The He Said She Said Guide to Wellness
The He Said She Said Guide to Wellness
My husband and I compare notes on what we think are the keys to wellness over the holidays.
With Thanksgiving behind us, we’ve officially entered the time of year when we’re bombarded with holiday everything.
Yes, there’s magic in the air at this time of year, but there’s also a lot of:
eating
celebrating
decorating
shopping
gifting
And, all of this is GREAT (I’m not Scroogin’ out on you), but it also can tucker us out. Because, let’s be honest, we’re all pretty busy even before the first signs of the season hit (somewhere around Labor Day….) - add all of that holiday business, and our dance cards are spilling over.
This is why I’m dedicating this issue to ALL THINGS WELLNESS. Because if we’re not well, we can’t enjoy the season. Or anything.
But I realize that wellness looks different for each of us.
Since there are so many wellness practices out there, I asked the aliens ChapGPT “What are some good wellness practices for the holiday season?”
They gave me a huge list of suggestions with a whole lot of robot speak. So, I picked five of their answers, thought about how I practice those tips and then asked my editor (and husband) Eric for his take.
Plus, as a special little treat, we each chimed in on the other’s responses.
Tune in below for a He Said/She Said look at wellness….
5 Ways to Stay Healthy This Holiday Season:
Prioritize Sleep
💃What Abbey does:
Obvio, we need sleep during the holidays. But sleep can be a challenge for me the other 11 months of the year. Since my brain is in super overdrive in December, I get a little help from the following: Sleepi Gummies by SOUL (no THC, triple-tested, clean, and awesome), sleep meditations on YouTube (LunaYes is the best), or Deep Sleep Pillow Spray by a company appropriately called thisworks.
Eric’s comments: Regarding all of Abbey’s extras -I say whatever works for you, but I like to keep it simple. If the apocalypse comes, I probably won’t be able to get sleep gummies, but I’ll still be able to sleep.
🤠What Eric does:
For me, going to bed and waking up at the same time helps, even on weekends. Getting up early helps set the stage for the rest of the day. I limit caffeine in the afternoon and limit food intake later in the day. I know you’re not supposed to use screens closer to bed, but I’m guilty of it (he sure is), but that’s probably the next thing I’ll work on.
Abbey’s comments: This dude has no trouble falling asleep. I’m still trying to figure out how that’s even humanly possible. His ability to fall asleep is maddening. And re the screens? Don’t get me started.
Eat Mindfully
💃What Abbey does:
When it comes to holiday parties, I just try to fill up my plate with more veggies than crap and eat as cleanly as possible. A good trick my PT taught me is to ask yourself: “Is how I’m going to feel after eating this worth it?” If it is, hey… go for it. But, if you know a certain holiday treat will make you feel like holiday garbage, maybe skip it.
Eric’s comments: Abbey left out that she eats healthy pretty much year-round and is addicted to salad with salmon, hummus & crackers, and obsessed with green smoothies. But give her M&M’s and it’s over.
🤠What Eric does:
Having cupboards stocked (by my lovely wife) with good things and not with the things that are tempting help me stay mindful so I don’t have to think about it. For time’s sake and sticking to nutrition, I like following a simple meal plan. Three things I snack on: olives are my go-to, oil free popcorn in the microwave (melt some ghee and throw it on top), and of course, being in Wisconsin I go for the cheese - my GI track appreciates goat cheese over other varieties.
Abbey’s comments: Eric really does eat healthy and is a fantastic chef who makes food delicious and beautifully presented. My only other comment…Doritos are his crack.
Stay Active
💃What Abbey does:
I’m kind of addicted to working out - run, yoga, pilates, YouTube videos, walking… I just feel better when I move. Even when I’ve got a jam packed schedule, I work in some kind of workout, even a short one. It’s kind of a blessing and a curse, because if I don’t work out, I’m a nutjob.
Eric’s comments: What she said, and adding this- working out for Abbey is like oxygen. It’s part of who she is.
🤠What Eric does:
When it comes to working out, I don’t like having a set schedule. I like the flexibility to work out in the morning, at lunch, or after work, depending on my schedule. I think you don’t have to go to the gym - you can use body weight to do workouts, and it’s important to work out four times a week. (I know some people… that maybe I live with …. do it seven days a week.) Also, at least twice a week I use the sauna. It’s helped a lot with my shoulder injury and recovery.
Abbey’s comments: The best surprise I ever came home to was the sauna Eric ordered… it’s infrared and has helped my Reynaud’s and overall wellness.
Manage Stress
💃What Abbey does:
How do I manage stress? Yoga. Running. Walking. Cleaning. The more active I am, the better I feel. I try not to trip out on too much coffee and switch to tea in the afternoons, plus I’ve found some supplements that slow my roll and help me relax at night. (Ask your doc, but I love Sleepi Gummies, CALM Magnesium drink, and GABA. Oh, and Sleepytime tea is great too.)
Eric’s comments: We all go with what works for us. However, doing nothing and slowing down helps, too. (I think he’s talking to me.💃)
🤠What Eric does:
Working out helps. I also like reading in a quiet room - no TV, music, or news. It also helps to chill out between activities and not be continually on the go.
Abbey’s comments: Yeah, Eric wins in the ability to chill and read quietly category. I need to take a cue from his lead in this respect.
Hydrate Well
💃What Abbey does:
I pretty much just have water with me at all times, but I probably don’t get enough H20 on the days I do hot yoga (workin on that). To keep things interesting, I’ll add an LMNT packet - love the raspberry flavor the best. Also, do wine and coffee count?
🤠What Eric does:
Coming from a kid who grew up in the 70s drinking out of a hose in the backyard, I was probably pretty dehydrated most of the time. I now am someone who has water at my desk, in my car, and on my nightstand. I do my best to stay hydrated. I also like LMNT - lime is good- I keep a bunch of packets in my golf bag.
Abbey & Eric on hydration and LMNT: We have fights over LMNT variety packs in our house - it can get ugly if there’s only one packet left of a good flavor like raspberry or lime.
These are just a few ways to feel better over the holidays (and all year). We’re far from perfect and have equal numbers of anti-well practices, too. (I’ll save those for another newsletter!)
What wellness practices work for you? Would love to hear them…leave your tips in the comments!
Until next time… be well and enjoy December!
Abbey (and Eric)
P.S. The 30% off sale is going on until Monday! Forward this to a friend, or get some holiday shopping done early and gift a subscription. You won’t even have to leave the house, and I promise it’ll be a gift that keeps on giving!