It’s been proven that humans are wired to put a higher value on items which are not as commonly found or consumed. This is referred to as the “scarcity principle” and applies to the festive season. From Glühwein and festive cookies to candied almonds and basically everything else found at a holiday market – it’s easy to be gluttonous. If certain things are only available at a specific time of year, we tend to crave them more and overindulge.
Tip: Choose wisely—go for quality over quantity and savour the taste of each mouthful.
Alcohol is notorious for being the arch-enemy of the liver – and the more we drink it, the more stress it causes on the body. Around this time of year, with party after party, drinking seems unavoidable… but joyous intoxication comes with dealing with the hangover the next day.
Luckily, there are certain herbs & vitamins which can help your body work the alcohol out of your system more quickly and also nourish the body, making it possible for you to at least function the next day; St. Mary’s thistle and dandelion will support the liver’s metabolism, and an added B vitamin complex supplement will replenish your energy levels. You can find these at your local pharmacy, but always consult with your general physician first to see if it would be appropriate for you to do so.
Tip: If you know you’re going to have a big night, you can take something for a mini rehab before you go out & a B Complex before you go to bed, which will soften the hangover the next morning. Also, pace yourself by alternating with a glass of water or a juice in between alcoholic drinks. Such a simple thing can make all the difference!
When there’s an abundance of food, it’s very easy to eat a lot more of it then is necessary. This of course also puts much more strain on the digestive system. Overeating can make you feel full for days, and digesting all that food can take longer than usual.
Tip: Take smaller portions and chew each mouthful – eating slowly is eating healthy! If you’re still hungry, there’s always seconds.
Along with the point made above, you can also give your digestion a helping hand. Bitter foods & herbal teas prepare and assist the whole digestive process, making you feel less full and efficiently pushing it all out faster. Such digestive stimulants include foods like green-leafed vegetables, turmeric, apple cider vinegar, lemons and Jerusalem artichoke. Some examples of digestive teas are fennel, peppermint, dandelion and nettle.
Tip: Start the morning with a glass of lemon & warm water to encourage a faster metabolism. Or you can opt for taking something for a bloated tum.
The festive season is that time of year when exercise routines are usually abandoned. However, if you’re like most city folk – with a job that involves hours of sitting – you can use this time of year to move your body a bit more. Walking not only makes you more active, it also aids with digestion.
Tip: Take a daily digestive walk – any amount of exercise will help boost your metabolism (and is also just a nice break between feasting). It’s also a good way to get out of the house and get some fresh air.
Long nights out are definitely characteristic of this time of year. Try to make up for any loss of sleep by sleeping in; resting your body will give it fuel for your next long night – so that it’s more likely that you’re not exhausted by the end of it.
Tip: Sleeping in and siestas are highly recommended.
Vacation sickness is a common thing that many people catch during this stressful & busy season. After working hard for the entire year (and also working hard to maintain good health), a lot of people face a rude awakening if they end up getting sick as soon as they let their body relax; no one wants to spend their holidays bedridden and recuperating. This can be a consequence of exhaustion – or more simply because it’s just cold & flu season.
Tip: Dose up on vitamin C & zinc and a multivitamin. (Always consult with your general physician first.) Washing your hands more often during this season is also recommended – right next to staying hydrated.
Take a time-out from the usual constant activity on your computer, television, phone, etc. Although these gadgets can feel relaxing when we use them, they stimulate the parasympathetic nervous systems – which keeps our brains ‘on’ and are, therefore, not accumulating towards proper rest.
Tip: Simply turn your wifi off – even if it’s just for just a little while.
Ideally, we try to manage our stress levels throughout the year, but that’s easier said than done. Why not use this festive season to really unwind and make sure you’re getting enough ‘you time’? Taking a proper break as we transition into the new year gives us a much better chance the stress won’t be carried over. So treat yourself to the well-deserved break – doing so can have long-term benefits.
Tip: Spoil yourself to something that you wouldn’t normally indulge in.
No need to despair – if all the tips I’ve mentioned thus far haven’t cut the mustard (or you’ve found that sticking to any plan of a ‘healthier’ alternative has just gone out the window), just keep your hopes up! Even after post-holiday indulgence, there are still ways to clean up your body & mind, step by step – and we’re here to guide you through it. January is an Amazingy detox month, which will help us all get back on the healthy track in no time.
Cover photo credit: rawpixel
Tags: Food, Health, Holiday
Alana is a qualified naturopath & nutritionist from Australia. After years of studying and first clinical experiences, she moved to Europe where she spent many years as a health editor and writer for Amazingy Magazine. In 2020 Alana started her online Health Practice based out of Berlin. She believes the body has the innate ability to heal itself. The core of her work is teaching individuals the foundations of nutrition for an abundance of energy, smooth digestion and vital health. The stuff she teaches we just weren't taught at school, but it is fundamental for excellent health for everyone. Get in touch with Alana via her website: https://alanabonnemann.com/
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