For many the 2021 holiday season will bring with it a bit of normalcy. So what is normal anyway? It’s whatever is customary for you. After having simplicity forced upon us by way of a Global Pandemic, we may now feel safe slowly bringing back traditional celebrations. Or, we may be bursting at the seams to jump right back in. Whatever stance we take, a dose of simplicity may have rearranged our priorities, offering the opportunity to reassess. Given the fact that many find the holidays bring as much stress as they do joy, that may be a good thing to do.
Overwhelmed by all the hustle and bustle? There are ways to ease through the season and make the most of the festivities. One thing we can do is stop striving for perfection- the perfect tree, gift, parties, table setting, etc… It might just be time for a game of keep or toss! Make a list of past traditions and ask which are still serving you well. With each one ask yourself would the holidays be the same without it? Is it something I/we can do differently? Do I/we do it out of habit, free choice, or obligation? Can I ask someone else to do this task? Do I like doing it?
While most family holiday gatherings wouldn’t make the cut for a Hallmark movie, there is a comfort in certain traditions that can’t be denied. One of my favorite sayings in regard to our own family is “we are perfect in our imperfection” and, we wouldn’t have it any other way! It’s who we are-no apologies necessary. By keeping what’s most important and eliminating the rest, we are setting ourselves up for a more positive experience.
Stress, regardless of the cause, can take a toll on health. And, if nothing has grabbed your attention up to now, this may- among other things, stress interferes with proper digestion contributing to that uncomfortable feeling after a holiday meal! I don’t know about you but, a huge part of the holidays for our family is about enjoying all the wonderful traditional foods that have been passed on for generations. Indigestion and stomach concerns are unwelcome guests. Now that we’ve taken a look at how to reduce some holiday stress, let’s look at how to feel good not only while you are savoring the meal you’ve been thinking about all season, but afterwards too!
Deflating Holiday Bloat
Optimizing digestion is key to metabolizing food properly. Continual stress keeps high levels of a stress hormone called cortisol flowing in the body. That’s not good for several reasons, with one being it slows down digestion and slower digestion affects how food is metabolized. From the moment food enters the mouth until it’s used for energy it’s about the nutrients we absorb and metabolize.
The body produces some digestive enzymes and we get others naturally through certain foods such as pineapple, bananas, apricots, avocado, ginger, raw honey and kefir. Herbal teas can be helpful as can high quality supplements. Most often we don’t get what we need through diet alone.
Keeping blood sugar stable is important so do not bank your calories until the big meal. Remember each time we skip a meal, blood sugar drops and a hormone called glucagon is over released, causing the body to burn muscle, raise blood sugar and increase cravings.
Another way to help the process is to get moving. Start a new tradition by taking a family walk after the main course and before dessert. And while movement is on the “Do” list – taking a nap or going to bed on a full stomach is definitely on the “Don’t” list. Sleeping on a full stomach causes the body to store fat and interferes with a restful sleep.
Lastly, slow down. Chewing your food longer helps break it down which in turn helps the stomach digest it. In addition, eating slowly allows the senses the full experience of all the wonderful flavors and aromas. And, the brain will signal the stomach that it’s satisfied which will prevent overeating. So, take your time and be in the moment. Embrace and enjoy your meal and those traditions that are most meaningful to you. Bon Appetit! Wishing you all the blessings of the season.
