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Stay Physically and Mentally Healthy This Holiday Season

The holiday season is officially upon us. It’s an exciting time of year filled with fun, family, and delicious treats. But for some, the holidays can also be an overwhelming time of the year. The increase in business, change in regular routine, and increase in monthly spending can give rise to some stress. To keep the holiday blues at bay, here are a few tips on how to stay physically and mentally healthy this season.

Stay Physically Active

This is easier said than done during the busy holiday season, but it’s important to do your best to maintain some semblance of routine, especially when it comes to physical activity. If you usually wake up every morning to go for a walk, practice yoga, or bike, then keep it up! Activity is a wonderful way to alleviate stress and keep you healthy by increasing serotonin (the feel-good hormone) throughout your brain and the rest of the body. Find out if your serotonin levels need a boost by visiting Exceed for a hormone evaluation.

Get your family involved in the activities! After Thanksgiving dinner, take a family walk in your neighborhood and see the Christmas lights instead of turning the television on. This is a great way to connect with your family while getting some exercise.

Maintain Healthy Habits

You should feel at liberty to partake in the holiday treats! But make sure you balance the sugary foods with healthy choices. Pick your favorite treats and skip the ones that you can do without. If you know that you’ll be at a holiday dinner party, start your day with a breakfast smoothie, or have a healthy snack like carrots and hummus or an egg on whole wheat toast before you go. That way, you won’t be as tempted to overindulge in sugary foods.

Healthy habits are not exclusive to your diet! Keep mentally fit by reading, praying, or meditating. Know your limits and feel free to politely decline if your schedule is becoming too crowded. If you do end up attending several holiday events and you’re feeling overwhelmed by the crowds, feel free to excuse yourself and walk around outside to take a few deep breaths.

Create a Budget

Did you know that the average American spends about $1,000 dollars each year on holiday gifts? While everyone enjoys giving their loved ones thoughtful gifts throughout the season, this can quickly get expensive, especially with inflation taking a toll on most of us. It’s important to create a budget that fits around your finances. Know what you can afford, write out your list, and designate the amounts that you can spend on each person. There are many ways to show your family and friends that you care without spending a significant amount of money. Handmade gifts like a knitted scarf, blanket, or photo album are meaningful and lasting.

Cultivate Meaningful Relationships

Don’t take the extra time with loved ones for granted. Sometimes we can get so caught up in the business of the season that we can forget to pause and enjoy being around our family and friends. The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to check in and create lasting memories. Take time to connect amidst the business and tell your family that you care about them.

We hope that your holiday season is filled with joy, peace, and cherished memories.

 


If you feel like you’ve lost your vitality, spark, or the drive that sustains you, Exceed Hormone Specialists is here to help. Contact us today to schedule your one-on-one consultation.

Combatting Low Energy and Fighting Fatigue

When we feel energized, we’re typically more productive, happier, and healthier — both physically and mentally. But when factors like menopause, andropause, thyroid issues, or nutrient deficiencies creep upon us, we can quickly feel depleted. Getting your energy back is possible. Here’s how:

Find balance

Exercise can help boost your energy levels, but did you know skipping rest days can lead to sleep issues? Similarly, while sleep is key to healthy aging, too much can lead to depression or cognitive impairment and actually increases your risk of heart disease, diabetes, and stroke. And while a protein-rich diet is encouraged — especially as a way to maintain muscle and bone health — too much can elevate cholesterol levels. Find a balance that works with your lifestyle and stick to it for the best results.

Stay hydrated

Many of us don’t drink enough water throughout the year, but with warmer months just around the corner, staying hydrated is even more important. Dehydration can leave you feeling drained and fatigued. If you’re having difficulty committing to a recommended 60+ ounces per day, try adding a handful of raspberries or splash of lemon juice and leaving the jug in the fridge overnight.

Hit the pause button

Trying to manage competing priorities at work or at home? You may even be tackling both. Aside from the mental fatigue, this can quickly bring to the table, you have to consider how much the stress plays a role in your physical health as well. Lighten your load when possible and find ways to cope with the everyday stressors you can anticipate. This may include relaxing habits like reading or meditation. Among the countless benefits, slowing your breathing can provide more oxygen to the blood — improving your energy levels.

Support your hormones

When our hormone levels are imbalanced, we often feel moody and less energized. In combination with the recommendations highlighted above, Bioidentical Hormone Replacement Therapy (BHRT) can be part of the solution.

Ready to bring balance and vitality back into your life? Connect with us online or give us a call 901-312-7899.