Holiday Edition 2023

The winter and holiday season is in full swing!  With it comes a lot of joy and sometimes a bit of stress.

Who wants to eliminate as much stress as possible?

What if I told you that a little mindset shift here and there can make a huge difference?  Here are a few ways to have a happy and healthy holiday season

1. Communicate!  Don’t be shy about articulating your needs in a loving way.  If you have a need or desire – Ask! More times out of ten, people don’t know.

2. Release Expectations!  When we expect something to unfold in a certain way, it becomes more difficult to enjoy the surprises that have the potential to become profound blessings!

3. Be Grateful!  Gratitude can be most important when we are having a bad day or are stuck.  The world opens up to happiness when we live in a space of gratitude.

4. Reduce Resistance! Change what you have influence over and leave the rest.  Swimming against the current is tiring and frustrating. 

5. Respect Differences of Opinion! Compromise where possible – everyone’s needs are different.

6. Manage Emotions!  When triggered, take a deep breath and give yourself time to process the event without lashing out.

7. Laugh a Lot!  If the mood is down in the dumps, find a good comedy to watch on TV alone, with family or friends. 
   
8. Remember the Importance of Forgiveness!  In order to forgive, we need to simply get to a place where we are ready to stop identifying with the pain that was caused.  Forgiving is what we do for ourselves as we process emotions.

The Winter solstice is December 21, 2023, at 10:27 pm, when half the earth is tilted the farthest from the sun.  It symbolizes rebirth, renewal, and the return of the light.  It’s a time of new beginnings.

Some may find it hard to cope with the least amount of sunlight as serotonin levels drop.    Here are a few suggestions to lift the spirit.

1. Make contact with family and friends regularly, whether in person or via video apps.
2. Go on day outings when possible. Take in the beauty of a winter day.
3. Light therapy may help.
4. Take in the sun when it’s shining. Go outdoors and feel it shine on your face.

Proper nourishment is important to stay healthy when colds, flu, and COVID-19 viruses are rampant.  Try to stay away from junk food.  Increase these nutritious foods.

• Vitamin D-rich foods found in salmon, eggs, red meat, and shitake mushrooms are important for the immune system

• Root vegetables for your vitamins C and A

• Citrus fruits to boost your mood and immune system

• Broccoli, cauliflower, and bell peppers for more vitamin C

• Beans for protein and amino acids

• Leafy greens for vitamin C, K, and A

• Whole grains for protein and fiber

• Berries for antioxidants, vitamins C, manganese, and K1

• Greek yogurt for B-12, calcium and probiotic

Be healthy, be well, and be safe!

Disclaimer: The information in this blog is intended for educational purposes only. As a Board-Certified Doctor of Natural Medicine, I do not diagnose or treat disease, an area well attended by licensed physicians. Instead, I identify healing opportunities within the body. Once identified, function and health may be restored by rebalancing the underlying causes and conditions of health challenges. Rebalancing the body’s systems can be a proven stabilizer adjunctive to medical protocols. Not all recommendations
may be appropriate for everyone. Due diligence and a consultation with your physician before engaging in alternative concepts or protocols are recommended.

To your health,
Dr. Gerda
Doctor of Natural Medicine
Aging Strong and Holistic Cancer Risk Reduction Consultant