Hey folks. Colby from Spring Endocrinology in Fresno, CA. The holidays can be a time of joy, but stress and unhealthy habits can negatively affect our mental and physical health, particularly when it comes to getting our hormones back in balance. Here are the top 3 tips for keeping your hormone balance in check during the holidays:
1. Make Time for Relaxation and Self-Care: Taking time to relax and make sure you are getting enough adequate rest is key to managing stress levels. Stress can have a direct impact on your hormones, so making sure to take time to relax can make all the difference. Self-care activities like yoga, meditation, reading, and taking a warm bath can help manage stress levels and keep your hormones in balance. Maintain a Healthy Diet: Eating a balanced diet is essential for keeping your hormones in check. Don’t overindulge in rich, fatty holiday foods which can impact your overall energy levels and cause hormone imbalances. Instead, enjoy healthy choices such as fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean proteins. Make sure to get plenty of vitamins and minerals as well, such as Vitamin D, Vitamin B complex and Magnesium, which will help to keep your hormones regulated.
2. Eat Healthily and Avoid Processed Foods/Drinks: Eating a nutrient-dense, balanced diet is important not only to boost your overall health, but to keep your hormones in check. Processed foods and drinks are often full of sugar and artificial ingredients that can throw off your natural balance of hormones. When possible, focus on whole, unprocessed foods like fruits and vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins. During the holidays, it’s easy to forget about the importance of getting rest. The lack of sleep can create a metabolic imbalance and elevate the stress hormones cortisol and adrenaline. Aim to get between 8-10 hours of restful sleep every night.
3. Exercise Regularly: Exercise can have a direct impact on the hormones in your body. Regular physical activity helps manage stress levels and releases endorphins, which can help regulate hormone balance. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise each day. This can include activities such as walking, running, bike riding, swimming, or any other kind of aerobic exercise. The holidays can bring on a great deal of stress, but try to keep it in check by finding ways to reduce it. Some tips include taking time out of your day to relax, cutting back on commitments, getting more exercise, and doing activities that make you happy. Additionally, strive to reduce toxic relationships, arguments and negative conversations, as they can contribute to stress and consequently, hormone imbalances.
By following these three tips, you can go a long way toward keeping your hormone balance in check during the holidays. Relaxing and allowing yourself to enjoy the season without getting overwhelmed is important for your physical and mental wellbeing. Taking time for self-care and eating a balanced diet can also help, as does getting regular exercise. With a bit of effort, you can have a healthier and more balanced holiday season this year.