Preparing for the holidays is stressful even for the most resilient among us, so if you are trying to lose weight with all the rich foods around you, it’s not surprising that things can get a bit overwhelming. Acupuncture is an effective treatment for stress any time of year, but if your schedule is fully booked until the middle of January, you need to find a stress-reduction alternative that won’t interrupt the progress you’ve made during your previous acupuncture sessions for weight loss.
Because acupuncture operates on the premise balanced Qi, or life force, taking steps to put your mind and body in tune can only help to release physical and emotional stress and keep you from breaking your diet. If you can manage to squeeze in an acupuncture session or two during this busy time, you should. It will make the holidays less hectic and give you the relief you need. For the rest of us who don’t have the time, these self-care tips might do the trick.
Stay Hydrated
You may be thinking that as the temperature cools off that you don’t need to worry about your water intake. However, if you are attempting to shed some pounds, it is crucial to drink as much water as possible. Drinking plenty of water will help your body operate efficiently. Try to avoid the holiday staples of alcohol and caffeine, which are known to dehydrate the body. Drink a large glass of warm water in the morning to hydrate and get your body moving.
Notice the Little Things
The school of thought behind acupuncture and Traditional Chinese Medicine emphasizes the importance of the everyday routine. Though little things can set us off and cause stress, they are usually not the root of that stress. In fact, sometimes it’s the little things that can calm us down. Take some time to do something mundane, such as doing the dishes or organizing your workspace, and really focus on it. Being mindful and intentional in your actions helps bring on a sense of serenity.
Go Outside
We are a part of this world, and the more we get in touch with nature, the more at peace we feel. If the weather is nice, you should try to find some time to go out into nature. Five minutes outside can do wonders for your stress levels and keep you from slipping in your weight loss routine. And the exercise you get out of it doesn’t hurt either. It can be as simple as taking a walk around the block or even going for a short run. There is beauty everywhere; all you have to do is see it to be a part of it.
If you need more relief from holiday stress than these tips can give you, you should book a session with an acupuncturist. Dr. Litman of Miami is experienced in acupuncture for weight loss and stress reduction. Don’t wait for the stress to go away by itself. Call today to set up your visit and continue your weight loss journey.
305-772-4386