Just what is a holiday health hangover? The holidays are full of big meals, eating foods that are not optimal for health, late-night drinks with family, gift-giving, watching seasonal films, and sleeping in. When it comes time to return to our nine-to-fives and resume our routines, complete with meetings, deadlines, school pick-ups, and so on, you may feel overwhelmed and fatigued. That’s what we mean when we say holiday health hangover! It’s also sometimes referred to as post-vacation depression. Many things can leave you feeling this holiday hangover after a busy season. Your schedule, the people you’re with, the food and beverages you consume, jet lag from travel... Instead of trying to just ‘carry on,’ regardless of how you feel, it’s crucial to recognize and identify the feeling, so you don’t end up burnt out before the year even begins. Here are some things to consider that may cause you to feel a holiday hangover. And read on for handy hints to help you get back to your most productive, happy, and healthy self without a hitch. Holiday Food Hangovers Holiday food hangovers are very real. The holidays are filled with sweet and savory foods that are usually richer than your daily meals. This may affect your blood sugar levels and upset your body’s balance, resulting in mood changes, fatigue, and digestive issues. Of course we recommend you try and stick to your recommended eating plan, but we know that isn't always realistic. Here are some common food issues that may be the culprit of your health hangover: Too Much Sugar When the holidays arrive, so do all of our favorite sweets. Just the smell of seasonal baking can encourage a host of sugar cravings. It can be easy to get carried away by the indulgent holiday spirit and all of the tasty goodies constantly available. After the holidays, it can be challenging to cut down on all the allowances you made for yourself during the season. Here are a few ways to begin: - Try a different approach if it’s too hard to cut down on added sugars and sweet temptations immediately after the holidays. Choose one favorite as you would during the holidays, and slowly start to eat smaller portions of it through the next few weeks. 

1. Practice Sleep Hygiene Get a jump-start on a healthy New Year by resolving to prioritize sleep during the holidays. Practicing sleep hygiene is important for both physical and mental health. If you don't have consistent habits around sleep, you may not be setting yourself up for optimal rejuvenation from time spent in bed. By implementing a few conscious and consistent nightly habits, you'll ensure that your down time sets you up for a great tomorrow. First, make your bed as inviting as possible by replacing your worn-out or unsupportive mattress with one that supports healthy sleep posture. Be sure to also choose a mattress made from natural materials, without chemicals. To keep bed clothes fresh between washings, make a relaxing aromatherapy spray. Add around 20 drops of lavender essential oil (known for its soothing properties) to a small spray bottle of filtered water. Mist sheets and pillowcases when you make your bed in the morning and once again before settling into bed. The scent of lavender will calm your mind and signal your body that it's time to relax. Next, prepare for sleep by instituting a wind-down period one to two hours before bedtime. Minimize the use of screens and dim overhead lights in favor of task lighting. Soften the volume of conversations and reduce strenuous activity to begin relaxing your body and mind. If you're serious about getting good sleep, consider banning all screens, including the television, from your bedroom. Exposure to unnatural light, especially blue light from screens, can alter your body's circadian rhythm, your natural, internal synchronization with the sun. Research has shown that even brief exposures to blue light can lower levels of melatonin secretion, the hormone that helps you feel sleepy at night. By creating and practicing bedtime rituals, you send a signal to your body that it's time to relax, recharge and restore. Getting regular, deep sleep will provide a sustainable foundation for good moods and high energy so you can handle whatever the elves put on your to-do list.

We’re so excited to have you here. Together, we’ll help you unlock your body’s full potential and create lasting transformation. Our team is dedicated to equipping you with the tools, knowledge, and support you need to thrive—mind, body, and spirit. This community is your space to learn, connect, and grow. Engage with us, share your journey, and ask questions that move you closer to your goals. Remember, you’re not alone on this path—we’re here to help you every step of the way. So jump in, participate, and don’t hesitate to ask anything that will help you achieve your best results! 😊

I need advice ,I have family member who wants to get pregnant She is on an antidepressant and bipolar meds. She went to a wellness center to try get off them. They said her bloodwork is normal. Which I know it can’t be. She must have deficiency. What are the consequences of staying on them while pregnant? Very nervous about this.

Headaches tend to spike this time of year. Holiday parties, travel fatigue, cranked-up indoor heating, and disrupted routines all increase the risk of dehydration — often without the usual warning signs like thirst or noticeable sweating. When a headache hits, the standard advice is to drink more water. But if you're chugging plain water to fix a dehydration-related headache, you might unintentionally be making it worse. - Overhydration can cause headaches too: Drinking plain water beyond thirst dilutes blood sodium levels, which can trigger or worsen headaches. - Most people eating whole foods are already low on sodium: Hitting 4–6 grams of sodium daily takes effort without processed foods. Holiday stress and disrupted routines can make this even more challenging. - Headaches have many causes: If your urine is darker and you're thirsty, hydration is likely a contributing issue — and electrolytes can help. The majority of people that we see are dehydrated despite drinking plenty of water. The reason is that the body does not absorb all that water due to a lack of electrolytes. So if you have a headache, the key is not to drink more water but to drink more electrolytes such as magnesium and potassium.