5 Tips To Avoid Burnout This Holiday Season

Deck the halls! I love the holiday season; it’s a time for festivities, family and fun. As a mom I am so looking forward to making this a memorable Christmas for my kids, but not at the expense of my health. Here are my Dr. Mom tips to avoid the usual burnout this holiday season.

1. Keeping a regular sleep routine. Nothing says restoration and health like a regular sleep routine. Go to bed at the same time every night, the earlier the better. Remember to also sleep in complete darkness and away from all your tech gadgets  to ensure good quality sleep, or as good as possible - I too have a 5 month old at home!

2. Starting your day with lemon water. With all the indulgences the holidays bring, why not start your day by stimulating your liver with lemon water, a gentle and tasty liver stimulant that helps you detox toxins. Don’t forget to stay hydrated throughout the day!

3. Avoiding stimulants like coffee. I know, I know not a popular tip for the sleep deprived parents out there, but hear me out. Stimulants can negatively impact adrenal function and make us feel more fatigued. When I was child free, moms challenged me to see if I would still think this was sound advice after having children. Well, two children later and I can honestly say I function much more efficiently without coffee. Want to try a healthier alternative? Try a matcha latte or chaga mushroom tea - these are both energizing and adrenal supportive. 

4. Eating Protein at breakfast. Through my clinical experience, it is clear that most do not eat enough protein for breakfast. It is an optimal way to stabilize blood sugar right from the start which helps to balance our cortisol levels (our stress hormone) and prevents a yo-yo blood sugar affect for the rest of the day. Stabilizing your blood sugar is one of the best ways to remain energized and prevent over indulging in holiday treats – helping prevent  unwanted weight gain. My favourite, and one of the easiest ways to get protein in the morning? Smoothies, of course! Check out my website for my favorite smoothie recipes.

5. Move your body. This would be the worst time to drop your regular exercise routine, so donʼt let holiday commitments get in the way of something that does your body good. Make the time for exercise. Donʼt have a regular workout routine? Now is a great time to start. If getting to a gym doesn't fit in your agenda, then just get moving with your kids, walk around a mall, do a quick home workout when you wake for the day. Moving makes every cell in your body happy.

Already feeling burnt out before the holidays even begin? I can help! Naturopathic doctors are equipped with natural interventions such as botanical herbs, nutrition assistance, acupuncture, lifestyle advice and more to restore health and get you feeling optimal. We are your experts in treating and preventing exhaustion, naturally. I’m here to help you make this a terrific holiday season for you and your family.

Happy holidays!

*This is a guest post by Dr. Michelle Peris.  Visit www.drmomnd.ca to learn more and follow me on Twitter at @DrMomND and on Facebook for recipes and tips. 

Oakville Small Business Spotlight - Dr. Michelle Peris, Naturopath

Dr. Michelle Peris chose to become a naturopathic doctor (ND) when she experienced how much better she felt after making changes for a healthier lifestyle.  She wanted to inspire others to do and feel the same. Becoming a mom further strengthened her passion to help families searching for a natural approach to raising their family and provide prevention-focused health care.  Dr. Peris really believes we were meant to live very happy and healthy lives and her passion is helping others achieve that.  Did you know that most benefit plans cover naturopathic appointments?

Dr. Michell Peris, ND

It is very easy to see Michelle's passion when chatting with her about her business or about helping a patient trying to solve a health issue.  We asked her a few questions about what she loves about her work; take a minute to read and learn more about Dr. Peris.

What do you love about running a small business?

I am very grateful to have a career that doesn’t feel like work. I truly enjoy working with my patients.  I often feel inspired by others’ successes. It fuels me to strive to work harder and be better both professionally and personally.  I am also appreciative of my ability to schedule my work hours around what works best for my family. Being able to practice what I preach with an aim for work life balance while not compromising my health or wellness is an integral part of my vision for a happy and purposeful life. 

What to do you love about running your business in Oakville?

I have been practicing in Oakville for five years and I see residents of Oakville as very receptive to integrative health care and eager to incorporate a naturopathic doctor into their health care team.  My goal is to inspire patients to live healthfully and empower them to be active participants in their health care. The people of Oakville have been very receptive to this.  

What do you want Oakville families to know about your business?

I am an ND with a clinical focus in woman’s health and pediatrics.  I want to support moms by helping them take care of themselves. As moms, often our priorities shift  from self care to care for our children thus our health tends to suffer.  I want to help moms find that balance.  I very much enjoy working with children and families finding creative ways for the family to function more healthfully. 

Children respond so well to natural interventions and there is no better time to incorporate a preventative health care approach then in childhood.  I want to empower families to thrive and not merely survive with simple nutrition and lifestyle changes.  I feel inspired to share a message of healthy living and I want to empower as many families as possible.  I can help you take the next step in living more healthfully.

momstown Oakville is fortunate to have Dr. Peris come and speak at our mom & baby group, our members always have a great things to say about her visits!  Please contact Dr. Michelle Peris, ND at the Oakville Massage & Wellness Clinic to make an appointment and make sure you visit her blog for lots of healthy living tips for parents with young families!