You’re so tired of being tired and the holidays are just one more thing to suck your energy away. Shopping, cleaning, cooking, running here and there. And of course, you still have your job and your family routine.
Here are four short and sweet tips to get you to the other side of the holidays with a little more energy to get everything done.
· Hydrate. If it’s overwhelming to think about drinking a huge amount of water, start slow. Add 8 oz. a day until you’re ready to add more. And you don’t have to drink it all at once (as a matter of fact, you shouldn’t drink it all at once). Sip on it throughout the day. Two oz. when you get up, 2 mid-morning oz., 2 oz. before lunch, and 2 oz. before supper. And BAM … you’re done! And ANYONE can drink 2 oz. of water. It’s literally about 3 gulps!
· Stay moving no matter how short the duration. While shopping this year, instead of circling around the parking lot to find a space close to the store entrance, park further from the door. That gives you a few more steps, plus helps you not to be as frustrated finding the perfect spot. Add activity where you can. Make it fun. Try dance (even if it’s in your living room), go for a hike, take a walk, yoga, hula hoop, hop some stairs, jazzercise, play with your kids. But most of all … make it fun!
· Get the right amount of Zzzz’s. Most adults need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night. This is a tough one for most of us. You’ll be amazed, though, at how much better you’ll feel and more energy you’ll have if you get the right amount of sleep. Plus, there are so many negative side effects of sleep deprivation … but more about that in a future blog. If you’re not getting enough sleep, try going to bed just 30 minutes earlier. Your body and brain will thank you!
· Cut down a little on that sugar. Sugar is so prominent during the holidays … cakes, pies, candy, cookies, hot chocolate … DANG! So so much sugar and it tastes so so good. But sugar can wreck havoc on your brain … and your body. I had a client who cut out sugar for a week and lost 6 pounds and lost her brain fog. So often we settle for a Snickers when what we really want is a nap, a hug, time to read a good book, a walk outside, something slow and lovely that allows us to relax. What a bummer that instead of giving ourselves the sweet things in life, we settle for a lame brown candy bar. Create a “Sweetness Menu” on your phone or put it on your fridge and list all the things that make life sweet to you. The next time you have a craving, instead of grabbing a Snickers, grab your Sweetness Menu instead! I have so many more tips for kicking the sugar habit because I once was a sugaraholic!
If you want other tips on kicking sugar or want more accountability and ideas to stay healthy this holiday season, click below to schedule a free Discovery Session to talk with me about how you can create your dream life!
Here’s to a happier and healthier holiday!
Debbie Hawkins