The holidays are just around the corner and you know what that means – tons of family time, tons of food, and yep, you guessed it, more family time. The struggle is real, so we pulled together 5 tips to help you get through the holidaze and indulge in some me-time.
1. Set a bedtime
Yeah, yeah, we know, go to bed! We’ve all heard it so many times, but getting seven to eight hours of sleep per night is important according to recent scientific studies. Getting that good sleep can help you live longer, decrease risk for health conditions, manage your hunger levels, maintain your immune system, and even retain memory. Get after those Z’s!
TIP: Set the alarm on your phone to go to bed at the same time every night. That way it becomes routine.
2. Meditate
We know it’s a busy time but if you can spare 10 minutes a day for a mindfulness practice, we promise you won’t regret it! Meditation and deep breathing can help slow the heart rate and lower blood pressure. Benefits include improved focus and less emotional reactivity. That’ll come in handy the next time one of your relatives wants to talk politics…:)
TIP: Download the free Headspace app on your phone, plug in some headphones, and dial-up a quick guided meditation session or mindfulness training and you will be drifting away to a zen-like state of mind in no time.
3. Get tested
It’s not our favorite thing either, but getting tested is an important part of staying healthy. Did you know most sexually transmitted infections (STIs) have no signs or symptoms?? That’s why it’s important to get tested regularly.
PRO TIP: While you have some downtime during the holidays, check this off your list by booking an appointment at our Atlanta or Washington, DC health center through our handy, online scheduling tool and start your new year off on the right foot.
4. Go for a walk
Need a break from the holidays? Go for a hike! A short, brisk walk each day can make a surprisingly big difference. The repetition of walking can help lower anxiety and even help you sleep better. How about that?
TIP: Go outside. For 30 mins. You’ll get some much needed Vitamin D and a healthy dose of perspective. Or maybe do an extra lap around the mall while you are holiday shopping…
5. Take a hot bath
A hot bath at the end of a stressful day can do wonders. In addition to helping you to relax, it can help boost your mood, improve your sleep quality, and help relieve muscle pain.
TIP: Thirty minutes before you go to bed, de-stress with a little candlelit aromatherapy bath. Just add 10 drops of lavender essential oil, 1/4 cup epsom salt, and 1/4 cup baking soda for the perfect recipe for some well-deserved me-time.
