Don’t Fall Apart in December, Just to Rebuild in January.
Category : Blog , Chiropractic Education , Uncategorized
The holidays can be a hectic time of year causing stress to our body both physically and emotionally. With being busy running errands, rushing to activities, changes in season and cold weather along with the lack of sun we are bound to show some stress. Here are a few reminders to prevent any setbacks with the New Year.
Seek the Sun
This time of year we tend to hibernate inside and we are not built for hibernation. We need the sun and the light. I love this saying: “There is no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing.” I’m not sure who said it first, but they were wise. Just like having the proper gear this time of year to handle the weather, having the right supplements will help us manage the shorter days and lack of sunshine. Our bodies utilize sunlight and helps our body make vitamin D. Vitamin D is used to help our immune system become stronger. It aids in the absorption of calcium which is crucial to our health and is used to help in many functions of our body. One such function is the releasing of muscles fibers that when we are low in calcium, will cause muscle cramping and spasms. Since we don’t see the sun as much due to the shorter days and the cold weather keeping us inside, adding vitamin D to your daily supplements is a great thing. Not all D’s are the same. We have a Standard Process Cataplex D that I would recommend. Here is an article that I wrote “Build Your Immune System.”
Charity
Seems counter intuitive but forgetting about ourselves and serving others, is a great way to build ourselves up. It’s interesting the studies about service and gratitude and the effects on our mental and physical well-being. When we look outside ourselves toward others we tend to see more of a positive affect on us as well as those we are helping. There are also many benefits of gratitude. When we practice having gratitude we see better emotional and social well being. We tend to have less depression and better sleep. I have seen some studies that showed that those that were more grateful lived longer and had almost a 10% lower risk of dying in the next four years than those that were less grateful with even taking into consideration their physical health, mental health, and social economic standards.
Unplug
Don’t fall apart comparing yourself to others all season. The Holidays are stressful enough without the added stress of thinking someone else’s life is more perfect than ours. Not only that but how do you feel after holding the phone for an hour while scrolling? Our necks, upper back, low backs, and even carpel tunnel and thumb arthritis is all flared up with long periods of scrolling. I know from personal experience time just gets away from me from endless scrolling. Set up timers on our social media accounts that will turn off after a set time limit. Unplug and be present to those around you and enjoy the holiday season with those who are all around us physically.
Acupuncture for Energy & Stress Relief
Each season is represented in acupuncture and different energy pathways are at their peak depending on the season. Winter is represented by the water element and the kidney and bladder are the two organs associated with the water element. The kidney is the source of all energy (Qi) in our bodies. During the winter months it is vital to nourish our kidney energy or Qi. We can help nourish this energy by eating warm foods like soups and stews and also warm drinks like tea. Another way is to do acupuncture that helps support the kidney and bladder meridians (pathways) and boost our immune system. By using very small needles placed in specific points along these pathways we can boost the energy and balance out the other pathways as well in order to optimize the function of our bodies. Acupuncture can be a very calm and relaxing way to help not only boost our energy but to reduce the body’s stress levels. It is surprising how relaxing an acupuncture treatment can be even though you have tiny needles placed in the body. The most common question that I’m asked is if the needles with hurt. Most people are surprised how painless a treatment is and often mention how relaxed they felt. If you have any questions about if acupuncture can benefit you please don’t hesitate to call the office or ask me on your next visit.
Movement
Use it or lose it. I say this all the time but I also need reminders so you might too. Daily activity is the best way to prevent issues as well as rehab from preexisting issues. Chiropractic is a great way to keep locked up joints moving. That can be in your spine or any of your extremities. Proper movement will prevent wear and tear. I’m sure you’ve heard me tell you that one of the most important things to do is move. Many patients ask what is the best thing to do to help keep me pain free. One of the top activities is movement, specifically walking. I love walking because you don’t have an excuse. You don’t need a gym membership or any fancy equipment to walk. I’m also not talking about “long” walks. I’m more interested in shorter walks/movements that we do throughout the day. If you work at a computer, getting up every 30-45 mins with help keep the joints mobile and not as stiff at the end of the day.
Prioritize Protein
This time of year also brings wonderful get-togethers with friends and family. There is a notion that we gain weight over the holiday season. I’m not exactly sure if this is true or a just a myth but either way we can enjoy family parties and get-togethers better without worrying or feeling guilty about food. Many of us our trying to do our best and are tempted by the many delicious foods that we are confronted with during this season. I have a few helpful hints on making it a little less stressful to an already stressful time. There are things that I will do prior to going to the party compared to the choices that I will make once I’m at the party. Here are a few suggestions that may help you. When I am at home, before the party when I’m in a better decision making frame of mind, I prioritize eating protein. I will drink a protein shake, eat the leftover chicken in the fridge, or have a cup of cottage cheese or Greek yogurt prior to going. This helps with blood sugar levels, increases metabolism and helps satiate my hunger cravings while I’m at the party. Plus I just make better choices with portions if I’m not starving. It will also help me feel less guilty in eating a piece of pie or cake knowing that I’ve had my proteins for the day. Party menus are mostly high in fats and carbs, which aren’t bad, but we tend to eat those more because they taste good and are easy to digest. One of the most harmful ways to add extra calories is to drink those calories. High sugar drinks and alcohol add many calories but don’t provide much satiating benefits. We can enjoy the time we spend together with loved ones without feeling the guilt of overindulging by utilizing some of the simple suggestions listed above.
These are just a few ideas that I have thought of to make this time of year more enjoyable and reduce the stress that also accompanies this season. Hopefully this is a list to help inspire you to come up with your own ideas.
On a more personal note, our family is growing. I am officially a father-in-law. Our oldest daughter got married and we are very happy for them. They make a great team! We are excited for what their future holds. It has been fun for our son as well to now have a brother. We want to wish you a Merry Christmas. From our family to you!
With Love, The Collard Family
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