- Get plenty of rest. This time of year comes with the busyness of family get-togethers, office parties and shopping. It is easy to sacrifice your sleep to get it all in. One of the easiest ways to make yourself sick with winter colds and flus is to limit your normal sleep. Make sure you are getting your full 8 hours so that your body can regenerate and recuperate.
- Don't stress out. Whether you're stressed about not seeing your family for the holidays or stressed about having to sit down at a meal with them, take time to de-stress. Meditation and guided visual imaging are great ways to calm yourself. Some foods that have been shown to reduce the stress hormone Cortisol include: Omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin C, low Glycemic Index foods and Dark Chocolate.
- Find time to exercise. As little as 30 minutes a day, most days per week of some type of cardiovascular exercise is enough to keep you fit and trim. Try to schedule some resistance weight lifting exercise as well. This will help keep the stress down and also help improve joint mobility and function.
- Hydrate. The cold, dry weather that gives Utah the “Best Snow on Earth” also takes its toll on our bodies, sapping us of our natural fluids. Make sure you are drinking plenty of pure water to fight the effects of dehydration.
- Limit the snacking and grazing. Just when we are getting rid of all the Halloween candy, we are faced with all the holiday goodies that are delivered to our offices and homes. Find healthier snacking alternatives. Studies show that most weight is gained in the last 2 months of the year. Don't fall in to the trap of saying, “I'll start ____ (losing weight, exercising, eating healthy, etc.) after the new year.” Get a jump start on your New Year’s resolutions by limiting the fudge, candies and cookies.
- Get outside. When the days are shorter and colder, it is natural to want to stay indoors and sit by the fire sipping hot chocolate. Bundle up and go for a walk in the snow, go sledding with the kids or grand kids, drive up the canyons and escape the inversion. Being outside enjoying the beauty of winter and letting the winter sunshine hit your face to produce Vitamin D will do wonders for your overall well-being.
- Get your Chiropractic adjustment. There is no better way to improve your physical and mental wellness than to let the doctors at The Joint Cottonwood Heights align your spine. Adjustments release the natural feel-good hormones, improve joint mobility, and increase blood flow and energy. Take advantage of the benefits of Chiropractic and enjoy your Holidays!
~ Dr. Brad Hendricks
