5 tips to keep your spirits high this holiday season

We can all agree that although holidays are meant to be fun and enjoyable, there is a stressful element that always comes up when we allow ourselves to be pulled in too many different directions. The best thing we can do is not let that happen. Easier said done, right?

Here are my top 5 suggestions to help manage our mental health…lol

*Try to stay more alkaline and cleaner in the days leading up to holiday parties. The cleaner our gut microbiome is, the more mental clarity, focus, and motivation we have! We now know that 80% of the happiness hormone serotonin is produced in the intestines, but this only happens in a “clean environment.” When there is too much acidity from overly processed foods, we suffer.

*Support your immune system daily with either herbal teas, bone broth, or lemon, ginger, and cayenne pepper shots. If your budget doesn't allow for additional supplements, an easy recipe is to mix a piece of ginger with lemon juice, add chili powder and drink a dose every morning. It's a huge revitalization and boost to your immune health!

*Moves!! Exercise is a very effective way to deal with stress, as moving your body releases endorphins, which can balance your mood. Something easy like taking a brisk walk or finding a quiet place in your home to practice some movement flows and breathing techniques can work well. Even 10 minutes before your day starts can make a huge difference in your level of productivity and how you feel later.

* Plan to avoid last-minute shopping frenzy. This only leads to crowd chaos, reduced parking spaces and traffic jams. Just thinking about it is exhausting.

*Don't feel guilty about eating larger meals and more sugar than you would normally consume at a party. Holidays are a time to indulge and have fun! The stress of trying to avoid rich meals or feeling guilty about eating is harder on your immune system than you think. Stay in the spirit and have fun!

Cheers!