Holiday Balance Tips
The holidays should be a time for celebration with family and friends, but often, in the endless round of preparation, shopping and parties, one of the first things to be sacrificed are the habits that keep us healthy. But you don't have to sacrifice your balance - or your health, if you keep in mind some simple tricks:
Small actions help. Give yourself 5-10 minutes in the morning to do some light exercise: yoga stretches, Tai Chi sequences, anything that fires the connection between brain and muscles. If you don't have time in the morning, fit it in later in the day.
Use the dead time. When brushing your teeth, or waiting in line at the store, practice standing on one leg, the other raised just off the floor. Make sure there is something sturdy nearby to keep you safe should you need it.
Keep moving. You don't even need your workout clothes. Take every opportunity to get up and move around, or choose to stand instead of sit, and walk instead of drive wherever possible.
Drink water. Dehydration adds to fatigue, which is bad for balance. We don't feel as thirsty in the colder weather, so make a point of drinking water often. Added bonus: nutritionists recommend starting every party with a glass of water to cut down on empty calories.
Protect your sleep. Set an alarm if necessary, and get to bed in time to get a full night's rest. But don't beat yourself up if you can't avoid some late nights. Enjoy them! and try to give yourself some extra rest the following day. Even a 5-10 minute period of meditation or mindfulness can help soothe a tired nervous system and combat holiday stress.
Wishing you a better balanced holiday season this year.