Holistic Health

Winter is home to the "most wonderful time of the year," Christmas! But it is also a changeable, cold and difficult month for many, with our holistic health being at the back of our minds.

As a holistic health practitioner, I have some advice on the little changes you can make to your day to day lifestyle to ensure you keep on top of taking care of YOU—after all, that is what holistic health is all about.

1. Drink more water.

It is the oldest health tip in the book. Not only does it relieve fatigue and promote weight loss, but it also flushes out toxins - something we tend to ingest a lot of over Christmas! It is also a good habit to get into and carry on through into the New Year and beyond.

2. Get enough sleep.

With the excitement and stress of preparing for festivities, it is hard to shut your brain off. However, your body needs to in order to work properly. Seven to nine hours is an optimum amount and be sure to switch off those screens in plenty of time before bed to ensure your natural circadian rhythm.

3. Aromatherapy Oils

Christmas is a warm and fun time of year, but it is also very stressful. Try sandalwood and lavender oils to calm your mind. Ylang-ylang is also excellent at lowering blood pressure. Incorporating some meditation will work wonders for your stress levels too.

4. Herbal Teas.

With all of the making merry at winter time, it is natural for our bodies to feel out of balance. Both green and peppermint tea are superb for digestion. Try to get caffeine free, where possible, so you can enjoy one after dinner or before bed. If you are struggling with cravings in the colder months, then chamomile tea is an excellent suppressant.With all of the making merry at winter time, it is natural for our bodies to feel out of balance. Both green and peppermint tea are superb for digestion. Try to get caffeine free, where possible, so you can enjoy one after dinner or before bed. If you are struggling with cravings in the colder months, than chamomile tea is an excellent suppressant.

5. Be grateful.

It is easy to take things for granted over christmas and expect to receive attention and presents. Instead, be mindful and take time to think about what you are grateful for, it will make the holiday mean so much more. Enjoy the giving of presents even more so than the receiving.

6. Exercise.

It is hard to be motivated when it is dark and cold, we'd much rather curl up and watch a movie. However, exercise is a brilliant way to warm up and maintain fitness throughout the winter months. As we are eating a lot more, especially in December, it prevents those sneaky pounds from creeping on too! Regular exercise is also an excellent combatant to stress, something we all encounter around the holidays.

7. Consider multivitamins.

Although we should get all the nutrients we need through our diet, it is common for many—especially in the winter months—to miss out on the vitamins that our bodies are craving. By taking a supplement through winter, you will ensure that your organs and systems are functioning properly.

8. Protect your skin.

People tend to forget that the sun's harmful UVA rays stay at the same strength all year and can penetrate through glass. Just because it isn't sweltering doesn't mean that your skin won't get damaged.

I hope these simple tips will encourage you to take a more holistic approach this winter. Of all the seasons, winter is the one where our overall health tends to take a back seat. By following a more holistic lifestyle, you will ensure that you're the healthiest you can be and you will have some good habits to carry forward into next year. Above all else have fun and have a super Christmas and New Year.