnesium supplementation has also been shown to improve symptoms of stress, such as fatigue, irritability and sleep issues.5https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC7761127/
- Practice some gentle exercise such as yoga or stretching that can help to stimulate your lymphatic system.6https://draxe.com/fitness/yoga-for-lymph/
- Try some deep breathing and breathwork exercises. Breathwork has been found to improve mood and reduce anxiety.7https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC9873947/
For more ways to care for yourself this season check out How we treat a cold on the farm.
Any questions? Contact one of our Nutritional Therapists via live chat, weekdays from 8 am to 8 pm.
References
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