The challenge to all of us during this celebratory season of Christmas and the New Year is to keep fit and healthy despite the challenges of bingeing and indulgence.
There are limits to our capacity to exceed our cravings.
While most are in vacation mode, the operative words, in effect, seem to be “let go.”
Here are a few guidelines to keep us well without dampening the holiday spirit.
Mirror image. Yes, take a good look at yourself in the mirror. You need to connect with yourself. Do you like what you see? If yes, then continue whatever it is you are doing. If no, then you need to take a sharp, scrutinizing look at the image before you.
Room for improvement. Yes, nobody is perfect. We all have room for improvement, no matter what the gender, age, proportion, color or size.
We are all a work in wonderful progress. And the good news is, yes, you can achieve a stronger body, a more radiant complexion, a slimmer waistline, a higher energy level. It is never too late—if you begin today.
Mindset. It’s more than just a mind-over-matter situation; this involves total involvement of your determination and drive to succeed. You may think it, you may want it, but in the end you’ve got to go for it.
Now that you have sorted out the inner you, let’s work on your outer side.
The physical manifestation and reality of who you are is a result of what you consume through your body and your heart. It’s true. What you feed your body will be reflected in the quality of your skin, your energy level and disposition. Yes, food affects your mood!
And what thoughts and feelings you nurture in your mind and heart will affect your immune system, positively or negatively.
Wellness reminders
Moderation. Health statistics worldwide, according to the World Health Organization, prove that heart attacks and cardiovascular problems are more prevalent during the Yuletide season compared to any other time of the year. The danger period is from Dec. 24 to Jan. 1.
With that in mind, a reminder to adopt a policy of balance. In short, don’t overdo things, whether it’s taking an extra glass of alcohol, slice of cake or helping of lechon.
Follow your feeling. You have an inner radar. It is what guides you to say yes or no to a certain kind of food. Your feelings will never mislead you. There is a built-in instinct that gets activated before you make a decision to act.
Water therapy. This is a failsafe practice. Drink two glasses of water one hour before meals or cocktails. Your stomach will feel full enough to control your appetite.
Energy and strength
Supplementation. There are vitamins that guarantee your energy and strength.
Consider extra supplementation of vitamin C, 1,000-3,000 mg daily. This, because the cold virus is active at this time.
Zinc with vitamin D. This is the knockout punch versus coughs and colds.
B-Complex. The anti-stress vitamin is a must. This fights off fatigue and lack of sleep by calming the nerves and muscles.
Exercise. Trimming the Christmas tree is not enough exercise. Nor will cooking all day suffice to burn calories.
If you intend to eat and drink more than you should, then daily moderate exercise like walking for 30 minutes is good enough.
Crucial hours. It’s not enough to know how much to eat; remember that there is a proper time to eat. Compromising your digestive system one hour before bedtime could lead to liver and heart problems in the long run. Moreover, it can cause interrupted sleep.
A giving heart
One of the unconditional laws on wellness is to have a giving heart. When we open our hearts to love, we create a healing effect on the lives we touch, and especially our own. Some call it psychic income, others label it a spiritual gift. But it is simply grace.
Gift your family with the grace of your love; help our less fortunate countrymen, but leave a big space in that big, generous, loving heart of yours for yourself. You deserve it.
Today’s affirmation: “I am a gift to myself and others.”
Love and light!
The book “Super Mind, Super Body” by Jaime Licauco and Cory Quirino is now available at National Book Store.
