Natural Ways To Stay Energized During The Fall Holidays

The fall holidays are a fun and busy season full of extra errands, travel, and entertainment. While the hustle and bustle of things makes the holidays exciting, sometimes you feel drained from all the tasks you are completing. If you and your family want to make the most of these special times together, here are some natural ways to stay energized during the fall holidays.

 

1. Eat Smart

 

Avoid big meals. Your body will work harder to digest that huge Thanksgiving dinner. Try to eat more slowly and limit your portion sizes.

 

Reach for healthy snacks. Complex carbohydrates will give you energy fast. Protein provides fuel for the longer term. Make a salad of walnuts and winter greens, so you can feel satiated for longer.

 

Eat more fiber. Foods rich in fiber help your body break down carbohydrates at a steadier pace over a longer time giving you more stamina. Some foods with lots of fiber are whole grains, fruits, and vegetables. Make sure to add these fibrous foods into your Thanksgiving feast!

 

Stay hydrated. Munch on foods that are high in water content like celery sticks and grapefruit. Drinking water will allow your blood to flow more easily, transporting the oxygen and nutrients your cells need.

 

Eat breakfast. You are bound to feel fatigued unless you refuel in the morning. A healthy breakfast will also make it easier to resist fattening snacks or overeating at later meals.

 

2. Sleep Well

 

Take a nap. Brief naps of 20 minutes or less will help you recharge. Just closing your eyes for a few minutes can also be refreshing.

 

Watch out for extra caffeine. Those chocolates and pumpkin-flavoured coffee drinks may put you over your limit for caffeine. If they are keeping you up at night, this is a sign you should cut back.

 

Drink alcohol in moderation. Although butterbeer may help you fall asleep faster, it also interferes with the quality of your sleep. Try to avoid any alcohol within a few hours of bedtime.

 

Place a curfew on device use. You can stare at your phone all night, but you will certainly feel the effects the next day. Turn your electronic devices off a couple of hours before sleeping, so your mind and body have time to adjust after the mental stimulation of a lighted screen.

 

Stick to a regular schedule. Halloween parties and Thanksgiving dinners may interrupt your daily routines. As much as possible, getting up and going to bed at the same time each day will help you stay in top shape.

 

3. Change Your Lifestyle

 

Exercise every day. A brisk walk, or other moderate aerobics, will wake you up and pump more oxygen to your brain. Take the stairs at the shopping mall or park farther from the entrance, so you can participate in more exercise!

 

Clear away clutter. You will feel more restful when your surroundings are in good order. Recycle those candy wrappings and tidy up after parties to avoid feeling overwhelmed.

 

Alternate between tasks. Baking hundreds of Halloween cookies, spending time designing the perfect costume, and cooking a Thanksgiving feast can be tiring. Taking breaks between jobs can help! Even better, recruit family and friends to divide the load.

 

Manage stress. Feeling more stressed this time of year is natural. To help prevent this, listen to relaxing music, meditate, or talk with friends. A positive outlook can make handling extra tasks much easier.

 

The fall holiday season can be demanding, but simple lifestyle changes are usually enough to keep you alert and happy. Watch your diet, get plenty of rest, and manage your stress so you will be able to tackle all the parties, dinners, and get-togethers! If you are looking for more help on increasing your energy through naturopathy, reach out to Dr. Cecilia Ho, naturopath in Pickering. Call her today to learn how her Naturopathic Medicine program can help you at 905-492-8688.