December is a wonderful month of the year, it brings together the activities of the year and gives us a chance to reach our goals before the New Year. In the Southern Hemisphere, December also brings the beginning of Summer. Summer is the season that resonates with the Fire phase and brings inspiration and joy into the World. Plants and animals are striving towards their full potential and people are most creative during this time.
We can't forget that December also brings us the well awaited and well deserved, Christmas Holidays! It is a time to relax, do the things you enjoy or haven't been able to do during the busy work year. The spirit of Summer and element of Fire helps make this a joyful time, full of food, life and loved ones; enabling us to reconnect with our Hearts and what gives us joy. Some may see it as a stressful time, preparing for Christmas feasts or vacations away, but try to remember to take a step back and breathe, its time to enjoy yourself and remember the things you love doing.
Here are some holiday health tips to help you stay well while enjoying the festive season:
Enjoy healthy food. We can still enjoy ourselves whilst keeping our health in mind. Try reviving an old recipe with new ingredients, or add a few new salads with lots of green leafy vegetables to compliment the traditional Christmas ham. Avoid over-indulgence in processed foods and remember to STAY HYDRATED as our Australian Christmas always enjoys turning up the heat. Below is my Christmas quinoa salad recipe if you get stuck for ideas.
Stick to a budget. The holiday season is about being with the ones you love, whether it is family, friends or both. Money can't buy happiness, so stay within your budget to avoid future stress. Hand-made gifts, gift trades (secret Santa) or a wholesome home cooked meal can be more thoughtful (and appreciated) than an expensive present. Let it come from the heart!
Be realistic with your goals. Allow yourself to enjoy the holidays without losing healthy habits. Treat yourself, but again try not to over-indulge in processed and artificially enhanced foods, and enjoy the seasonal fruits summer has to offer!
RELAX! As the end of the year is a time to bring everything to a close, and sometimes after withstanding the stresses of daily life for so long, our energy can be low because it is now the body's time to run the show, respect it, relax, take things easy and get lots of sleep. Again, Summer and the holidays is a time to enjoy oneself.
Take time for yourself. Although the season is generally social and the holidays seem to fill up with catching up with friends, allow yourself to take time for yourself! Take the time to reconnect with your inner being, give yourself love and connect with your bliss to help guide you into a new year.
Learn to say no. Stay in-touch with yourself and what feels right, saying 'yes' when you would rather say 'no', can lead to feelings of resentment. Be true to yourself and others, allow yourself to say no or reschedule activities for a time that suits both.
Get outdoors. Holidays are a perfect time to explore new places you have never seen before. Organise bush walks with friends or families, feel the energy of Summer in the World around you. It may be hot, but waterfalls and beaches are perfect places to cool down and get back in touch with nature, and yourself. Stay hydrated, pack snacks and go out earlier in the day to avoid the heat and use the afternoon to cool and calm down.
Acupuncture, cupping and herbal medicine. If you do find yourself feeling stressed or overwhelmed; or hurt yourself during an activity, have some acupuncture. Acupuncture, moxibustion and cupping is quite relaxing and can help relieve sore and tight muscles. If you do have digestive issues, or feel yourself getting irritable, stressed or unable to sleep properly, herbal medicine can help boost digestion and calm our mind and body. There is no need to put up with pain, low energy, lack of sleep, or just feeling unwell. You deserve to be healthy and feel great, come in for a treatment or call to discuss different options.
We hope you have found this helpful, and please have a happy and healthy holiday! If you have any questions about the above information, or your own health send me an email or give me a call.
Sally Taylor
BASc(Chinese Medicine), BHSc(Human Biology)
Eingana Traditional Chinese Medicine
www.einganatcm.com
einganatcm@gmail.com
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CHRISTMAS QUINOA SALAD
2 large beetroots, grated
1 cup quinoa
1/2 cup pepitas
roquette
1 lime, juice & zest
1 tsp ginger, grated
1/2 chilli, diced
1 small garlic clove, diced
1 tbsp sesame oil
1/2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
Rinse quinoa well, bring 2 cups of water to boil and place quinoa in saucepan. Reduce the heat to allow quinoa to simmer and cover. Once water has been complete absorbed, take off the heat and allow to cool in a bowl.
Grate beetroots and add to cooled quinoa. Rinse and roughly chop roquette and sprinkle with pepitas through the quinoa and beetroot.
Grate the zest of 1 lime and place into small bowl/jar and squeeze the juice from the lime into the same bowl. Add ginger, chilli, garlic, salt and pepper to taste. Pour in sesame oil and apple cider vinegar and emulsify with a fork, or shake the jar to combine.
Keep salad refigerated until ready to serve, then pour over dressing when ready to serve.