December’s merry-making sometimes set us up for crashing lows in January. Beat the January Blues with these great tips!
The holidays can be a stressful time, sometimes leaving us more tired and exhausted not only from all the sugar and alcohol we consume, but also from all the hustle and bustle.
While we tire ourselves out trying to pick the perfect gift and hosting the perfect dinner party, we neglect ourselves. Typically the weight creeps up at the same time we are planning our New Year resolutions.
If that sounds like you, STOP wherever you are at this moment in time. Do not forget about the most important person: YOU! Now is the time to put yourself first. Here are some effective tools for self-care that can get you going.
1) Water Therapy:
Purely blissful! Try an indoor water spa that rotates between hot and cold water therapy. “Contrast baths” as they are called, help increase circulation and oxygen in the body and help heal muscle and release tension as well as remove toxins. To add to the experience, some facilities also offer delicious smoothies or herbal teas that are personally delivered while you bathe in their hot pools. There are both indoor and outdoor facilities that you can try.
Here in Canada, two of my favorites come to mind, the Body Blitz and the Scandinavian Spa. The Body Blitz is an indoor facility, and the Scandinavian spa is an outdoor facility nestled in a beautiful forest overlooking the mountain. Both the Body Blitz and The Scandinavian Spa also cater to other spa services if you want to indulge a little more.
Any indoor or outdoor water therapy spa is definitely a trip worth taking. Look to see if there is one near you. What a great way to spend some time after the holidays!
2) Massage Me
Whether you need to have a moment of relaxation, reduce muscle tension, or attain relief from chronic pain, a therapeutic massage is another way to go. This can enhance your overall sense of emotional and physical well-being and improve your quality of life.
3) New Fit Routine
If you’re bored of the same old exercise routine, then try something new. You can hire a personal trainer for a few weeks just to get you motivated and headed in the right direction. There has also been a huge buzz about HIIT workouts otherwise known as High intensity interval training workouts. HIIT workouts require you to go all-out for 30 to 60 seconds of any high intense exercise activity. There are many reasons to love HIIT workouts. They are short, effective and most of all they boost growth hormone which stimulates the building of muscle and burning of fat. Who doesn’t want that kind of results in a short amount of time?
4) Make it a Movie Night
We all love a good movie, whether we want adventure, drama, comedy, or we simply want to escape, we can be sure to get it while watching a great movie. Watching movies is a great way to manage stress and increase your laughter and happiness meter. Make sure to check out what's playing this month... Just in time for the Oscars.
5) Make it Raw
Treat yourself to the best food ever at a raw food restaurant near you. If you’re feeling down and out and a little burned out, raw food is a great pick me up. Fresh, raw and living foods nourish, cleanse, and alkalinize the body. Raw and living foods boost your energy and vitality. Eating more raw and living foods can help kick off those extra holiday pounds and restore harmony back to the body, especially after a frenzied holiday season. You’ve earned it!
Another way to relax and take a time out for yourself is a luxurious bath!
