The holidays are often described as the most wonderful time of the year, filled with family gatherings, festive meals, and moments of joy. Yet, for many, they can also bring stress, overwhelm, and burnout. The pressure to make everything perfect and to ensure everyone else’s happiness can take a toll on your mental and physical well-being. That’s why self-care during the holidays is not just a luxury—it’s a necessity.
In this post, we’ll explore exercises, products and supplements Dr. H recommends for self-care that can really help during the holiday season and beyond. Check out the video below!
Pec Stretch, Foam Roll, and Bird Dog
Pectoral stretching, foam rolling, and Bird Dog exercises are essential for maintaining a balanced, injury-free body. Pec stretching helps open up the chest, counteracting the effects of poor posture from sitting or desk work, and promoting better shoulder mobility. Foam rolling targets muscle tightness and fascia restrictions, improving flexibility, reducing soreness, and enhancing circulation, especially in areas like the back and legs. Lastly, the Bird Dog exercise strengthens the core, improves stability, and engages the lower back, promoting better posture and balance. Together, these practices improve flexibility, reduce muscle tension, and support overall functional movement, making them key components of any fitness routine.
Invest in Quality Recovery Products
Not all recovery tools are created equal. If you're someone who takes their fitness, recovery, or mobility seriously, Hyperice products are top-of-the-line powerful tools designed to help reduce muscle soreness, improve circulation, and enhance overall recovery. Two game-changing devices that combine the latest in muscle therapy with on-the-go convenience are the Hypervolt Go and the Hypersphere Go. These compact recovery devices should be your next fitness investment for effective muscle recovery. Both devices use scientifically-backed vibration therapy to aid in muscle recovery, reduce tightness, and promote blood flow. Whether you’ve just finished a hard workout or need relief from chronic muscle tension, these tools are ideal. We keep them in stock, so call today to order one or both!
Hypervolt Go: This handheld percussive therapy device is lightweight, weighing only 1.5 pounds, and is equipped with a long-lasting battery, allowing for easy use anywhere.
HyperSphere Go: A compact massage ball designed for targeted muscle relief, the HyperSphere Go is small enough to roll into a gym bag or backpack, providing powerful vibration therapy wherever you are.
Hypervolt Go and Hypersphere Go
Add High Quality Collagen to Your Daily Routine
A high-quality collagen supplement can offer a wide range of benefits for overall health, particularly in supporting skin, joints, and bones. As the most abundant protein in the body, collagen helps maintain skin elasticity and hydration, which can reduce the appearance of wrinkles and promote a youthful glow. It also plays a crucial role in joint health by providing the necessary building blocks to maintain cartilage integrity, reducing pain and stiffness associated with aging or intense physical activity. Additionally, collagen supports bone density, strengthens hair and nails, and aids in muscle recovery. By replenishing collagen levels, particularly as they decline with age, supplementation can help enhance overall vitality and improve quality of life.
We are proud to now carry the top collagen on the market! Nutridyn Dynamic Collagen Renew is an unflavored blend of collagen peptides that contains Fortigel®, Fortibone®, Tendoforte®, and Verisol®. These promote vibrant skin and nails while also supporting healthy joints, bones, ligaments, and tendons. It mixes great with any hot beverage. Pick one up next time you're in the office!
Simple Self-Care Tips for the Holidays
Create a Self-Care Checklist: Write down simple activities that make you feel good and try to incorporate at least one each day. It could be something as simple as a hot cup of tea, a 10-minute walk, or a 20-minute nap.
Schedule “Me Time”: Even amidst family gatherings and work events, set aside time in your calendar just for yourself. Use that time for reflection, relaxation, or pursuing a hobby that brings you joy.
Practice Gratitude: The holidays are a time to reflect on what you’re grateful for. Regularly taking a moment to acknowledge the positives in your life can help shift your mindset and reduce stress.
Delegate and Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to share the load with others. Whether it’s cooking, shopping, or hosting, asking for help can lighten your stress and give you more space for self-care.
Limit Social Media: The pressure to have a “perfect” holiday can be amplified by social media. Take breaks from scrolling and enjoy the present moment instead.
Conclusion
The holidays should be a time of joy, connection, and reflection. By making self-care a priority, you can navigate the season with greater ease, grace, and peace of mind. When you care for yourself, you’re better able to fully embrace the joy of the season and share it with others. So, this year, give yourself the gift of self-care.
Also, be sure to give us a call to schedule your next appointment with Dr. Hockstra. Start 2025 off well by taking good care of yourself. You deserve it!
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