The Return to Normal

OK... we can finally see the end of the feasting table. One more holiday, and we will have a whole six weeks to recover before the sugar onslaught of Valentine's Day. If you're anything like me, your body is seriously feeling the aftermath of what it's been subjected to over the holidays and is ready for sensible food choices, exercise instead of frenetic activity and some rest and relaxation. To kick-start that return to feeling strong and healthy, it always helps to rid our bodies, as much as possible, of the residuals of our excesses.

First order of the day for dispelling that holiday lethargy that is keeping you glued to the recliner and TV is hydration. Nothing flushes the body of toxins better than lots of water. Many times we mistake bodily aches and pains for viruses or muscle strain, when it's actually nothing more than dehydration. My favorite Canadian chefs show how to create a perfectly tasty antidote to holiday intemperance. 

People often feel super tired after the holiday season and like to blame it on the high level of activity involved in shopping, cooking and celebrating, all in the name of holiday tradition. Rest is essential to helping your body and mind combat the post-holiday blahs. Yoga and meditation can assist in readjusting from the stress and hyperactivity of celebrating, in more ways than just helping you to fall asleep. Deep stretches and proper breathing techniques help stimulate the circulatory, digestive and lymphatic systems, each of which contribute to the elimination of things toxic to your system.

However, some of that lethargy is due to the rich, heavy, sugar- and fat-laden foods we've been pushing through our bodies for the past month. Increasing fiber input helps the body release all those things that are clogging up the works and return to its regular function, which helps us return to our normal energy levels and sleep cycles. 

Finally, it's important to realize that your body is a mass of muscle, and the only way muscles can remain strong is to work them. All that running around during the holidays was activity, sure... but, not exercise. Get outside in the fresh air and sun and take a brisk walk, work up a good cardio sweat, wake those muscles up with some strength training by lifting weights. Nothing is better for eliminating stress and increasing energy than a natural infusion of the feel-good hormones, endorphins and serotonin, sent coursing through your bloodstream by a high-level pumping heart. And, don't forget strength training to raise your metabolism and increase your body's ability to re-energize, repair, restructure and respond. Because, after all, you're just going to go through all of this craziness again in a year. Help your body heal and repair! 

Wishing you a Happy and...