Detoxing, Stress and The Holidays
If you are like most people, you may experience greater amounts of stress during the holidays because of the events taking place in your life. Now, by stress I don’t necessarily just mean the one that you experience because you have to attend the family reunion, or the stress of not knowing what presents to buy everyone, but also a type of stress which can totally throw the body out of equilibrium - food. The quantity of unhealthy type of foods most people eat during the holidays can overwhelm the body, and even worsen any condition you may be currently experiencing. That is why it’s so important to watch your diet even during the Christmas Holidays through to New Year.
Now you may be saying, “Well, it’s just that time of year and I’m going to enjoy every last minute of it. Then I will make my resolutions AFTER the New Year”. Does this sound familiar? Actually, I used to do this EVERY year and then realized that I was always in the same position 3 months later as I was when I made the resolutions. It NEVER worked for me. I never truly kept a New Years Resolution. But then I realized, that is how our minds justify prolonging “change”. The only time change happens is NOW; when you make the decision to change your life circumstances no matter what the obstacles or challenges lie ahead. What better time than to act now? Why put your body through so much stress, all to set a resolution which you most likely won’t even keep? Change requires a commitment, and it starts now!
So if you are going to use the holidays as an excuse to overindulge in unhealthy processed foods, alcoholic beverages, and all the other things which will pollute your body, then you know that probably won’t change in the New Year either. However, I’m not saying that you have to be entirely strict in that you cannot eat certain foods, and have to detox throughout the holiday. Rather, let the holidays this year become a challenge you must overcome by being mindful of your food and drink choices, and be aware of what is in front of you as opposed to consuming every thing because its put in front of your plate. This way, you’re still able to enjoy yourself, but also keep your appetite in check. For example, if you are at your family get together, and there is a variety of food, then choose to eat only those foods which are less processed and higher in nutrition. Instead of drinking soda, drink fruit juices or water. Avoid desert, or replace it with something more healthy if available. I know some people may have certain “customs”, but make it a challenge to break that this year, and start a completely new path which will transform your life! After all, isn’t that what the holidays are about! Renewal, change and transformation!
Think of the holidays as a challenge you must face, and go through them with the right attitude and mindset. There’s nothing worse than waking up on January 1, and walking to the mirror early morning and staring at your belly, and feeling low and guilty. Don’t let that happen this year to you. I guarantee you will feel much better, and will be more focused come the New Year. Let this mindfulness exercise of choosing the right foods for yourself be your detox for the holidays, and after that, you can focus on actually cleansing your body more vigorously as described in my report.
One last note. If you naturally find yourself overindulging in unhealthy foods because the stress of life itself is causing emotional havoc, and you turn to food to deal with the stress, then try this exercise: whenever you are experiencing moments of anxiety, fear, overwhelm, etc., then take a few deep breaths and slow your breathing. Pay attention to your breathing for a few minutes, and allow the feelings and thoughts to emerge without judgement. Just be aware and observe them. Fully feel those feelings emerging and sit with them for another few minutes. What this does is dissipates the errant energy running through your body and orders them so that they don’t create emotional havoc. Fully embrace those negative feelings without judgment for as long as you can. You will feel much better after doing this exercise and may even prevent yourself from over indulging in those unhealthy foods to cope with the stress and anxiety!
I wish you all the best Holidays, and New Year, and that you all reach your goals whatever they may be!
To Your Health Success,
Mayank
