#16 -Focus on Breathing The way you breathe can make a BIG difference on your stress level. Just a simple breathing exercise can calm the body and the brain down in a few short minutes. A simple breathing exercise would be the following: *Breathing in through your nose and let your belly fill with air. *Count to the number three as you inhale. *Hold your breathe for two seconds and then slowly exhale through your nose while counting to three. “Like” us at Beyond Basic Health

#15-Cry When was the last time you had a good cry? Yes, crying is a suggestion for a Healthier Holiday Hack! Sometimes we are so stressed that the emotions attached to it get bottled up to the point that we don’t feel good. Crying, like laughing, is one way to release bottled up emotions. Sometimes we just need a good cry and chances are we will feel better! "Like" us at Beyond Basic Health #wellness #health #healthyholiday #wellnesseducator

#14 - Creative Break Do you like to be creative? Creative can be anything from painting, writing, to coloring in a coloring book!!! Doing something creative can not only relieve holiday stress it could eliminate it! How about creating a gift for someone you care about? "Like " us at Beyond Basic Health #health #HealthyHoliday #Wellness #Wellnesseducator

#13 - Take a Nap When was the last time you took a nap? (being sick doesn’t count!!!) Taking the 20 minute “power nap” is said to boost your alertness and give you energy. Naps longer than 30 minutes can help improved cognitive performance. “Like” us at Beyond Basic Health #health #HealthyHoliday #Wellness #Wellnesseducator

#12-Be Food Aware! What are you eating during Holiday time? The Holiday Season brings about numerous parties and "get-together" invites. We are thrown into an environment that has an abundance of food and drink that we normally don’t eat! To be “food aware” means to be aware of what you are eating! It doesn’t mean to skip everything and just eat the carrots and celery from the veggie tray (oh no!!!). Instead, you can make wise choices by eating smaller portions of things a

#11-Give to Others What does giving mean to you? The holiday season is a season of giving. Humans are natural helpers and by helping others, you are bringing a positive change to someone's life and in return you will feel good and refreshed! Some examples of giving to others include; Donating time at a soup kitchen or charity Volunteer for meals on wheels - deliver meals to those in need Help an elderly neighbor - shovel their driveway when you get snow Help a family that has

#10-Take the dog for a walk How Often Do You Take the Dog for a walk? If you haven’t had “dog and me” time, take some time and take your dog for a walk. Walking in the cold weather burns calories faster, brings about clearer thinking, and you’re breathing in fresher air. *Just remember to shorten walks (according to the weather) because of the risk of frostbite and hypothermia both to you and your dog “Like” us at Beyond Basic Health #Wellnesseducator #Healthyholiday #W

#5-Build a Snowman! (if there is snow, of course!!) We grew up with the habit of building a snowman after the first heavy wet snow! Even as adults, we still do it today!! Grab an extra carrot, a few charcoal briquets, a few twigs, a hat and scarf and frosty will be set! Benefits: fresh air, fun, memories!! Your thought:Do you have a fun story or memory around building a snowman? “Like” us at Beyond Basic Health #Snowman #Frosty #HealthyHoliday #Wellness #Educator

#4-Prayer/Meditate Praying/meditating for 10 minutes a day (we prefer first thing in the early morning) has been shown to not only help you feel better day to day but it also can reduce anxiety, lower blood pressure, and help you sleep more soundly. Let us know: What benefits have you experienced from meditating/praying? “Like” us at Beyond Basic Health #prayer #meditate #health #HealthyHoliday #wellness

#3 -Eat raw veggies, yum! Grab those carrots or celery sticks! They are oh so good for you! Eating raw veggies provides more nutrition than it’s cooked counterpart. The heat from cooking can destroy heat sensitive nutrients in certain vegetables such as phytonutrients, probiotics, vitamins, and enzymes. Your thoughts: What are some of the ways you eat raw veggies? “Like” us at Beyond Basic Health # veggies #health #HealthyHoliday #Wellness

The Holidays are always a season of busy. Here are some “Healthy Hacks” for a Healthier Holiday! #1 - GET SOME SLEEP!!! Sleeping 7-9 hours not only can help your body rest but it is beneficial for stress reduction, keeping the brain sharp, increasing energy levels, boosting mood, and it reduces inflammation (which is linked to heart disease, stroke, diabetes, arthritis, premature aging). What are your thoughts: Do you get 7-9 hours of sleep? Why or Why not? "Like"us at Beyond