Here we are in the midst of the holiday hustle and bustle. The expectation of the holidays – shopping, decorating, and baking – oh my!  All of these tasks added to your everyday responsibilities can become overwhelming.  Here are three ways to make this season more enjoyable and a time you will remember with fond memories:
 
Put forth great effort to be present.  Feeling overwhelmed?  It’s often a reflex to pick up our phone and scroll through social media – do you do the same?  Instead, consider leaving your electronics in another room.  Don’t even allow yourself the temptation to pick up your phone and disengage from communicating with your gathered loved ones.  Feeling particularly scatter-brained? Focus on your senses. Ask yourself - What do I smell?  What do I hear?  What do I feel?  Stopping to think through what’s going on around you really brings you into the present moment.  In fact, it’s a great tool to use year-round, not just during the holidays!
 
Give up those expectations.  Do you expect a perfect holiday season?  That’d be lovely, of course – but putting your entire extended family in one house is bound to have something go awry.  Therefore, dropping the expectation of perfection will allow you to be prepared for when something may spring up.  There is joy to be found in each situation, so even when things don’t go exactly as planned – spend your energy finding gratitude in your circumstances and enjoying as much of your time as you possibly can.  ‘Tis the season!
 
Find time to move.  Does exercise take a back seat when life gets busy? Choose something else to let go of this season and stick with activity. Even if it’s just a brisk walk after lunch or dinner – make it a habit to bundle up in your favorite scarf and winter coat to go for a walk alone to clear your mind, or in the company of someone special. Be sure that you are getting your time outside in nature, breathing in fresh air, and finding time for meaningful movement somewhere in each day. Put it on your calendar, like an appointment, and don’t sacrifice your time for self-care. You are worth it. Every day of the year.
 
Need more helpful tips to stay ahead of holiday stress? Send me an email at sarawolfsen@gmail.com to request your free holiday download! And be sure to inquire about a free sample of Thieves Essential Oil to keep your immune system strong through the holidays and into the new year.
 

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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.

There are few things that can immediately remind you of the holidays, no matter what time of year it is – the scent of a pine tree, the aroma of cinnamon and nutmeg – they instantly take you there.  Holiday spices are incredibly inviting and comforting but did you know they can also be very beneficial to your health?
 
These spices hold a purpose beyond their delicious taste that you may not have realized before.  Your favorite holiday spices have wonderful health promoting properties that provide you with several health benefits to keep your immune system strong this season, consider:
 
Cinnamon.  Perhaps the most popular holiday flavor and the most widely used spice year-round.  Cinnamon provides a warming effect for your body in the cold months, boosts your immune system, stabilizes blood sugar and aids in digestion.   
 
Nutmeg.  Another favorite holiday spice, nutmeg adds a punch of flavor but a little goes a long way so use sparingly in small doses.  Nutmeg stimulates your digestion, helps detoxify your body and promotes healthy circulation.
 
Cloves.  Similar to cinnamon and nutmeg, cloves also aid in promoting healthy digestion, which is certainly helpful after those heavy holiday meals.  Cloves are also beneficial for reducing phlegm, which is a common ailment this time of year due to cold and flu season.
 
Rosemary.  A favorite to add to your roasted veggies, rosemary is a popular Mediterranean herb that can be used sparingly to add a punch of flavor to your dish.  Rosemary is helpful for natural stress relief, combating inflammation, detoxifying the body and calming an upset stomach. 
 
Peppermint.  The perfect follow-up to your hearty meal, peppermint is wonderful for aiding in digestion, relaxing the stomach and enhancing your mood.  Have yourself a cup of peppermint tea as a daily ritual during the cold months and notice of how different you feel.
 
Now you know that you have an array of health promoting herbs and spices to infuse into your kitchen this season.  Whether you add a nice cup of peppermint tea to your after-dinner wind-down, a dash of cinnamon to your oatmeal, or sprinkling of fresh rosemary on your roasted vegetables – take every opportunity to enjoy these beneficial spices this season.  Bon appétit!
 
Need some helpful tips to stay ahead of holiday stress? Send me an email at sarawolfsen@gmail.com to request your free holiday download! And be sure to inquire about a free sample of Peppermint Essential Oil to warm your winter blues.

 
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Sara Wolfsen is a Certified Health & Lifestyle Coach who specializes in helping people make their own healthy changes by providing private health coaching, nutrition education and wellness classes, and gentle weight-loss guidance and support.  Schedule your complimentary coaching session and learn more online at www.sarawolfsen.com.