Let’s be honest, while the holidays can be a joyful time, they can also be stressful. Shopping, crowds, not so healthy cookies and potluck dinners, lack of sleep trying to get it all done, yikes! That is enough for anyone to want to go hide under their bed and not come out until January 2nd, but for someone with adrenal fatigue or thyroid issues, it can be downright debilitating. Supporting the adrenals and thyroid is key.
photo credit – Vladmary on canva.com
It is important to support your adrenals and thyroid BEFORE all the holiday madness begins. When we start to have little flares and symptoms you are already starting down the slippery slope of a crash. Who wants a health crash at one of the busiest times of the year?
1.) Keep up with your supplements and add some extras.
Be strict with your vitamin routine. This may mean taking the time to organize your vitamins and supplements and have them in easy to go containers. While you are on the go you can grab them before you leave the house so you don’t miss a dose. Also, think ahead if you are going to be away for a few days and have enough of your supplements with you to last the entire time.
This is a good time of the year to be boosting your immune system. Adding some vitamin D3 (available on Amazon) and vitamin C will not only help your adrenals and thyroid but it will also boost your immune system to keep those nasty bugs away. Cell salts (available on Amazon*) are also something easy to add to the routine. Cell salts help the body use the minerals that are already present in your system.
If you are not already taking one, a good multi vitamin goes a long way at this time of the year. Your thyroid and adrenals will be happy with the added nutrition.
2.) Eat your fruit and vegetables.
Getting your greens in can be tough when there seems to be a surplus of cookies and sweets around. Starting the day with a green smoothie is a great way to get your greens in and know that your body has had some nourishing food for the day.
Bring a salad, fruit or veggie tray to family gatherings. I know it sounds boring but I often bring a nice lettuce salad to gatherings and I never bring any home. A fruit tray also goes over well with kids and people with food allergies that can’t partake in the cookies, cakes and pies. I always feel better when I know I’ve had a good helping of raw veggies even if I indulge in foods I don’t normally eat.
3.) Get to bed on time.
With all the hustle and bustle, it is good to get your sleep in when you can. With family and church happenings and travel, take the time to get to bed at a reasonable hour so that your adrenals and thyroid get the rest they need for those long days.
Don’t feel guilty about saying ‘no’ to less important things so that you can get the rest your body needs to stay healthy and happy during the holidays.
4.) Keep Hydrated.
Fill up some water bottles, add a slice of lemon and keep them stocked in your fridge so you have a bottle ready to go. Shopping and running around are fast ways to get thirsty and who wants to pay and arm and a leg for a bottle of water while you are out? The lemon will also be a bit of a gentle liver support as well, which we all need.
You can also add a dash of sea salt to your water, this is great for supporting your adrenals!
5.) Relax!
Take a few moments each day to sit with your feet up, pray, read, take a bath, mediate, or close your eyes, even if you don’t nap. It is amazing what 15 minutes of relaxing time a day can do to keep your adrenals happy.
It is sometimes hard to stop and take care of yourself during this season, but it is so important. You can’t enjoy the holidays when your body isn’t working properly. Do these few things to support your thyroid and adrenal systems to avoid crashing. Don’t wait until the New Year to take care of YOU!
What are your favorite tips for supporting your thyroid and adrenals during times of stress?
Jessica
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