Spa Tips for Healthy, Happy Holidays
By Ann Brown
(Excerpt from column that appeared in The Lake Today, November 11, 2009)
It’s the most joyous time of the year, so why do the holidays leave some of us feeling sick, tired and frazzled? You don’t have to be a doctor to understand how stress affects the body, although there are plenty of studies to choose from that pinpoint the correlation. From high blood pressure to heart disease, diabetes to autoimmune disorders, stress is linked to health issues that should not be taken lightly. So why do we ignore our bodies’ warning signs?
The pressure to get it all done keeps us in overdrive. When you do take a minute to stop, you often find that your body won’t let you relax. You notice you feel sick and worn out. You feel a cold or the flu coming on. You may want to blame the germs on the shopping cart you pushed around earlier in the day, but the stress you’re under can be just as big a culprit.
Acute stress actually helps the body stay healthy by giving a boost to the immune system. The problem arises when the hormones produced by stress, cortisol and adrenaline, are not shut off. When they continue to pump through the body, they can depress your immune system.
Strategies for bringing the body back to a calm state don’t require a lot of money. They do, however, require you to prioritize your time and focus on yourself instead of just upon others during the holidays.
(1) Take a multi-vitamin daily, and if you feel sick, try elderberry supplements. Elderberries have been a folk remedy for centuries and have recently been investigated more thoroughly for their medicinal benefits. Elderberries bolster the immune system and can help alleviate the symptoms and shorten the duration of coughs, colds and flu.
(2) Have a cup of tea. You’ll find hot tea served at many spas, including Spa Shiki, but it’s not served only to pamper guests. Studies link drinking tea to numerous health benefits such as cancer and heart disease, prevention, strengthening bones, improving digestion, and strengthening the immune system.
(3) Take a calming breath. Breath in through your nose for a count of four. Hold for a moment, then exhale slowly for a count of eight. Repeat three times. You should notice your heart rate slow, as a result of the conscious, calming breath. Your muscles should relax, and your blood pressure will decrease.
(4) Take control over your to do list. Don’t go to bed mulling over the multitude of tasks that await you tomorrow. Keep a notepad beside your bed and jot down what you must get done. By physically putting them down a list, you free yourself from worrying about them.
(5) Stick to your regular exercise routine, or take an invigorating walk.According to the Mayo Clinic, studies show that moderate exercisers get 20 to 30 percent fewer colds than non-exercisers do. As an additional bonus, if you get your heart pumping, you’ll also start pumping endorphins. Hit the gym, or better yet – go for a walk outdoors and soak up vitamin D from the sunshine. Add a few layers to stay warm, protect your extremities with a hat and gloves, and don’t forget sunscreen.
Have a happy, healthy holiday!
Ann Brown is the spa director at Spa Shiki at The Lodge of Four Seasons and a member of the International Spa Association board of directors. ISPA is recognized worldwide as the professional organization and voice of the spa industry, representing more than 3,000 health and wellness facilities and providers in 75 countries. Brown’s spa experience includes work at PGA National Resort & Spa in Palm Beach, Florida and Barnsley Gardens in Atlanta.