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Author Dr. Michael Cocilovo of New City Chiropractic Center www.newcitychiropractic.com
We’ve made it nearly to the end of 2021, so it’s time to celebrate and to begin to look forward to a new year! But while we are celebrating it's always good to keep some simple wellness tips in mind to help us stay healthy during this Holiday Season.
1. It’s Okay to Say No
There’s usually a lot of pressure to say yes to everything during the holidays. So many parties, so little time and especially this year as more people feel comfortable getting back together, but realize that some people, including you, may still be hesitant. So let yourself say no if it doesn’t feel right or you are uncomfortable. You know your limits when it comes to commitments, so use the mantra, ‘I can say no’ when it gets too overwhelming.
2. Amp up the H2O
Between the holiday cocktails, delicious treats, colder weather, and more than average stress, your body likely needs a little more water than usual. Stay hydrated by limiting your alcoholic intake and always having a bottle of water nearby or a cup of warm tea.
3. Apply the 80/20 Rule
If your house is anything like my office’s break room, there’ll be an unlimited supply of cookies, candies, and other sweet delicacies from now until New Year’s! This makes staying on a healthy diet a challenge. But here’s an easy tip for you- remember this easy ratio to follow when thinking about your nutrition. Are you eating nourishing foods 80% of the time? Are you indulging 20% of the time? When it starts to feel more like 70/30 or 60/40 you know your body might need a few more nutrients.
4. Keep Up A Mindfulness Practice
Your mind is likely full with plenty of to-do lists this time of year, so be intentional about taking a few minutes of ‘me time’ every day as part of your mindfulness practice. This could be a few minutes of breathing, a quick walk, or some light stretching before bed. A 10-minute yoga practice or a simple meditation in a quiet room in the middle of the day can go a long way to keeping you sane from all the hustle and bustle of the month.
5. Focus On The Little Things
Let’s be honest, the holidays can come and go in an instant! We blink and they’re gone. So, every day try to focus on something you’re grateful for. Even in this difficult and challenging year, we all have so much to be thankful for – so let’s try to remember that! Take a minute to appreciate the way your tree or menorah sparkles at night, the look on your child’s or grandchild's face when they open their gift or the cup of hot chocolate you’re treating yourself to. Slow down, take a step back, and soak it in.
6. Squeeze in Exercise
Never is exercise more important for your physical and mental wellbeing than it is this month- and yet it is the time when we all tend to exercise the least. So if this time of year seems impossible to fit in your regular workouts, try sneaking exercise into your normal daily routine. This could be walking around the block while you wait for dinner to be ready, taking the stairs instead of the elevator all month long, or strolling on your lunch break instead of sitting down.
7. Utilize the Calendar
If there was ever a month we believe in keeping a detailed calendar, it’s December. Staying organized with our schedules keeps us calm and gives us peace of mind. And while there may be fewer parties and events this year due to the pandemic-we will still have more than our fair share of things to do, people to see, and places to go. So keep an organized calendar of events-It will help us manage commitments and priorities more effectively.
8. The End is in Sight
Remember how far you’ve come this year and what you’ve done to stay healthy over the past two years and don’t give up now! You can still wear a facemask if you are more comfortable with it, maintain social distance from others and carry hand sanitizer at all times to keep your hands clean and germ-free.
Wishing you a very happy and healthy holiday season!
Dr. Michael Cocilovo
Dr. Michael Cocilovo is a chiropractor in New City, NY with over 35 years of experience. Dr. Mike, as he is known, earned his undergraduate degree in Biology from Seton Hall University and graduated with Honors from New York Chiropractic College in 1986. A Certified Sports Team Physician, Dr. Mike is also one of a select group of chiropractors certified to perform Manipulation under Anesthesia (MUA) . He is a long-time member of the New York State Chiropractic Association and is Past President of the Rockland County Chapter of the American Chiropractic Association.
This month his office at 490 Route 304 in New City is collecting Toys for Tots for the 35th year in a row. You can drop off new, unwrapped toys during normal business hours. For questions call 845-634-8877. www.newcitychiropractic.com
