CityView Magazine

night to empty your mind. Loſthouse added that a quiet ritual can also be helpful. "Start the day out with reading, be it the Bible, a daily quote or a little story to change your perspective. In the car, listen to calming music." Tip #5 — You are what you eat and drink "This is huge during the holidays when we tend to overdose on sugar or we tend to drink more alcohol than we are used to and those factors – more coffee, and more of everything adds up," said Hardy. "Try to drink plenty of water and choose an herbal tea or something hot that calms you, as opposed to choosing coffee that ramps you up. Limit the sugars and choose fruits and vegetables. Give your body the tools it needs for more stamina to function. Even having more snack-type meals several times a day versus the huge meals helps." Loſthouse agreed, adding, "I try to eat only foods that I know what the ingredients are to avoid chemicals. Know what you are putting into your body." Tip #6 – Rest "If you are used to waking up early, do that as well during the holidays," Hardy said. Loſthouse agreed, saying, "Stick with your normal routine so you don't mess up those rhythms. If somebody already does not get enough sleep, they are not going to get more dur- ing the holidays." Tip #7 — Don't be affected by others' stress "I notice right away if I'm tense waiting in line," Loſthouse said. "I check in with my physical body and I have to step back and relax and use that time to see how I'm breathing and to relax and enjoy it." Hardy added, "Recognize that you cannot change the oth- er person, you can only change your perspective. When you try to own somebody else's emotions or energy it can create that kind of chaotic, tense feeling inside. It's the end of the year, the beginning of the New Year, but stop and recognize and realize that every person has their 'stuff' and love others with kindness." Tip #8 – Get moving Though exercise is oſten the first thing to get scratched off a busy to-do list, both Hardy and Loſthouse say it's essential. "Keeping your routine as close to the same – if you are used to going for a walk in the morning, keep that up, even though you have 15 things on your plate that day. That walk is probably the most important thing because it's addressing your health and needs. If you don't take care of yourself first, everything else could become complete chaos." Loſthouse agreed, saying, "This is a good time to bring a friend or try out a new class when you have some time off of work. But don't beat yourself up if you do not do it. We'll all make mistakes or eat poorly, but try to eat and exercise in moderation during the holidays." CV CityViewNC.com | 35

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