For many of us, November 1 marks the beginning of the holiday season. Halloween is over and we shift from ghosts and goblins to turkeys, trees, presents… and a whole lot of stress. So before we get too far into the holidays, I want to remind you how important it is to take care of YOU.

Yes, you’ll be shopping. Yes, you’ll be entertaining. Yes, you’ll be cooking, wrapping, decorating, traveling, visiting… doing all the holiday things. But within all that busyness, I want you to promise to take care of you. Because as I mentioned in another recent post, you can’t take care of all the things (and people) you need to take care of if you’re not taking care of yourself.

So besides telling you all the things you’d expect to be told — get plenty of sleep, move your body in some way every day, eat nutritious food — I’ll also share a few unexpected ways for you to sneak in some self-care so you’re prepped for the holidays… and beyond.

Keep Your Daily Routine...

Throughout the holiday madness, and even if you’re traveling, I want you to do your best to keep up your regular daily routines. This will help your body and mind feel safe and secure, and discourage it from feeling frazzled... and searching for self-soothing mechanisms like snacking and napping instead of eating well and working out.

… But Make Some Healthy Additions

Yes, I just told you to keep your daily routines. But you may also consider adding some healthy habits and supplements to your routine in order to truly enhance your health. 

As a board-certified naturopathic doctor, it’s been my mission to treat the whole person, not just the symptoms. So I’ve developed a whole array of products to help people achieve their best health. Here are just a few of my favorites:

Bone Broth

Bone broth is my secret weapon for what I call “concentrated healing.” Why? Because bone broth isn’t just broth, and it isn’t just soup. It’s one of the world’s oldest and most powerful medicinal foods. And because it supports your health at a cellular level, I turn to this nutrient-rich “liquid gold” multiple times per day. I’ve urged countless patients and followers of my programs to do the same, and I invite you to, too. 

Sipping on a mug of bone broth at the end of a harried day is relaxing and centering. Sipping on it at the beginning of the day can help set the tone for how you’ll eat the rest of the day. And enjoying it as a midday snack can help fill you up so you eat less throughout the day — including indulging in too many rich or unhealthy holiday treats.

You can make your own broth with your leftover turkey carcasses. Or, for convenience, you can choose my ready-made liquid bone broth or even easy-grab packets of powdered bone broth. Any form that works for you and your lifestyle is great. Just do yourself a favor and sneak this nutrient powerhouse into your day, somehow, some way. 

Sipping Swap-Outs

Coffee, hot cocoa, cocktails, mocktails… all of these beverages are holiday season staples, for sure. But they can also be hard on your system. They’re usually loaded with sugar, for one. And two, caffeine and alcohol are not your body’s best friends when you’re trying to get a decent night of sleep or stay hydrated so you can feel and look your best. 

That said, while I will suggest you limit the “regular” versions of these beverages, making a simple swap-out can at least add a boost of healthy ingredients to your sips. Here’s what I recommend:

Coffee

Instead of sweet, syrupy lattes or your favorite brew mixed with sugary creamers, try my instant Collagen Coffee. It’s a smooth, light blend with subtle hints of chocolate, and enhanced with gut-supporting collagen. To make it festive, you can top it with a small dollop of coconut whipped cream and a dusting of cinnamon.

Hot Cocoa

Trade your regular cup of sugar-laden cocoa for a ready-to-go pouch of my Collagen Hot Cocoa, which contains a whopping 15g of protein, no added sugars, and only 2 grams of carbs. It tastes just as rich and delicious as “traditional” hot cocoa, but has none of the guilt. It’s a simple swap all season — and all winter — long. 

Cocktails and Mocktails

Cocktails and mocktails, especially the holiday versions, are notorious for sugary mixers and unhealthy additives. If you want to forgo the sugar and alcohol hangover, try Lemon Sips or Orange Cream Collagen Cooler. Both of these drink mixes taste indulgent and feel fancy enough to sip at a party, and they have very real health benefits, like gut-nourishing collagen (in the Collagen Cooler) and beauty-enhancing SOD B® (in the delicious and hydrating Lemon Sips). They also make great gifts for the people in your life who have excellent taste but are hard to buy for.

Don’t Forget To Have Fun

While you work hard to take care of yourself and make a wonderful holiday season for your loved ones, don’t forget to have some fun. Fun is important for both mental and physical wellness. It can help stave off stress and remind you to be present in the moment. After all, being present is the BEST present… during the holiday season, and all year long.

Try This 15-Minute Body Scan Meditation With Me

When you know you need to unwind and release, but time is limited, this Body Scan Meditation is just the ticket. In 15 short minutes, we'll use a gradual sequence to pay attention to parts of the body — from feet to head — and the sensations throughout. I'll lead you through the whole thing, and I know you're gonna love it. Don't forget to share this gift of relaxation with a friend who may need it, too.