5 Secrets to Decrease Stress and Feel Fabulous During the Holiday Season

SECRET #1: GOOD SLEEP HYGIENE

Wind down an hour before bed; that means no electronics, no lights on phones/laptops, TVs, etc… Turn it all off and start your nighttime routine. The highest quality and most restorative sleep is from 10pm to 12pm, the “night train”, so catch as much as you can to minimize your stress the next day, lose weight, and feel your best. Every hour of sleep before midnight counts for 2 hours of sleep after midnight. Catch the train!

SECRET #2: EAT SIMPLE, THINK SIMPLE, AND BREATHE

Keep it simple. Make sure the meals you are eating during the holiday season are easy to digest. Often we are stressed during the holidays, and when we eat when stressed, we go into fat storage mode rather than fat burning mode. Think SMOOTHIES when you get overwhelmed and are short on time.

Taking deep breaths and being conscious of what you eat is key for your health and happiness, and will leave you better able to say no to the sweet treats.

Try taking a breath in through your nose, holding that breath for 10 seconds, and then releasing. Repeat this deep breathing exercise 5 times, and you will reduce those feelings of stress.

The holidays are a great time to reflect in a simple way. Try this new great journal app called Perspective one of my clients shared with me for journaling, reflecting, and creating new habits with ease. It will be great if you are traveling as well.

SECRET #3: MY WEIGHT- LOSS WEAPONS

Two drinks I would not live without during the holiday are the following:

MY MORNING LEMON ELIXIR to boost metabolism

Take 2 cups of room temperature water and add the juice from 1⁄2 a lemon, a pinch of cayenne (optional but boosts metabolism), and 1 teaspoon of raw honey or a couple drops of stevia.

MY EVENING ALKALIZING CHLOROPHYLL DRINK to alkalize the body and decrease inflammation from the day

Add 1 tablespoon of chlorophyll to 12 ounces of water with the juice of one lemon.

Note: you can buy chlorophyll at any natural food store, Whole Foods, or on Amazon.

SECRET #4: CHOOSE YOUR COCKTAILS WISELY

Too much sugar in combination with alcohol can be the perfect storm for feeling anxious, stressed, and hung over the next day. Check out my Healthy Happy Hour guide here to help you make the best decisions in reducing your stress post holiday gathering. Don’t forget your charcoal to “soak up” the toxins from a little over indulgence. Dr. Amy Myers recommends taking 2 capsules at night before you go to bed.

SECRET #5: YOU MUST BE PRESENT TO WIN

Take your mindfulness, prayer, meditation, or whatever you call your personal practice, up a notch.

When you wake up in the morning, lie in bed and count 4 simple things you are grateful for. When you curl up at night, reflect back on your day.

Is there anything you would have like to have done differently?

Maybe you are not happy with your reaction or behavior?

Is there something you said you would like to retract?

Somewhere you spent your energy that in hindsight you wish you hadn’t?

Reflect back, learn from your day, and then find 4 things to be grateful for.

Email me here if you want to connect before the holidays so I can support you. I have a simple and sweet holiday program that might be just what you need for pre and post holidays. Plan to set yourself up for success and trust that I can help you do just that.

As always love to hear any feedback!