Stay Healthy, Stay Merry: Survive the Season in style naturally with these essentials!

The holiday season is a wonderful time to celebrate with family and friends, share laughter, and create lasting memories. But let’s be honest—it can also come with its fair share of challenges: packed schedules, endless to-do lists, tempting treats, and the occasional stress that sneaks in between the festivities.

To help you navigate the hustle and keep your energy high, we’ve put together a Holiday Survival Kit filled with simple, natural strategies. Here are a few essential tips¹ to help you stay healthy, balanced and energized naturally to be ready to savor every joyful moment without feeling drained or overwhelmed.

1. Eat Mindfully

·           Take time to enjoy your food: Sit down, eat without distractions, savor each bite, and pay attention to your hunger and fullness cues.

·            Portion wisely: Use smaller plates and fill half your plate with vegetables, which helps prevent overeating.

·           Aim for nutritious choices—whole grains, fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to support the immune system.

·           Handle food safely while cooking: wash hands and surfaces after handling raw foods and follow the “Cook, Clean, Separate, Chill” rule to keep holiday meals safe.

2. Reduce Stress & Set Healthy Habits

·            Share responsibilities: Delegate holiday tasks to prevent feeling overwhelmed.

·            Prep meals in advance: Batch-cook and freeze healthy meals for busy days. Stock up on ready-to-eat veggies, fruit, hummus, yogurt, and whole-grain snacks.

·            Take intentional breaks: Use breathing exercises, brief walks, or quiet time to decompress.

^·            Use Lavender Essential Oil:  Lavender is renowned for its calming properties and has been studied for its ability to significantly reduce anxiety levels.² Whether you use a diffuser or simply place a few drops on your pillow after a family-filled night, lavender deserves a place in your stress support plan!

3. Stay Active with Winter-Friendly Options

• Keep moving: Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate activity per week. Try skating, skiing, walking in nature or indoor workouts to stay active

• Embrace seasonal activities: Walks, skating, skiing, or tobogganing boost endorphins and help manage stress and blood pressure.

• Adapt to shorter days: Keep routines planned, and switch to indoor alternatives like online yoga or fitness classes if needed.

4. Stay hydrated and sip smart

• Keep water on hand: Staying hydrated helps manage hunger and overall wellbeing—bring a reusable bottle when out.

• Flavor it healthily: Infuse water with fruit, mint, or cinnamon instead of sugary drinks. You may also add electrolyte powder or a pinch of Himalayan Sea Salt which adds natural electrolytes for a boost of energy.

Think of Homeopathy

The holiday season can be demanding on your body and mind. While healthy habits like balanced eating, hydration, and rest are key, homeopathy offers gentle support for common seasonal discomforts. Homeopathic remedies can complement your wellness routine and help you feel your best during celebrations festivities. Here are a few of Boiron’s homeopathic medicines essentials* to keep on hand:

1.   Cold and flu-like symptoms relief

Stodal®Multi-Symptom** is used for cold symptoms such as nasal congestion, runny nose, sneezing, minor sore throat, dry/wet cough and chest congestion. Non-drowsy and dye-free, it’s suitable day & night for adults & children 1 year and up.

Echinalia helps to sooth minor sore throats, local irritation and mouth ulcers, Echinalia is composed of two medicinal ingredients, both in mother tincture, Echinacea augustifolia and Plantago major. The Echinalia spray has a long stem that makes it easier to spray to the affected area and is offered to adults and children over 6 years old.

Oscillococcinum® relieves flu-like symptoms like body aches, headaches, fever, and chills, and helps reduce their duration. Non-drowsy, dye- and preservative-free, with pre-measured doses for day or night use and is suitable for the whole family. To respond at the first sign, be prepared with Oscillo!

2.   Stress and sleep support

Passiflora Compose is used for stress, nervousness, restlessness and insomnia. Offered in quick, easy-to-take quick dissolving pellets, it is suitable for the whole family, adults and children.

3.   Digestion support

Nux vomica Composé Is used for indigestions and occasional stomach discomfort causing: pain, cramps, nausea, vomiting, heartburn, eructation, gastric reflux, flatulences, bloating and headache. It can also be used to occasional functional digestive disorders (dyspepsic disorders) due to overindulgence in food. Offered in quick dissolving pellets, it is suitable for the whole family, adults and children.

* Note: These homeopathic medicines may not be suitable for everyone. Always read the label and follow the directions for use.

**These claims are based on traditional homeopathic references and not modern scientific evidence.

References

¹ Food Guide Canada:  

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-eating-recommendations/be-mindful-of-your-eating-habits/take-time-to-eat/;

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/tips-for-healthy-eating/make-healthy-meals-with-the-eat-well-plate/;

https://food-guide.canada.ca/en/healthy-eating-recommendations/make-it-a-habit-to-eat-vegetables-fruit-whole-grains-and-protein-foods/

Healthy eating : https://www.healthlinkbc.ca/health-library/health-features/celebrate-healthier-holiday-foods; 

Food Safety: https://www.canada.ca/en/health-canada/services/food-safety.html;

Physical activity: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/being-active/physical-activity-your-health.html; https://www.heartandstroke.ca

Sleep: https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/healthy-living/sleep.html; https://www.canada.ca/en/public-health/services/publications/healthy-living/canadian-children-getting-enough-sleep-infographic.html

² Lavender oil: https://www.mdpi.com/2227-9032/11/22/2978?utm_