Navigating the Holiday Hustle: Beck and Cathy’s Tips for Vitality

‘Tis the season!

The holiday season is packed with events, travel, and opportunities for eating, drinking and general indulgence. So this week Beck and Cathy offer up their routines in hopes of reminding you of the small, simple tips that can help you keep it together this Holiday season.

 1. Beck: A warm shower to end the day.
Especially after an evening event with a lot of handshaking, close talking and glass clinking, a warm shower is a simple way to wash away all that (other people!) energy that I tend to catch. An evening shower before sleep is proven to help drop core body temperature and signals my body to start producing melatonin - the hormone that makes you feel sleepy. 

 2. Beck and Cathy: Never miss supplements
Beck: I always thought "pill salad" for breakfast for elderly people, until I realized that keeping my gut happy and replenishing the depleted vitamins from a life overwrought by stress would do. Now it’s a non-negotiable routine of vitamins B (for stress), C (for vitality), ashwagandha (at night to calm my system) plus N-Acetyl-Cysteine (NAC) (for lung support) as a sure fire way to start and end the day right.
Cathy: I replenish my supplement routine every seven days. It’s never the same thing twice, but my “regulars” include triphala and ashwagandha (for digestive health), Vitamin B (for brain function and metabolism), and Omega 3 (for heart and mental health). I’m also curious about other supplements and herbs that I can incorporate, depending on what my body currently needs. I often turn to the chapter dedicated to this topic in Stacy Sims’ excellent book, Next Level.

 3. Beck and Cathy: Never liquor after dinner
Beck: No matter the temptation, I stick to the rule of no hard liquor after a meal ends to help keep blood alcohol levels in moderation, and avoid sugar spikes close to bedtime that can lead to insomnia.
Cathy: My body and sleep routine don’t mind a nightcap (read one nightcap), and I enjoy experimenting with new non-alc products on the market that also deliver the warmth and spice that I seem to crave at the end of the day, especially as the weather gets cooler.

4. Beck: Take Intentional Breath Breaks
In a busy day, an extended ‘formal’ meditation break is more a dream than reality, but I find an intentional breathing break helps reset frayed nerves. Turning my device to “Do Not Disturb”, setting a timer for two minutes of intentional, even-count belly breaths has been a powerful tool to reset my system.

5. Cathy: Support Your Friends
Yes, OND is a wild, busy season for our industry. It’s also a very important time of year in the cycle of non-profits, who often organize fundraisers and events to close out the year. I try to show up when I can for friends and the causes that are important to them. Pitch in to help, if not financially then with your presence and sweat equity. It is the giving season. Let activities like this refill your cup. Give. Receive. Repeat.

 There you have it! Five simple routine ways to keep the stress in check and help you maintain your vital energy through this Holiday season.

We would love to hear your routines and tips, so drop them in the comments and keep on shining!

Namaste,
Beck & Cathy