Stress is a big factor during the holidays and it causes us to lose sleep, eat more and eat more often, as well as increase any habitual coping methods we may have (drinking, smoking etc...). Don't get me wrong, there is nothing like enjoying a glass of wine after a long day of putting up lights or getting your shopping done, but please be conscious of WHAT you are doing and check in with your mind and body along the way. Ask yourself how your feeling. Are you really hungry or eating because you "want" what is front of you?
Take these steps to help keep your stress in check and your metabolism working for you:
1. See above : )
2. Get enough sleep! shoot for getting to bed at your regular time and try to get 7 or more hours of rest.
3. Exercise!!! Exercise will rejuvinate you, help you sleep better and balance out those stress hormones to help get you through your day. You may be off your eating plan here and there, but DO NOT sacrifice your exercise routine.
4. Try to stick to that 90% rule of eating right. Splurge in moderation, but eat a salad or your same nutritious meals around your holiday snacking. Sugar is proven to mess up our sleep patterns, metabolism and immune system.
5. Take a time out! We put our kids in a time out to remove them from an excitable situation, why don't we do that for ourselves? When you are tempted with anything (shopping, food, drinks etc...) give your self a time out! Go for a walk, meditate, sit and read a book...activate your mind in a different way and relax.
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