Shew, we made it to the end of another year! It’s time to unwind, rest, and recharge before the new year begins.
However, making the most of your year-end holiday involves more than just a few lazy days, carefree eating and drinking, socialising, and sleeping in.
It is important to balance the holiday season festivities with intentional efforts to rejuvenate your mind and body to fully relax and destress.
Without a proactive approach, the hustle and bustle of the festive period may leave you feeling tired, depleted or even sick.
To ensure you return to the new year feeling refreshed and ready to conquer new challenges, consider incorporating these tips and supplements into your holiday routine:
Stay active
Taking time off from intense training is important, but that doesn’t mean you should kick your feet up entirely.
Stay active with easy, low-intensity exercises and restorative activities like walking, hiking, yoga, or outdoor activities such as paddling, swimming, or jogging.
You can also increase the time spent on rejuvenating recovery activities like massages or restorative exercises like foam rolling or mobility work.
Moderate overindulgences
While the festive season is filled with food and socialising, try to balance overindulging and nourishing your body with wholesome food and water.
Avoid extremes – try not to overeat daily or consume excessive amounts of junk food and sugar. Focus on a nutritious, balanced diet while allowing for occasional indulgences at social events. Keep treats, coffee, and alcohol intake moderate and mindful.
Disconnect
Disconnect from the daily stress of work by turning off email and message notifications on your phone and avoid work tasks if possible.
Use the time to relax: buy a good book, download a meditation or mindfulness app to find some mental clarity, and limit the time spent on devices.
Your holiday supplement stack
Boost your holiday reset by incorporating supplements that support stress management and immune health. These can help your body down-regulate nervous and hormonal activity and maintain balance.
References:
- Achufusi TGO, Pellegrini MV, Patel RK. Milk Thistle. [Updated 2024 Feb 28]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan.