Tips On Coping With Holiday Stress by Nutritionist Serena Poon
2020 has been unlike any other year we’ve experienced and people have felt an overwhelming amount of stress. Parents all over the country have been feeling extra stress - balancing the demands of motherhood is hard enough, add in a global pandemic and many moms have been forced to become employee, parent and teacher at once. As we know, when we take care of ourselves we in turn can be the best parent we can be.
It’s important to remember that stress causes inflammation in the body, which can be very dangerous to our health. Because of this, we need to give our mind and body the support and nourishment it needs during stressful situations—and equip ourselves with the right tools to do so. With the holidays around the corner and a new year approaching, it’s a good time to check the stress at the door with some tools to promote a more balanced mind.
Stay hydrated- Drinking lots of water is important on a regular basis, but even more so during stressful times or during the holidays when we find ourselves indulging a bit more. When our bodies are properly hydrated, everything functions better— our metabolism, our digestion, our natural detoxification process, mental acuity and our bodies' ability to properly absorb vital nutrients. Since our bodies are comprised of over 70% water, drinking enough water and staying hydrated creates an immediate shift in the way our bodies’ look and feel.
Decompress daily – whether it’s meditating, doing a breathing exercise or taking a few moments to center yourself, it’s important to have some “you” time every day. Meditating is proven to be beneficial for long-term health and wellness, and even meditating for just a minute or two a day delivers benefits. A great place to start is with the 4-4-4 breathing exercise. Also, I love Elixinol’s Organic Balance Tincture. I try not to go a day without it. I find that both the daily ritual of using the Organic Balance Tincture, along with its subtle and effective ability to bring harmony, has been so supportive for me, especially on days that may be more stressful. This particular full-spectrum CBD product is truly unique, using organic whole-hemp extract blended with certified organic MCT oil and BCP (beta-caryophyllene), and the entire product has been certified through Pro-Cert, North America’s premier USDA organic certification organization. As we head into the holidays, I would recommend this as a daily must-have.
Eat lots of vegetables - Eating a wide variety of vegetables and fruit is one of the best ways to boost your health. Vegetables (and fruit, but in moderation because of the sugar content) deliver an array of healthy phytonutrients that nourish your body and support overall health. The more variety you eat, especially of varying colors, the more nutrients you are absorbing into your body.
Get more sleep- A lack of sleep can weaken our immune system, disrupt our gut health, and completely throw our hormones out of balance. A lack of sleep also tends to amplify emotions and feelings of stress and anxiety. For those who are fans of melatonin or natural sleep aids.
Spend time in nature - Taking a walk outside can be a simple way to calm your nervous system. In fact, studies have shown that spending time in nature, even for brief periods can help improve symptoms of anxiety, depression and stress.
Serena Poon, CN, CHC, CHN, leading chef, nutritionist, reiki master and coach. Follow her @chefserenapoon