Post Celebration Health Tips

     Whatever your holiday celebration, you're likely dealing with a bit of post-holiday excess. You likely ate a few more cookies, drank a little more wine, or overindulged in more salty or greasy foods than you're used to. I'm sure they tasted great and you enjoyed yourself. And you know what? So did I! My visit home to New York this week to spend time with family was wonderful. What happens next, at least for me, is a need to get back to my regular routine.

Here’s some of the strategies I use:    

1. Walk it off. Make a committment to take a stroll around the block today. Do it a few times throughout the day and take a family member with you. Quality time like that provides memories to last a lifetime while you spread the gift of fitness to those who mean the most to you.

2. Feeling a little stiff? Not unusual around this time of year. Before your walk why not take five or ten minutes to stretch out your aching joints. You don't need to be a yoga master to improve your flexibility. Starting with the toes and moving slowly up your body, just gently loosen up each area using smooth, gentle motions, giving the muscles time to open up naturally. Within moments you'd be amazed at how energized you feel.

3. Breathe like a baby. I dedicated an entire TOOLS day to teaching proper breathing because of the powerful effect breath has on our health. As we age, and also in response to stressful situations, we tend to breathe shallow and higher up into our chest. The end result is more tension in our neck, shoulders, and upper back. How do little ones breathe? Deep into their bellies. While you're sitting at your computer simply place your hand over your belly button. Then allow that hand to move forward and back with each breath you take. Your breathing will become fuller and deeper. You'll be amazed to see how much calmer and more energized you feel at the same time.  

4. Lighten up. Cut back on the heavy foods today. Try eating more fruits and vegetables and fewer pastries and desserts. Or, if you've eaten a lot of meats this holiday season, try taking a break and go vegetarian for a day. The end result will be better digestion and of course less weight to lose after the New Year.

5. Drink lots of water.  See a common theme here? I talk about water often because most of us need to be reminded how important it is in our lives. Dehydration can lead to stiffness, dry hair, dry skin and nails, bad digestion, weight gain, and fatigue. Keep a bottle with you throughout the day and it'll become a habit before you know it.

So be the example, take the lead, and make your health your greatest priority from this point forward. Those closest to you will appreciate you more than ever for it.

Healthiest regards,

Dr. Carlos