Date Published: 15 Dec '21
5 Ways to Show Your Body Some Thanks
With Christmas right around the corner, you might be making a mental list of everything you’re thankful for. And while we hope your list is long, there might be something you’re unintentionally leaving off of it…your body!
Our body is an amazing, well-oiled machine so long as we take care of it. Each day, it does everything we ask of it and then some. So, this holiday season, why not show your body some gratitude?
Here are a few ways you can do exactly that.
1. Take a few minutes each day for deep breathing. Have you noticed the stress of the holiday season creeping into your day-to-day life? Pausing to take a few deep breaths can help calm your body by lowering your heart rate, reducing blood pressure, and even lowering the amount of stress hormone (cortisol) being produced in the body.
2. Create a few body-positive affirmations. Each morning, repeat kind words to yourself to set the tone for your day. These can be anything you like. A few ideas are:
- I honor my body by trusting the signals it sends me.
- My body deserves to be taken care of.
- I am thankful for my strength.
3. Nourish your body with whole, healthy foods. Even though this time of year can be full of sweet treats and lots of snacks, try to give your body the fuel it craves. If you’re asked to bring a side dish to a dinner party or gathering, consider something savory that’s still packed with nutrients, like roasted balsamic asparagus with cherry tomatoes or this carrot, orange and avocado salad.
4. Get moving…but also rest up! It can be difficult to find the time for both as the year winds down and gatherings pick up. Try to make morning movement a part of your routine with gym sessions or simple walks around your neighborhood. To function to the best of its ability, your body also needs adequate rest, sleep is so important for your daily recovery of brain and body. Aim for 8 hours each night, and just like your exercise routine, stick with the same sleep schedule or night time ritual that helps you wind down and fall into a deep slumber. This might include reading a few pages of a book before bed, limiting TV time in the evening, or doing light stretching before you settle in. Using a sleep app on your phone or watch can help you track your progress.
5. Visit us for an check up. If you’re feeling the stress of the holidays grow, we’re here to help your body better manage nervous system disturbance. Contact us to make an appointment today.
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