I’m not sure who said it first about “The older you get, the faster time goes by,” but while most children would certainly disagree, (I remember it taking forever to get from Christmas to February…my birth month!), most over 40 would certainly attest to the years having jet propulsion! Anyway, the days between Thanksgiving and New Years Day are enigmatic in how our weight monitoring and cardio conditioning seemingly go south overnight. Hence, the resolutions are the banner that every one flies for about two-three weeks while frustration abounds because there are people that you could not get together with during the holidays that now require another upper end calorie meal and another day where exercise takes a back seat. Ugh! Now it’s almost beach season and there is no end in sight to eliminate the prevailing guilt and stress and unwanted weight. Stress….that ugly six letter word that hits us morning, noon and night. That’s six-six six…I read about that number in a world-wide best seller; not good! Aside from attributing to forehead wrinkles and gastrointestinal gas, it has an awful effect on our adrenal glands, which are responsible blood pressure regulation, glucose mobilization and reducing inflammation through the secretion of its hormone cortisol (coritiSONE is often injected as an anti-inflammatory). Cortisol is typically released when our body experiences a stress that would make us respond in “fight or flight” situations, i.e. when you get mad or scared. However, worry (related to fear) seems to pervade that small area between our ears much more often than we were designed to handle. Chronic increased levels of cortisol will impede one’s overall state of health. Unchecked, it can:
- Tear down muscle.
- Increase fat storage (especially around the belly).
- Increase pain.
- Increase blood pressure.
So, what is one to do, given that so much of the holiday schedule is unavoidably time compressive, making for a more sedentary and diet poor lifestyle with excessive starch, salt, sugar, and fat … all those things that are inextricably appealing to our palates?
- Time management; be intentional about your day.
- Graze rather than gorge AND hydrate well!
- At least take walks and stretch; “a little dab’l do ya!”
- Deep breathe, using your diaphragm (try not to breathe shallow with chest).
Yes, it will be impossible to follow good habits over the next four to six weeks, but it won’t hurt you to attempt. Who knows, you may surprise yourself! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to get through the holidays without anxiety?! Once again, we would like to wish you each a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year! May God bless you during the weeks ahead as well as into the coming year. Thank you for the honor of allowing me the opportunity to provide for your physical medicine needs during the past year!
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