It's the season of feasting, gathering with friends and family and indulging in some sweeter, heavier, celebratory foods and drinks and some late nights. Here are some simple suggestions, from the wisdom of Ayurveda, to support you in staying healthy in the midst of all the fun.
Sleep and wake at regular times: Sleep is the central regulating function. Treat your sleep with great care and protect it like your only child. Clock in between 7 and 9 hours a night. Rather than sleeping in if you went to bed late, get up at your usual time, and rest for 20 or 30 minutes as needed during the day.
Eat at regular times: Eat two or three meals at regular times each day, eating the most during daylight hours when your body/brain needs the fuel and your digestion is strongest. Eat an earlier, lighter supper, and close the kitchen afterwards.
Move your body, ideally in the morning, regularly. It doesn't have to be an hour, it can be 12 - 24 minutes. Regularity is key.
After over-indulging fast on hot water or broth, until your appetite returns, and then choose something that is easy for you to digest without overeating. If you tend to eat everything on your plate no matter what, use a smaller plate or bowl to serve yourself.
Train yourself to recognize when you've had enough to eat (hint: there's often a little burp that comes right when the stomach has had enough).
Stay off the sugar train. Sugar feeds all the bad bugs. Know yourself and your slippery slopes. Don't have it around if its siren song is hard to ignore.
Buddy up with a close friend or two and agree to check in regularly. Giving and receiving support with a trusted friend -a place where you can simply give voice to what feels challenging, is good medicine. Be witnesses to each other without the need to give advice (unless asked). Share time talking and then listening. Realizing that you have something to give in the form or your presence to another, breaks the trance of separation and isolation and restores a sense of self-value and self-esteem.
As we take delight in the pleasures of the holidays, please enjoy some of your favorite indulgences and sharing with friends and family! This time of celebration and love is so good for our hearts and souls.
And then after the party, return to your regular habits: good sleep, nourishing food, not too much, enjoyable movement and time in Nature and time to decompress with Self and with close friends. Aim for expanded awareness, not perfection.
If you’d like to take a closer look at your daily diet and lifestyle practices and receive support in refining your good habits, I would love to support you with Ayurveda. Reach out for a complimentary 20 minute phone call here to discuss the possibilities.
With love, Shannon
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