Who says you can’t party AND be healthy? Let’s figure out this little thing called ‘balance’…because life’s too short not to celebrate!
BY: RACHEL HARVEST, MS, RD, CDN
What a night last night…I hope you made it to today.
I know that sounds dramatic, but you probably feel that way after a night of fun and debauchery.
Believe me, there’s no judging here. I’ve had my time, and why I’m sharing some guidance on taking care of the damage you may have experienced when you jumped into celebration mode.
No, I’m not advocating Ibuprofen and B12 injections to relieve your hangovers and fatigue.
Rather, here are 5 ways to balance your party time with wellness:
1. Drink water.
Have 8-12 oz with every alcoholic beverage you have, for every hour you spend on the dance floor, at bedtime and right away when you wake up to start the new day. Beyond party time, it’s important to continuously have water on hand and actually drinking it. Have a glass at breakfast, at lunch and at dinner and at least one more throughout the day (more if you exercise).
2. Stretch.
Before bed and right when you wake up, take 10 minutes to gently move through the kinks and tightness. Twisting and elongating your muscle tissues improves your blood circulation to aid your recovery. It also gets bonus points for giving you an overall sense of well-being.
3. Drink Smoothies.
Routinely pack greens, berries, nut butters, nuts & seeds, and nut milks into blenders, and take them on-the-go. Add some vegan protein, and you’ll be packing in super nutrients and protein from plant-based food sources.
Supplements aren’t necessary when you’re eating real food; plus, they are a typically a synthetic derivative of micronutrients. Plus, even if you find a food-derived multi-vitamin, who on earth has EVER enjoyed popping a pill over eating a meal? Nutrition should taste good, not just provide support.
4. Pick a bedtime.
Yes, even of the night of the BEST PARTY EVER. Everyone has their Cinderella hour (and we’ve all been there or witnessed when someone has passed that time – not a pretty sight). The amount of sleep you get is directly related to your health and attention.
An average of 7.5 to 8 hours is needed every night. Of course, you’ll find some evidence that it’s possible to survive on 6 or maybe even 4 nowadays, but why would you do that? Listen to your body when it needs to reboot, power down and rest. The party will be there again, and there will always be more work to do or TV to watch. Just pick a time and stick to it, and if you must, go past up to 2 hours later on your weekends.
5. Plan wellness activities in your social calendar.
Go to a health talk. Cook meals with friends. Have a yoga date. Hike, ski, or just go for a walk. Keep these dates as vigilantly as you make sure you’re at all the festivities. The friends you practice wellness with will likely be around long past the party time too.
Adapted from the original article.
HEADER IMAGE: DAVE LASTOVSKIY
Rachel Harvest, MS, RD, CDN is a NYC-based Registered Dietitian, behavioral health nutritionist, and wellness coach. With her philosophy centered around the love we need to give ourselves before finding our health and happiness, Rachel is on a mission to help you dig deep within to create the life you want for yourself. To work on you with somebody who loves you no matter what, visit Rachel at The Harvest Method.