10 Fun and Easy Thanksgiving Wellness Tips

Author: Donna Hamilton,MD, MS
By Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS

Managing personal wellness can be challenging during the holidays, but it is possible It's even possible on Thanksgiving, when food, travel, and potentially stressful family gatherings are often the focus.

Here are a few practical and easy tips to add to your wellness regimen for the holidays. Remember, taking care of yourself doesn't have to be complicated or time consuming. Sometimes simple is best. In that spirit, here is a list of fun and easy holiday wellness tips.

Enjoy!

Holiday Stress Management
1) Connect with the spirit of gratitude that marks the season. Some research shows that expressing gratitude can help improve mood, increase energy levels, relieve stress, and increase motivation.
2) Remember to take a few deep, relaxing breaths throughout the day. Even positive emotions like excitement and enthusiasm create stress in the body, so it's important to periodically do something that will promote relaxation.
3) Make sure you get enough sleep. It's a necessity not a luxury.
4) Take a walk after you eat.
5) Dance and laugh often. They both burn colors and help lift your mood.

Healthy Holiday Eating
1) Use a saucer or smaller plate.
2) Give yourself permission to get seconds if you are hungry. You're more likely to take smaller portions the first time if you know it's okay to go back for more later.
3) Drink lots of water. It helps you stay hydrated, aids digestion, and helps you feel full so you will eat little bit less.
4) Try to eat foods that represent all the colors in the rainbow. This will give you a variety of nutrients.
5) Forgive yourself if you make unhealthy eating choices. Say good-bye to guilt and decide to make better choices the next time you eat.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/wellness-articles/10-fun-and-easy-thanksgiving-wellness-tips-3726897.html

About the Author
Donna L. Hamilton, MD, MS, FAAP, is a former board-certified pediatrician residing in Northeastern Pennsylvania. Currently, she is Chief Wellness Officer and co-owner of Manifest Excellence, LLC. Dr. Hamilton specializes in holistic wellness promotion and speaks nationally on this topic. Her company Manifest Excellence teaches a comprehensive approach to health and wellness by addressing mental, emotional, social, spiritual and physical wellbeing.

For more information or to contact Dr. Hamilton visit www.ManifestExcellence.com.