Hot Health Tips | January 2005

Hot Health Tips

7 Ways to Unwind After the Holidays
By Dr. Craig Bentham

Do you feel like the holidays come upon you so quickly that it hits you like a hurricane? Well, if you have experienced "Hurricane Holidays", we have some solutions for you.

First, let's recap the typical holiday preparation… You have been shopping like a "mad woman"—frantically buying gifts and maxing out your credit cards, cleaning and decorating the house, preparing food for guests, setting up the tree and before you know it, it's all over! Within one week, the house is a mess, decorations need to go back into storage, and the tree has to be put away. When you look in the mirror, not only do you feel exhausted, but you swear that you've gained 10lbs. Can you relate? You probably have been neglecting yourself while you have been taking care of others. Stop! It's now time for you! Here are 7 great ideas to unwind after a "Hurricane Holiday".

1. Exercise. Taking a hike, a long walk, or working out at your favorite Curves gym is one of the best ways to de-stress and re-energize.
2. Rehydrate. During the holiday season, you have likely neglected to drink your 8 glasses of filtered water… now is the time to focus on hydration!
3. Take a 3-Day Cleanse. Try eating veggies and wild rice for 3 days…this can clean out your system after heavy holiday meals.
4. Treat Your Body. Be selfish for one day! Go to the spa, have a massage, do your nails, or slip into a bubble bath.
5. Organize Your Thoughts and Goals. Spend an afternoon setting some new and exciting goals for 2005!
6. Call Your Best Friend. Go and spend an entire day with your best friend just having fun and sharing some laughs.
7. Be Thankful. Even though it's been a hurricane holiday, be thankful for the family and friends that you have been surrounded by, and the new memories that you've made.

Hopefully you can use some of these reminders for unwinding after the holidays and throughout the New Year!