With the increase in commitments and gatherings that come with the holidays it’s easy to let self-care fall to the waste side.  I have never understood why that is, these are the times we need love the most.  Running on empty not only leaves our bodies and brains feeling depleted, but also results in plummeting adrenals, a weakened immune system and an inability to be fully present.

I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to let stress overcome your joy this holiday season.  Since there is a natural tendency to overstimulate with hectic schedules and over-indulgences in food and drinks that seem to be in no short supply, it’s imperative to pump in all the good stuff.    

Here are some tips that we at Hand & Land find incredibly helpful during the holiday season. 

#1 Think Proactive vs. Reactive

It’s easier said than done to shift your mindset but taking a preventative approach to health can mitigate illness before it ever  arises.   With the holidays coinciding with cold/flu season it’s that much more important to get ahead of the curve with boosting your immune system rather than letting it get you down.   

A few excellent products you can find in store to support your well-being are:   

• Mindfully Made Elderberry:  Made locally, from unsprayed elderberry, reverse osmosis water, local and raw  honey, lemon juice*,  acacia*,  ginger root*, clove*,  & cinnamon* (*certified organic) this not only tastes  delectable it is an immune powerhouse that has long history of medicinal use.  It’s incredibly high in antioxidants  and is also known for it’s antiviral benefits.

• Anima Mundi  Cold Care Tincture:    This treasure is made of pristine organic/wild crafted botanicals  and is known for it’s anti-microbial, anti-viral and immune system boosting benefits.   This is a top H&L pick for fast cold-care relief.

• Four Sigmatic  Chaga Elixir Mix:  Tero, founder of Four Sigmatic explains the organic chaga extract as the “King of all Medicinal Mushrooms” because of it’s highly researched, mineral dense profile as well as it’s adaptogenic immune support capabilities.   Pairing with synergistic ingredients of eleuthero extract, rose hips, and peppermint (*all certified organic) jam packs this elixir with added digestive support and vitamin C.   Who couldn’t use that?!? 

• Lulu Organic’s Hand Purifier:  A wonderful replacement for traditional alcohol and triclosan based hand sanitizer.   It smells divine, leaves hands soft with use of aloe vera gel, witch hazel, organic jojoba oil*, vegetable glycerin, vitamin E and a resistance blend of antibacterial essential oils.  As an extra bonus doesn’t jack with your hormones.

#2  Be Intentional About Your Schedule

Our culture has a natural tendency to overcommit so it requires conscious effort on our parts to avoid this trap.  It’s essential to understand where your highest values are and align your schedule to coincide.  Making more time to do the things that light you up, will leave you feeling more replenished and ready to conquer the tasks/gatherings that may not be as ideal.    

Though wellness looks different for everyone, it is an integral part when assessing your scheduled commitments.   Creating consistency in your health routine is vital for success.  If you’re looking to  update your already existing routine or create a new personal routine, head over to check out the blog that Jessica and I recently did for Made in KC on our ideal dream day of personal wellness in Kansas City.   https://mikcexplore.com/home/2017/11/29/a-day-in-the-life-personal-wellness-guide-to-kansas-city.  You don’t have to live in Kansas City to benefit from the takeaways.  : )

#3 Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Lower humidity and extra holiday treats can leave us more prone to being dry and itchy and our leaves our hair and skin  craving moisture.   Since skin is our largest organ it’s crucial to give it love both on the surface and internally. 

Nothing better compliments winter than a glowing complexion and beautiful hair.  Some of our favorite H&L moisturizing beauty products to combat the winter skin/hair blues are: 

• Old Orchard No. 9 Nine Herb Beauty Balm: This beauty balm combines healing organic herbs with deep moisturizing butters and oils to illuminate complexion while also using aromatherapy to ease the mind, body and soul.

• Josh Rosebrook’s skincare line is a winter staple!  His all in one Hydrating Accelerator is a toner, hydrator and light moisturizer perfect for priming the face to aid in the skin’s natural recovery ability.  It’s anti-inflammatory and made from organic vitamin-infused aloe.    

• Josh Rosebrook Advanced Hydration Mask: made with certified organic shea and mango seed butters, aloe vera and rich plant oils including indian senna seed (“botanical hyaluronic acid”) supports radiance, skin regeneration, hydration and supports the skins ability to hold moisture. 

• Little Barn Apothecary Honeysuckle Grapefruit Body Oil:  This minimal ingredient gem made of sesame seed oil*, almond oil*, jojoba oil*, honeysuckle absolute, grapefruit essential oil and vitamin E (*Organic) is known as a luxury daily moisturizer both in it’s ability to hydrate and leave skin with a radiant glow.

• BKind Hand Balm: Handmade in Montreal, this hand balm made with shea butter, coconut oil, jojoba and vitamin E is nourishing for dry, irritated skin.  It’s non-greasy and helps protect and maintain skins natural elasticity.   A little bit goes a long way. 

• Innersense Sweet Spirit Leave in Conditioner:   Last but not least, this highly beneficial leave in conditioner works well for all hair types.   With key ingredients of tamanu oil, rosemary oil, honey, lavender, rooibos tea and oregano - it’s healing, anti-inflammatory and high in antioxidants. 

#4 Support Proper Elimination

We all know the saying, you are what you eat.  There’s truth to that and also that you are what you don’t eliminate.   Adding Bitters by Anima Mundi is perfect if you’re frequently backed up to help move things along.    Bitter foods are not commonly found in the standard American diet due to processed foods that tend to be high in sodium or sugar. @animamundiherbals has created a liquid bitters with leaves, roots and bark that help increase bile production while thinning out toxic sludge, curb sugar cravings, relieve upset tummy or gas, support healthy skin and increase nutrient absorption. Best taken directly before or after meals.

Dr. Singha’s Mustard Bath is another lovely add in for proper support.  With ingredients of powered mustard seed, eucalyptus, rosemary and thyme it’s described as “stimulating, cleansing and rejuvenating” at the same time.  It can also help with lowering stress and tension and great to incorporate in while cleansing.  

#5 Sprinkle in Mindfulness

Mindfulness  by definition is: the quality or state of being conscious or aware of something.   It’s essentially a state of mind which embraces the present moment fully while calmly acknowledging and accepting all feelings, thoughts and sensations.  It’s not necessary to have a yoga class or treat yourself to a massage to experience this bliss.   Mindfulness can be done anywhere at anytime - at the park, on a walk, with your family and friends or even in the longest of lines while holiday shopping.

Wishing you a healthy and healthy holiday season.  Remember to keep it light and playful!!