Holiday Wellness: A Holiday Guide to Keeping Your Body & Spirit Merry!
By Dr.Vanessa Jalbert-Caputo
The holiday season is officially here! As we dive into December, the team at Oaktree Health is excited to help you navigate the most wonderful—and sometimes busiest—time of the year. With festive gatherings, travel, family time, shopping, and all the activities that come with the season, it’s easy to let our health take a back seat. Let’s keep you feeling your best with some tips to support both your body and your well-being through the holidays.
1. Practice Holiday-Ready Posture
Whether you’re standing in line at stores or baking a feast for loved ones, maintaining good posture can prevent holiday aches and pains. Remember to keep your shoulders relaxed, your back straight, and your head aligned with your spine. If you’re lifting gifts or groceries, lift from your legs, not your back, to avoid strain. And for those long hours of holiday prep, take frequent breaks to stretch and reset your posture.
2. Stay Active with Winter-Friendly Exercise
With colder temperatures, it can be tempting to skip your regular exercise routine. However, keeping your body moving will boost your energy levels, relieve stress, and support spinal health. Short walks, stretching, or even a quick at-home workout can make a big difference. Not only will staying active release those feel good hormones, but it’ll also give you that boost of energy to keep up with holiday activities!
3. Keep Stress in Check
The holidays are a time of joy, but they can also bring added stress. Planning, shopping, family, and socializing can add up. It's important to take some time for yourself when you can. Whether it's 10 minutes of reading your favorite book, writing in your journal, sipping your morning coffee, or practicing relaxation techniques like meditation, these small daily activities can reset your nervous system and help you manage holiday stressors.
4. Stay Mindful with Holiday Eating & Stay Hydrated!
Enjoying special holiday meals is one of the joys of the season! However, eating too much or indulging in too many sweets can leave you feeling sluggish and affect your overall health. Staying hydrated, eating mindfully, and including some protein, fruits and veggies in your meals can keep your body in balance.
5. Prepare for Travel with Spine-Friendly Tips
If you’re traveling, be sure to support your spine. Long car rides or flights can be tough on the back, so bring a small pillow to support your lower back, and stand up to stretch whenever you have the chance.
6. Don’t Forget to Schedule Your Adjustment and Acupuncture Session!
An adjustment or acupuncture session before, during or after the holiday rush can make all the difference. Chiropractic care is a natural way to keep your body balanced, reduce any tension or aches, and stay resilient during this holiday season. Acupuncture can also further support your well-being by promoting relaxation, relieving stress, and enhancing energy flow throughout the body. Together, these therapies help you feel centered and resilient, ready to enjoy every moment of the season.
