Embracing Holiday Joy

Can you believe it’s already December, ushering in the festive whirlwind of holiday preparations? It’s that magical time of the year when moments with loved ones take center stage, filled with the warmth of traditional meals and cherished indoor family activities.

Despite the infectious holiday spirit, this season can be surprisingly stressful for some. Juggling the demands of cherished traditions might add an extra layer of stress to your already bustling day. That’s why taking a moment to discover stress-free ways to make the holidays enjoyable becomes paramount.

Another pitfall in the holiday season is the heartburn that comes with indulgence in all the tasty treats. The silver lining? There are practical ways to ease the burn and ensure a more comfortable and joyful holiday season!

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A Stress-Free Holiday

While life will always have stressors, the holidays don’t need to be one. Below are 5 tips to help you better manage the chaos around you.

• Make a plan. Plan what you’re going to cook, who’s on your holiday shopping list, and make a budget for both. You’ll find thinking ahead will make your life a lot easier as the season progresses.

• Take care of yourself. It’s important to make sure everyone is happy, including you! Don’t forget to take time out to make sure you’re not overextending yourself to please everyone around you.

• Celebrate without food. The holidays aren’t just about food. Celebrate the meaning behind the holidays, whichever that may be for you. And celebrate spending time with people you care about. This may be the only time during the year you see some folks; make the best if it!

• Savor what you eat.You can enjoy a little bit of all the delicious treats around you. Choose what you truly enjoy, sit down, and savor each and every bite. Think about not only how it tastes and feels in your mouth, but also the thought and time put into it by whoever prepared it for the celebration.

• Forgive and forget. You might not always eat mindfully. You might take an extra helping of Aunt Diane’s cheesecake simply because it’s delicious. Just remember, IT’S OK. No one is perfect! Accept it, move past it, and continue to enjoy the party!

Tips for a Heartburn-Free Holiday Season

Unwanted heartburn can cast a shadow over even the most enjoyable meals, however, there are steps you can take to reduce these feelings:

• Limit your intake of fried food, cream sauces, gravies, fatty meats, pastries and desserts, nuts, potato chips, butter, or margarine.
• Avoid foods that decrease lower esophageal sphincter pressure, including chocolate, regular and decaffeinated coffee, peppermint, onions, garlic, spearmint, after-dinner liquors, and alcohol. No smoking!
• Try to consume smaller portions.
• If you decide to drink alcohol, opt to dilute it with club soda or water.
• Avoid irritating foods that produce spasm: citrus juices, tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
• Pass on the dessert or have a smaller portion.
• Be active! Participate in a fun game with the family, take the dog for a walk, walk a little farther when shopping, or take the stairs when possible.
• Avoid eating 2-3 hours prior to bedtime.
• Schedule in time to relax! The holidays can be stressful so it’s important to take time out for yourself to read a book, meditate, or participate in a low-key activity that you find enjoyable yet relaxing.

Remember the holidays are supposed to be fun, don’t lose sight of what the holidays are really all about!

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