How do I survive the holidays?
We are once again on the brink of the holidays, or rather the feast days. Year-end parties, multiple Christmas dinners, and then going all out for New Year's; it's quite a strain on your body. Now I think you shouldn't hold back. You've worked hard all year, you've achieved goals, you've sometimes failed, you've survived highs and lows, in short: you've earned the right to let loose.
But since you also have to think a bit about the new year and to make it all a bit more manageable, I have a few simple hacks that will help you get through it just a little more comfortably.
1. Skip one event
There is surely something you are dreading. The Christmas dinner at your mother-in-law's, a client's drinks, the Christmas concert, the New Year's drinks at the neighbors, the drinks from the daycare... Do you have one in mind? Skip that event. Yes, you read that right. Just not going is a very good option. Do you remember that wonderful feeling from back in the day when you skipped school? You're never too old for that. Take advantage of your skipping moment and enjoy a nice bath with a good book. Then you can tackle the rest of the days with full force.
2. Drink plenty of apple juice
All those fatty meals and that alcohol are a huge strain on your liver. Your liver produces bile to help you with digestion, but if the balance gets disrupted, you risk gallstones. More people suffer from this than you might think. Ever had pain in your upper abdomen a few hours after a fatty meal? Apple juice – make sure to take a biological one without added sugars – contains malic acid. Malic acid helps keep things flowing nicely. Moreover, research has shown that this acid improves the performance of top athletes. Isn't December just one long marathon?
3. Eat nothing for half a day
On normal days, we actually eat too much. Scientists all agree: the recipe for a long and healthy life is moderation. Just imagine what happens when you stuff yourself with five-course dinners day after day. To give your body the chance to digest and catch its breath, it's wise to occasionally skip breakfast altogether. Drink plenty of warm water or tea. If you find this very difficult, at least try to postpone your breakfast as long as possible. Every hour is a win, or make a green smoothie with pineapple and spinach. Another option is to eat very early in the evening and then not eat anything until breakfast. Your body will thank you for that.
4. Try to go at least one day without drinking alcohol
I completely understand that you let loose at the Christmas dinner and you should definitely enjoy that. But if you're just sitting at home on the couch, just skip it for a bit. In any case, limit your alcohol intake, even though that's the hardest thing there is. Alcohol is poison; according to the Jellinek clinic, alcohol ranks fourth in toxicity, after heroin and crack, but before ecstasy and LSD. In terms of taste and mood, you really only get something from the first two glasses. After that, it quickly goes downhill and you don't even notice it. When my husband is drunk and we're at a party, I always just get him cola and tell him it's a bacardi. He never notices. Just saying.
5. Take a walk
As if all that eating and drinking isn't bad enough, you hardly move during Christmas either. So before you go to sleep, take a little walk. Ideally, take someone with you with whom you can gossip about the evening, then it becomes even more fun. You'll feel great from a bit of fresh air and movement helps your digestion. I also have a good yoga tip for you when you're in bed. Bend your knees and lay your legs first on the left side for a while and then on the right side, while looking in the opposite direction. This twist stimulates your organs, and they really need it.
