When it comes to holiday stress, say no. There is a lot of pressure at this time of year to dole out, not only monetary resources, but also your energy or to what acupuncturists broadly refer as Qi (“chee”).
Your Qi is precious, just like delicate presents. It’s OK to decline an invite and even to share that part of taking care of yourself this season is to get enough rest and down time to stay healthy.
Stay hydrated. From end of November thru January first, meals become more erratic and more exotic. Fill a water bottle in the morning, squeeze the juice of half of a lemon into the water and then drop in the whole lemon rind too. Sip throughout during the day. Lemon rind naturally contains lemonene, which supports the liver with cleansing the body. The lemon flavor often encourages you to drink water too.
Keep your neck covered and opt for drinking warm fluids vs iced ones. The neck, especially the back of your neck, has what are called “Wind” acu-points. Colds and flu bugs can more easily access the body through these areas; so a scarf is a valuable and easy protection. Chilled fluids challenge the digestion of Spleen and Stomach Qi.
Your digestion is likely already challenged during the holidays. Give your tummy a break and drink toasty fluids in when you have a choice.
Get some acupuncture. Acupuncture boosts your immune system and reduces stress hormones like cortisol, which rises when you are stressed. I often share with people that the most frequent question at my front desk when people are checking out is: “Did you hear me snoring?”.
Yep, that’s it. Prop your legs up on a chair, any chair, and stretch your arms above your head. Close your eyes and hang out for 10 minutes. There is no fancy equipment required: just you, your legs and an unsuspecting chair.
