Holiday Hacks
The holidays can be wonderful and wacky and for many of our patients, a time of high stress.
How do you survive the holidays? Here is a checklist of how to manage common holiday stress factors:
How to Survive the Holiday Party
- Eat before you go, and be selective about what foods you eat at the party
- Avoid alcohol at the party – this will make it easier to avoid sugar and other foods that throw you for a loop
- Arrive early and leave early, before the sweets come out
- If it is a party where you bring food, bring something that works for you, such as deviled eggs or chilled shrimp with cocktail sauce
How to Avoid Getting Sick
Germs are everywhere over the holidays and having a good strategy for preventing colds and flus can be a game changer. Know what to take and when to take it.
What to take:
- Vitamin C
- The Wellness Formula
- Anything that works for you
When to take it:
- Take as prevention, i.e. before you get on a plane
- Start at the earliest hint of symptoms
- Take often and in high doses
How to Avoid Crowds When Shopping
Whether it is gifts, groceries, or running errands, go at off hours:
- Fewer people
- Shorter lines
- Easier parking
How to Avoid Traffic
Traffic, it’s a thing here in the Bay Area, and it is only getting worse:
- Plan your drives around rush hour
- Drive long distances at off times
- Use driving apps, such as Waze
- Leave early
- Expect delays
- Don’t over book your schedule
Mange Your Time, Manage Your Holiday Stress
Prioritize what makes you happy over the holidays. Is it decorating the tree? A latke party? Concentrate on the activities that make you happy and give yourself permission to say no to the rest.
Leslie Oldershaw L.Ac, FABORM
Licensed Acupuncturist & Herbalist
Fellow, Acupuncture Board of Reproductive Medicine
Leslie Oldershaw brings over 30 years of leadership and expertise blending Eastern and Western medicine to support women’s health. Since founding The Oldershaw Clinic in 1995, she has helped women navigate fertility, hormonal transitions, perimenopause, menopause, and healthy aging with integrative, personalized care focused on vitality and lifelong wellness.
