Well, it feels like it’s time for this year’s “new normal” anxiety to turn into Christmas anxiety – anyone with me here? But it seems a lot of us will be happy to see 2020 behind us. A new year often brings with it a sense of hope, so, here’s hoping we can spend some time enjoying the spirit of this time of year. Whether it’s in person or the still needed online version, I hope yours is a happy and safe Christmas season.
Making positive changes for our health is a great way to contribute to feeling renewed, helping us not only feel, but function better.
As stress can build up with the holiday season, keep up with your regular treatments:
- getting aches and pains seen to can help prevent or manage injury and recovery
- massage is a great way to take time out to relax and relieve stress
At Feel Amazing Wellness Centre, this can be our busiest time of year, so book ahead online. We will be open for most of the holiday season – check for your preferred practitioner’s availability when you book online. (I’m away for a couple of days myself!)
Feel Amazing will be closed on the following dates**:**
Christmas Day Friday 25/12
Boxing Day Saturday 26/12
Wednesday 30/12 (not a special day but some staff are on holidays today!)
Friday 1/1/21
With summer here, it’s a great time to enjoy healthy fruit and foods in season, to go for an extra early morning walk or swim, head to the parks or beaches when it’s safe to do so and spend some time outdoors. Moving our bodies doesn’t have to happen outside though, with exercises and stretches an important part of our daily routine. There are other ways to get incidental exercise such as taking the stairs instead of the lift, doing some housework chores, or walking to places instead of driving a short car ride. I’m told shopping in the sales also counts as exercise! Keeping hydrated is always important in the warmer months, so take that water bottle with you.
There are many temptations with Christmas baked goodies, sparkling drinks, custard covered desserts and mince-less pies tempting us to overindulge. With 2020 being the year it was, don’t we just deserve it? Well probably, but as they say moderation is the key. If you are looking to keep on track and prevent some of the January regrets, then there are some great alternatives. Such as replacing white sugar with maple syrup or honey, using olive oil, and wholemeal grains instead of standard white flour. In Australia we are lucky to have access to fresh foods like fruits, nuts, vegetables, seafood, and many locally grown produce.
Some options for a healthier Christmas meal:
- Roast vegetable salad dressed with maple syrup, balsamic vinegar and seeds as a garnish
- Barbequed corn on the cob
- Salad of green leaves with quinoa and sweet potato
- Fresh fruit and marshmallow kebabs (for the kids of course)
- Hummus with vegetable sticks
- Mangoes, watermelon, lychees, pineapple – great options for a sweet snack or dessert
- Fruit punch made with sparkling water and berries
At this time of year, some of us will be travelling to be with loved ones, so the following hints and tips can help keep your body functioning to its best:
- keep hydrated, especially in the hot weather
- don’t skip meals, this can lead to fatigue and craving fatty or sweet foods
- rest and revive on car trips
- stretch and get up and take a short walk if you’ve been sitting for long periods of time
- keep doing your exercises and stretches
Our bodies can often reflect the impact of our busy lives and Feel Amazing Wellness Centre is here to help you to take the time you need to feel amazing. Booking online makes that easier than ever!
Cheers, Anthony