REMINDERS FOR STAYING SANE DURING THE HOLIDAYS

It get’s so incredibly crazy during the holidays. Just when we think we have things either organized physically or our minds settled down, one child or a family member or even a friend…incident on the freeway or other can take us down quickly. With that in mind, here’s a few things as it relates to your ties with YAO to keep things CHILL!

MINIMIZE HOLIDAY INDULGENCES:

Keep holiday indulgence to a minimum. Wanting to stray form your optimal diet over the holidays is to be expected, but if you’re like many of our patients at YAO, indulging in gluten, egg or dairy can be detrimental to your digestion and well-being.

If you’re unsure of the food being served at a holiday party, make sure you eat at home before you venture out. If you have the time, try baking your favorite treats with Gluten Free 1:1 Bob’s Red Mill Flour, Earth Balance or Coconut Oil in place of butter and substitute eggs with an egg replacer (EnerG) or flax seed and water. If you know you’re going to indulge because your Mom is making your favorite holiday dessert, come into YAO for some Repairvite, Underbergs, Culing pills and more. Here are some holiday desserts that are YAO approved. (Make sure to substitute with Gluten Free Flour if necessary).

CHEWY MOLASSES SPELT COOKIES WITH CANDIED GINGER

SIMPLE VEGAN BROWNIES

BEST VEGAN APPLE CRISP

KEEPING IT REAL

It’s easy to overbook your schedule during the holidays with friends, family and co-workers. Unfortunately, your health and sanity are often at stake. Workouts get cancelled, diets are compromised and the lack of down time leaves you feeling stressed and irritable.  Prioritize your social engagements; say YES to those that re important to you and your family and NO to those that aren’t going to have a positive effect on your life. 

ASK FOR HELP

This year I am 6 months pregnant with two toddlers; the thought of getting ready for Christmas was overwhelming so I called my Mother and asked her if we could spend Christmas with her.  Going to her house now saves me the trouble of cooking and cleaning, and as an added bonus,  my kids will be properly spoiled for 5 days while I nap and eat too much.

If it’s your turn to host Christmas dinner, ask your guests to bring side dishes and desserts.

If you’re stressed out about cleaning, ask your loved ones to pitch in to hire a cleaning service before your big day of entertaining.

If you need some alone time, ask for it!  Arrange for your kids (or spouse) to get out of the house for a few hours. 

Sometimes when we need help, we give hints or expect other people to read our minds. Make sure your requests for help are direct and understood.

YAO IS HERE TO HELP

Did you let it go too far?  too long since we’ve seen you? Book your appointment today 303-777-7891 and we can get you on the table for some deeper relaxation/a little YAO nap in the ever available YAO Time Warp.  You know where to find us. We’re here when you need us.

Happy Holidays!

Michelle Luiz, LAc, YAO Medicine