Everything In Moderation - Happy Holidays!

Everything in moderation… including moderation
- Oscar Wilde

These last few months of the year can be incredibly challenging. We simultaneously anticipate and dread the holidays. And we are in need of as much rest and recuperation as we are joy and celebratory revelry. This divide confuses the body, resulting in many of us feeling stimulated and excited while also being depleted and exhausted.

The best way to address the holidays is to make a plan. However, the key is to make a realistic plan, a plan where you can set yourself up to succeed.  One of my favorite aspects of Chinese Medicine is that it is a moderate path. Too much or too little of anything is not ideal. There is great value in laughing with girlfriends over a glass of wine, or in sharing a gorgeously, decadent dessert with your partner. Scientific studies support this. The key determinant is to understand when it’s best to enforce that 21-day cleanse or when to guilt-free, enjoy absolutely every bite. 

Below are some simple recommendations to support you enjoying this upcoming holiday season. Ideally we are setting you up for a wonderfully healthy life, allowing for you to enjoy all that brings you joy….in moderation.

We can talk about that 21 day restrictive cleanse after the holidays ;)

HYDRATE- can you commit to squeeze ½ a lemon in a glass of room temperature water first thing every morning? If not, how about just the water. A pint glass, first thing- before coffee/tea/breakfast.

And if you do have some alcohol, how about you match every cocktail/glass of wine/beer with a glass of water. 

BAKE- anything you bake will likely taste better/fresher/healthier than something you buy. And your house will smell great. Want to up the ante? Bake healthy- substitute with healthier ingredients. How about trying that gingerbread recipe…

MOVE- Enjoy being outside, jump in the ocean, dance, try a new yoga class.  A 10-minute walk at the end of your day to calm your nervous system is a wonderful daily practice. 

REST & QUIET- want to sleep better at night, try making an effort to have some relaxation during the day. The benefits of 20 minutes of minimal stimulation/calm are immediate and profound. A great way to enjoy this is with an acupuncture treatment.

LAUGH- actively seek out things that delight you- a great book, a funny show, silly adventures. 

Wishing you a wonderful holiday and end to 2018 and a fantastic start to the upcoming year. 
Megan