By Maggie Keating, Marketing and Outreach Coordinator of Moonflower Community Cooperative
When the temperatures finally drop after the long, sweltering Moab summers, time can feel like it’s speeding up as we jump back into doing the things we enjoy in this beautiful landscape. Sometimes it can feel like we’re so busy in the fall that the holiday season creeps up on us out of nowhere. If you’ve found yourself in this circumstance and are feeling stressed about it, try the following tips for managing your stress, nutrition, and wellness through this time of the year.
- Eat nutrient-dense foods. Despite being surrounded by festive goodies at holiday parties or having homemade treats practically shoved down your throat, you can decide what you put into your body. If you know you’ll be attending gatherings where such foods might be present, consider snacking beforehand on nutrient-dense foods, especially fruits and vegetables. If you are going to treat yourself to sweets, avoid having them first thing in the morning, which will spike your blood sugar, send your insulin levels on a roller coaster, and cause cravings for the rest of the day. Make your own food from scratch so you can control ingredients such as sugar, salt, and inflammatory foods. Slow down, savor your food, and give your brain time to signal to your body that you’re full.
- Hydrate. While you might not be sweating as much as in the summer, it’s as important as ever to make sure you are hydrated during the colder months. Water is necessary for your cells’ basic functions as well as for detoxifying, which may be helpful after indulging a little during the holidays. Also, thirst is often disguised as hunger, so if watching your weight is a concern, drinking water before eating can help you feel fuller and prevent overeating.
- Tend to your mental health. Extra commitments, expectations, sentimental memories, and seasonal changes can all cause added stress around the holidays. Practice mindfulness so you can recognize your body’s needs, whether you’re hungry or really just thirsty, have a nutrient deficiency, or need a mental break. Try meditation, yoga, going for a walk, journaling, taking a hot bath, or whatever works for you.
- Get enough good quality sleep. Aim for at least 7 or 8 hours of good quality sleep each night, on approximately the same schedule if possible. Sleep is necessary for the body to perform much of its internal repair and maintenance, and sleep deprivation can negatively affect your mood, brain health, and weight.
- Get moving. Make time to get some exercise this season amidst the potential challenges of busy schedules and less sunlight. Even a brisk walk for 10-30 minutes can help relieve stress and anxiety, release endorphins, and offset additional goodies you may be consuming. If you’re really feeling crunched for time, try integrating simple exercises into your daily routine, such as parking at the far end of the parking lot or walking around while talking on the phone.
Find nutritious, local produce, whole foods, and dietary supplements at Moonflower Community Cooperative to help you get through this stressful time of year. Taking care of your mind, body, and spirit will allow you to enjoy the holidays and connect with loved ones in a meaningful way. Have a happy, healthy, and safe holiday season!