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Are you aiming for optimal health this holiday season? Between bugs, flu, and the ever-changing conditions, there are powerful reasons to do everything possible to keep you and your family healthy at this time of year. With that in mind, here are four tips to help you achieve your goals for a happy and healthy holiday season.
Load Up on Antioxidants
Come what may, we want to stay healthy and make sure we’re doing everything in our power to keep our families healthy. That’s why loading up on antioxidants is at the top of the list. Elderberry, also known as Sambucus, has long been sought out as a way to protect the delicate tissues of the lungs and throat.
It is a popular ingredient in antioxidant capsules, especially when combined with Vitamin C and Zinc, two key immune systems that support nutrients. If you’re looking for a single go-to item for your kitchen cabinet, pick elderberry pills. You will reach for them over and over during the cold months. But why are they so awesome?
Elderberries are a terrific source of anthocyanins, known to have antioxidant properties. Compared to other berries, they are the superstars, boasting three times the anthocyanins as red raspberries, and six times that found in strawberries. Combine that goodness with the superpowers of Zinc and Vitamin C and you can rest easy that you’re doing everything to help support your immune system.
Set Monthly Goals
It can seem challenging to set monthly goals during this already fully-loaded month. However, if you’re a lover of ritual, you know that it helps to set goals so you can enjoy the process of achieving them. One of the things about monthly goals for December is that they often revolve around what not to do, such as:
- Don’t overbook and schedule every free moment.
- Don’t commit to too many parties, gatherings, or entertainment events you aren’t truly thrilled about attending.
- Don’t engage in giving super expensive gifts and set yourself up for feeling miserable when you get the bill in January.
Yet, there are a lot of December goals that are about what to do more of. Do enjoy time with your children, family, and loved ones. Do reach out and send a painting, poem, or gift to a loved one. Do make time to fill the house with lights and fragrant branches from your garden. Do indulge in putting your feet up and savoring a cup of your favorite tea.
Get the Kitchen Cupboard Organized
If you’re like many of us, you might rely on your kitchen organization at other times of the year, without giving it too much thought. But during the holidays, your kitchen is likely to take center stage. This is a great time of year to do the things that you haven’t touched in a while.
For instance, why not organize the spice drawer? Feel free to ditch the broken plates, glasses, and mugs that you’re not using anymore. Get out any holiday china or glassware, too, so you can use it with friends and family when they come to visit.
Spruce Up Your Folk Remedy Cupboard
During the winter months, you’ll be relying on these must-have home remedies. If you don’t have a section of your kitchen devoted to folk remedies, consider these as basic items. You can always expand as you find new herbs, spices, and supplements to add to your stash.
- Mint: Peppermint, spearmint, and mint are renowned for soothing upset tummies.
- Ginger: Ginger root is just waiting to be boiled up as a go-to aid for sore throats, colds, and winter blues. You can always add lemon juice and honey for good measure.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: Many people swear by apple cider vinegar. This type of vinegar is reputed to help soothe achy joints and boost energy. You may enjoy a couple of tablespoons in a glass of water. Try it cold or hot, with or without a spoon of honey.
- Cinnamon: While you’ll use this wonderful spice in baking, it’s also great to just add to apple slices. It’s a fast way to have a tasty and healthy snack.
- Teabags: These could help reduce the ache of swelling. If you have puffy eyes, steep some tea and allow the bags to cool. Place on shut eyes to help reduce swelling.
- Lavender: Lavender is a popular fragrant flower that has been known to help ease anxiety. Experiment with putting a bit of lavender in tea or bone broth.
Let your pantry and home rituals work for you this holiday season. These four simple tips can help you and your family stay healthy and happy. Wishing you wonderful holidays!
