There is something magical about seeing a stuffed stocking on Christmas morning. No matter if you are young or old, waking up to a lumpy stocking full of surprises offers a special joy. Once you start taking gifts out of the stocking, though, your excitement may start to fade. That’s where we come in! We’ve put together a solid list of healthy and useful stocking stuffers that everyone will love. 

Nobody needs more socks, underwear, tissues, or lip balm in their stocking. Be creative and nab some fun things that your friends or family will actually use. You don’t have to put a brand new iPhone in the stocking; rather, keep it low-maintenance, low-cost, and incredibly unique. The stuffers don’t have to be boring, either. You don’t have to choose between candy bars and carrot sticks! 

Which stocking stuffers do you usually gravitate towards? Are you some who enjoys gifting classic holiday indulgences? Do you like finding unique toys or fun miscellaneous items? Leave your old habits behind this year and consider some of the following healthy and useful stocking stuffers. 

Bath Bombs

Taking a relaxing bath is a great form of self-care. Bath bombs only enhance the experience, and often contain ingredients that help encourage healthier skin. It’s up to you if you want to avoid intense colors because those colors can stain tubs. Don’t make more work for your friend or family member! Consider making a quality homemade bath bomb by clicking here. 

Hand Creams

Consider one excellent hand cream, or a variety of hand creams, because everyone could use a little extra moisture during the winter months. Hands tend to dry out and crack this time of year, especially if you are regularly washing them to help keep germs at bay. Both the cold weather and hot water, which your cold hands desperately crave when you want to wash them, will cause dryness, so help your friends or family members replenish moisture with hand cream in their stockings.

Essential Oils

You probably cannot fit an entire diffuser in a stocking, but you can definitely fit some essential oils in there. Distilled from plants, flowers, and seeds, essential oils offer myriad health properties. Typically used for aromatherapy purposes, essential oils can promote a sense of calm, which is a very useful thing during the holiday season and New Year. Peppermint, tea tree, eucalyptus, lavender, and lemon essential oils are great starter oils! Just make sure to get pure essential oils, being careful to examine ingredient lists for potential preservatives.

Herbal Teas

Everyone has someone in their life who loves to drink tea. Maybe they have become a master of matcha or a person who loves herbal varieties. Consider gifting them a unique tea set with various flavors. Typically, there are numerous tea sets available during the holiday season. Maybe you can accompany the different herbal teas with a nice mug, or better yet, an insulated mug that will keep hot beverages warm for hours during the winter. 

Squeezable Nut Butter Packs

Before you go out and purchase nut butter packs, make sure that the person you are buying them for does not have a nut allergy. After you cross that off the list, make sure you purchase high-quality nut butter packs. They can provide necessary protein, healthy fats, and fiber, all of which are great for keeping you full and energized between meals. Plus, they make traveling so much better! They take up very little space and are much healthier options than chips, sugary trail mixes, or salty nut mixes. 

Magnesium Lotion

Are you wondering what magnesium lotion is? First off, magnesium is a vital mineral that is linked to many health benefits, including better sleep, healthy heart, and relaxed muscles. Magnesium lotion can help calm discomfort by soothing the skin and reduce irritation and itchiness. It may also improve skin barrier function and support collagen regeneration. You may have even seen ads for magnesium lotion for babies because it helps them sleep more soundly.

Propolis Throat Spray

Show the immune system a little love with some propolis throat spray. Bees create propolis by combining various plant and tree resins with their own enzymes. It exhibits powerful antimicrobial, antioxidant, and immune-supporting compounds. Should the person you’re gifting this to be prone to sore throats or common colds, it will be of great benefit to them. The flavonoids help to protect and soothe the throat, especially when it is feeling scratchy.

Movie Tickets

This doesn’t necessarily count as a healthy gift, but it is useful to many people. Movie tickets are very expensive these days, so treat someone to a night out at the movies! It’s a great stocking stuffer idea that takes up little to no room. Feel free to include some healthy snacks along with the tickets so that the person can sneak them in the theater! Just don’t tell anyone we told you to do that last part.

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Fava beans, or broad beans, are large green legumes that come in pods. Eaten by people around the world, fava beans exhibit a slightly sweet but earthy flavor. They are nutritional powerhouses, providing a variety of health benefits. Naturally rich in fiber, protein, and a variety of other vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, fava beans may aid blood sugar regulation, support heart health, and boost immunity. 

Even though fava beans are relatively small in size, they pack a ton of nutrients. They are particularly rich in plant protein, folate, and soluble fiber. One cup of fava beans contains the following nutrients:

• 187 calories
• 33 grams (g) of carbs
• 13 g of protein
• Less than 1 g of fat
• 36% of the daily value (DV) of manganese
• 18% of the DV of magnesium
• 40% of the DV of folate
• 14% of the DV of iron
• 22% of the DV of copper
• 13% of the DV of potassium
• 11% of the DV of thiamine and zinc

May Help Prevent Birth Defects

Folate is essential for creating cells and organs, and it is a nutrient that promotes healthy fetal development. An expecting mother should increase her intake of folate, be it from food or supplements, to help reduce the risk of neural tube defects, or developmental issues with the infant’s spinal cord and brain. One study involved more than 23,000 women and found that the incidence of brain and spinal cord issues was 77% lower in infants of mothers who had the highest daily intake of folate. Since one cup of fava beans contains 40% of the DV of folate, they should be near the top of the list of great pregnancy foods.

May Benefit Bone Health

Fava beans are rich in both manganese and copper, two nutrients that may prevent bone loss. Health experts do know the exact role that these nutrients play in bone health, but animal studies suggest that being deficient in these two nutrients may lead to decreased bone formation. Existing human research suggests that both manganese and copper are integral to bone health. A one-year study in postmenopausal women with weak bones found that taking a manganese and copper supplement along with vitamin D, calcium, and other nutrients, improved bone mass. 

May Help Lessen Symptoms Of Parkinson’s Disease

Fava beans contain levodopa (L-dopa), a compound that the body converts into dopamine, a neurotransmitter. Researchers note that Parkinson’s disease causes the death of dopamine-producing brain cells. That process can lead to tremors, difficulty walking, and issues with motor function. Eating fava beans may help with some symptoms of Parkinson’s disease, but more research is necessary. One small study involved 11 people with Parkinson’s. Study authors observed that participants who ate 1.5 cups of fava beans after 12 hours without medication had a comparable positive effect on blood dopamine levels and motor function as L-dopa drugs.

May Help Boost Immune Function

Naturally rich in antioxidant compounds, fava beans may help optimize immune function. Antioxidants work to fight free radicals that may cause cell damage, making them vital to your body’s immune defense. One test-tube study found that fav bean extract was able to increase the antioxidant activity in human lung cells by 62.5%. Additionally, fava beans contain compounds that boost the ability of glutathione in human cells, which may help delay cellular aging.

May Help Reduce Blood Pressure

Fava beans contain magnesium and potassium, both of which may relax blood vessels and lower blood pressure. Various studies indicate that the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet recommends foods high in potassium and magnesium. A 10-year study in 28,349 women found that participants with the highest intake of magnesium were less likely to develop high blood pressure than those with the lowest intake. 

May Help Lower Cholesterol

The soluble fiber in fava beans may help promote healthy bowel movements because it absorbs water in the gut. During that process, it forms a gel-like substance and helps soften your stool. Soluble fiber also binds to and removes cholesterol from the body. Several studies indicate that soluble fiber may help lower blood cholesterol levels in healthy adults and those with elevated levels. A review of 10 studies focused on the effects of fiber-rich legumes on cholesterol levels. The review concluded that diets that included these legumes were associated with modest decreases in total and LDL (bad) cholesterol levels.

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People love the holidays, but they can cause a lot of stress. From event planning to coordinating with family arrivals, the holidays demand emotional and mental energy, which can easily deplete. Not to mention, the energy one must exert to entertain can physically drain the body. What does that mean for a relationship at the end of the day?

It’s very common to have a relationship take a backseat to the rest of the goings-on during the holidays. One or both partners may not even classify the relationship as a priority. Additionally, one person in the relationship may gain more joy out of the holiday festivities, while the other person just grinds through them. It’s fine to avoid Christmas music in the car or conversing with specific family members, for example, but it’s not acceptable to neglect the relationship. It’s important to carve out time to nurture the relationship, focusing intently on each party. Learn how to do that during the holiday hustle and bustle with the following tips. 

Be Curious

When you’re busy, it’s quite common to be swept up by your own schedule. A busy schedule isn’t an excuse to avoid inquiring about your partner’s day or feelings, though. There isn’t a requirement to ask your partner about every single aspect of their day, but maintaining curiosity can help care for the flame in a relationship. You can always learn something new about your partner, especially if their environment or personality changes. A simple, “Tell me about the best and worst parts of your day,” can go a long way. Not only will you start up a conversation and learn more, but you’ll also maintain an intimate connection.

Skip Some Of The Parties

Some people live for holiday parties. From Thanksgiving to New Year’s, the invitations roll in and it can be overwhelming if you try to attend all of them. It’s quite common that one person in the relationship will get annoyed by all the socializing, so don’t overcommit and attend all of the parties. Talk to one another about the parties you really want to attend and the ones that you’d be happy to miss. Sometimes, avoiding the party and taking time for just the two of you is more beneficial. Consider dinner and a movie or simply spend the night at home and relax. 

Listening Dates

Speaking of spending the night at home, why not turn it into a listening date? Similar to being curious about your partner, sometimes it’s integral to just sit down and listen as intently as possible. Set a time and make sure you put away your phones, so as not to be distracted while the other person is talking. Don’t have the TV on, either! Look your partner in the eyes and listen quietly, allowing them to vent or simply tell you about their day. This exercise helps the person feel heard and it can actually strengthen your relationship. 

Create Boundaries With Family

Extended family coming and going throughout the holidays can take a toll on a relationship. Different family dynamics can press all sorts of buttons! No matter how healthy or dysfunctional the family is, it’s important to establish boundaries in order to avoid tension, stress, and hurt feelings. Have a conversation with your partner about being on the same team and make a plan together. You can decide what to do if certain issues come up. It’s impossible to predict what people are going to say, but you can have a plan to redirect the conversation away from polarizing topics. Lastly, each partner should communicate boundaries with their own families, so that that responsibility doesn’t fall on the other person. 

Have Fun

Carve out time for fun this holiday season because there are so many activities that can bring joy. One of the best ways to connect with a partner is through laughter, fun, and play. Head to an outdoor ice skating rink or consider a holiday lights tour. You can even go to a mini golf place! If you want to be more low key, you can stay at home and play some cards or walk through the neighborhood holding hands on a cold night. Remember, fun exists even in the most ordinary places. 

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The bright lights and holiday cheer may inspire joy and feelings of love for a lot of people, but not everyone. This time of year can bring about feelings of isolation, grief, loneliness, and sadness, especially for people with clinical or seasonal depression. 

Psychiatrists explain that depression can occur around the holidays for numerous reasons. The holidays increase thoughts of family, social engagement, and relationships. If there are issues within those dynamics in people’s lives, depression can rise to the surface. The holidays also tend to demand more family time than usual, which can be highly stressful for some people. Family events may cause old conflicts, emotions, or situations to arrive that can be very difficult to navigate. 

How To Manage Depression During The Holidays

For many people, the winter can trigger seasonal affective disorder, or seasonal depression. Unlike traditional depression, seasonal depression occurs in a seasonal pattern, typically worsening in darker fall and winter months. Practicing good self-care is essential year round, but it is extra important during the holidays. You can combat lack of energy, fatigue, and other symptoms with various coping strategies and self-care practices. Whatever the cause of your depression, we hope the following tips can help you cope.

Assess Your Relationships And Set Boundaries

Setting boundaries is a crucial element of self-care, especially for your emotional and mental health. The boundaries you set will depend on the different people in your life and the situations that you’ll encounter during the holidays. Maybe you limit the time you spend with certain people who cause you to feel negative emotions or heighten depressive symptoms. Establish boundaries for these people and set availability for them as well. Your time and mental health are paramount! If you struggle with setting boundaries, click here for some helpful tips. 

Create A Coping Sheet

A coping sheet is a list of your favorite activities that you can turn to when you feel down. Create your own coping sheet or develop one with your family members or therapist. Many coping sheets are filled with actions that can help manage depressive symptoms. Some popular things to include on your coping sheet are:

• Listening to music
• Painting 
• Meditating
• Singing
• Breathing techniques
• Positive self-talk
• Journaling
• Acupuncture

Get Outdoors And Stay Active

According to many studies, moving the body is one of the best ways to cope with depression, regardless of the season. One meta-analysis of 218 studies concluded that exercise is an effective way to manage depression. This was especially true for jogging, walking, strength training, and yoga. Exercise combined with psychotherapy proved to be the most effective way to experience depression relief. Researchers found that getting outside while engaging in exercise relieved depressive symptoms even more. Spending time in nature can help reduce risk of depression. One study found that time spent in green environments reduced the risk of anxiety and depression in the long run. Consider planning some fun, holiday outdoor activities. Go ice skating, snowboarding, sledding, or hiking, depending on where you live and what is available to you. 

Share How You Are Feeling With Loved Ones

During the holiday season, mental health experts recommend that you surround yourself with people you can rely on. These people can be family members or friends who can help you manage holiday depression. Reach out to people you trust and share how you are feeling. It’s impossible to know how friends or family will react, but the people who love you will be there for you no matter what. Confide in them about how you are feeling and they will most likely offer empathy, or share similar experiences that may help you feel less alone. Do not underestimate the power of community and love. People want to help, so just ask.

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Have you ever had sudden, painful cramps that just don’t seem to go away? One potential cause is that you are low in potassium. Low potassium levels can also cause muscle weakness, fatigue, muscle spasms, tingling, or numbness. Heart palpitations or skipped heartbeat can be more severe symptoms of low potassium levels. 

It’s possible to fight leg cramps and other issues that stem from low potassium levels by simply increasing your potassium intake. The amount of time it takes to correct low potassium levels depends on how low they are. 

Symptoms Of Low Potassium

The only real way to know if your potassium levels are low is to take a blood test. You will get a more accurate reading of your levels via this route. That said, there are a few telltale symptoms of potassium deficiency that you should be aware of. These symptoms include:

• Muscle cramps, twitching, or severe weakness
• Heart palpitations
• Constipation
• Tingling and numbness

If potassium levels are very low, you may need to take a potassium supplement, or get an IV to elevate them back to a normal range. The quickest way to increase potassium levels in emergency situations is via an IV, which should be administered by a professional in a controlled setting. One report found that an IV can raise potassium levels within 20 to 30 minutes. If you have borderline potassium levels after a sweaty workout, you can use various foods to help bring them back up quickly. Continue reading to learn what foods and drinks may help you do that. 

Sip An Electrolyte Drink

Electrolyte-rich drinks can help replenish minerals, vitamins, and water lost via sweat or periods of diarrhea and vomiting. Not all electrolyte drinks are high in potassium, though. And you should not simply resort to sugary sports drinks to replenish electrolytes, as the preservatives, dyes, and added sugars do more harm than good. Coconut water, for example, is a great electrolyte-rich beverage, but make sure to buy one that is free of added sugars. 

Drink Some Orange Juice

Just as we said previously, the quality of the beverage matters. Many store bought orange juices contain added sugars and preservatives. Go directly to the source by juicing oranges! One cup of orange juice provides nearly 500 milligrams (mg) of potassium, which equates to 11% of the recommended daily intake (RDI). Orange juice may be a convenient way to raise potassium levels, but it tends to be high in sugar. You can also eat oranges to get the same nutrients, plus the fiber that will help the body absorb the natural sugars more slowly. You would need to eat two oranges to get the same amount of potassium as one cup of OJ.

Eat A Banana

This is a classic potassium-rich food, so eat a banana or two next time you are dealing with leg cramps. One medium banana contains 422 mg of potassium, and the potassium in bananas can increase levels within 30 to 60 minutes, per a 2012 health journal. In one study, researchers tested whether eating one or two bananas would increase potassium levels in adult athletes prone to leg cramps. Although there were mild increases in potassium levels in both groups after 30 to 60 minutes, the time it took to increase levels would not benefit an athlete experiencing cramps during competition. To avoid cramps, health experts recommend consuming potassium-rich foods regularly, especially before exercise. 

Eat Some Watermelon

Researchers note that one wedge of watermelon has 320 mg of potassium, making it a great choice for raising potassium levels. Watermelon is also a water-rich fruit (91% water), so it helps to enhance your hydration efforts. It is also rich in vitamins A & C, magnesium, and offers some iron and calcium. According to research, eating watermelon after a workout can help replace water, magnesium, and potassium that you lose via sweat. Drinking watermelon juice after a workout has been associated with reduced muscle soreness after 24 hours. 

Consider Supplementation 

If you consume all of the aforementioned items and your potassium levels remain low, you may want to consider a potassium supplement. Before you start supplementing, consult your healthcare professional to determine whether the supplement is right for you, and to understand proper dosage. The potassium you get via diet and what you supplement should not exceed the RDI, unless directed by your doctor.

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This lemon dressing may be new to our website, but it is already an all-time favorite. It has unique lemon flavor, which makes for a zesty eating experience. Tempered by sweet agave nectar and herbaceous parsley, this dressing goes great with a variety of salad ingredients. Pour it over a combination of romaine lettuce, cherry tomatoes, cucumbers, and bell peppers, or over shredded cabbage, shredded carrots, mandarin segments, and green onion. We love when a dressing is versatile!

Whisk lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, mustard powder, sea salt, pepper, and fresh parsley in a small bowl and you have your dressing. Prefer a dressing that is a little smoother? Feel free to add all of the ingredients to a blender and blitz until smooth. The good news is that the preparation method doesn’t change the zesty, delicious flavor. There is just so much to love about his lemon dressing, and here are a few reasons why:

• Very easy to make: This dressing should not take you longer than five minutes to make. Plus, it only requires seven ingredients!
• Endless possibilities: Is your salad in need of a boost? This dressing will elevate any salad to a whole new level! If you don’t want to use it as a salad dressing, consider using it as a marinade for roasted or grilled vegetables or tempeh.
• Clean ingredients: Many store bought dressings contain a lot of problematic ingredients, namely saturated and trans fats, added sugars, excess sodium, and preservatives. These additives keep dressings shelf-stable for longer periods of time. Additionally, they tend to contain lower-quality oils and other ingredients to keep production costs down. This lemon dressing, however, contains simple, healthy ingredients that you can actually pronounce!

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Dieting during the holidays…is it possible? You bet your life! People have this notion that the holiday season is reserved for overeating and drinking excessive amounts at functions, parties, and work events. Plus, letting loose is often a great way to relieve the inevitable holidays stress or pressure from family and friends. That does not mean that you have to succumb to the temptation of endless holiday treats. 

Most people hold emotional attachments to holiday-specific dishes or treats. It is very common to associate these foods with meaningful memories during the holidays. The holidays are well underway, and there is no time like the present to take action. It will be difficult, but we believe that you have the strength to conquer the holidays while adhering to your diet! The following tips may help you dodge the pressure to overindulge. 

Plan Ahead

This rule truly applies to many things in life, but preparation is essential if you want to avoid failure. If you feel that your surroundings influence you easily, make your surroundings more comfortable. In fact, studies suggest that planning ahead and creating a plan can double your chance of success. If you plan to attend a holiday party, bring a healthy appetizer or dish, in addition to a healthy dessert option. When you know you have healthy food options, you will be less likely to overindulge on unhealthy items. If you are going to travel, make sure to plan ahead by bringing healthy snacks. 

Fill Up On Vegetables

Holiday spreads tend to showcase an assortment of carbs, proteins, and high-calorie desserts. Try your best to load up your holiday plate with as many vegetables and fruits as you can. Not only are they naturally rich in various nutrients, but they are also much lower in calories than other dishes. That doesn’t always apply, especially if you eat green bean casserole and candied yams. When we say “veggies,” we mean fruit salads, leafy greens, carrot sticks, and other sautéed root vegetables. 

Prioritize Your Favorites

There are seasonal treats that everyone looks forward to during the holidays. Maybe your vice is a slice of pumpkin pie or grandma’s homemade cinnamon rolls. There is nothing wrong with a small indulgence, but the trick is choosing the things you truly want to enjoy. If you say “yes” to everything, you are not doing yourself, or your diet efforts, any favors. Use this time of year as an opportunity to prioritize what you love and be strategic about it. That is especially true if you line up at the holiday buffet!

Track Your Calories And Macros

This sounds like an unpleasant chore, but you should keep track of your food intake because treats and alcohol are aplenty this time of year. It is very easy to go overboard with food, but paying attention to how much you consume is the best way to hold yourself accountable. When you input the information into your calorie counter, the results may surprise you. Small indulgences, such as a peppermint mocha latte, can affect your weekly average. Track your daily intake and use weekly averages to help determine whether you are sticking to your diet or not. Don’t punish yourself if you go a little overboard; rather, do your best to get back on the horse and meet your daily goals starting the following day. 

Remember Your “Why”

Weight loss motivation is more powerful than you realize. Remembering why you started your diet in the first place may be all it takes to keep holiday eating in check. If you have a support system, lean on them because they may help you remember why you started your weight loss journey. Remembering your “why” doesn’t mean that you have to eat perfectly. It will, however, remind you to either exercise or balance your indulgence with some healthier options. Change is very difficult, especially in regards to eating habits, and you have to work constantly to maintain your diet. Don’t give up on yourself just because you encounter some obstacles. You are strong and can make the necessary changes to maintain your diet this holiday season.

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According to research studies and surveys, the leading cause of vision loss in older adults is age-related macular degeneration, or AMD. In fact, a 2022 report found that an estimated 20 million people in the United States over the age of 40 had AMD. It is very common for eyesight to get worse with age, be it from AMD, cataracts, or other ocular diseases. Fortunately, there are exercises you can do and foods you can eat that help support eye health. 

What Is AMD?

AMD is an eye disease that can blur central vision. This occurs when aging causes damage to the macula, a part of the eye that controls straight-ahead vision. The macula is a part of the retina, which is the light-sensitive tissue at the back of the eye. AMD is a very common condition, and the leading cause of vision loss in older adults. Losing central vision makes it difficult to see faces, read, drive, or do close-up tasks. 

The condition can come on slowly in some people and faster in others. Scientists believe that one of the primary causes of AMD is exposure to oxidative stress (cell damage) and inflammatory reactions. Because of this, the theory is that including more nutrients that support vision in your diet can be beneficial in preventing AMD. Some of those nutrients include carotenoids that fight against reactive oxygen species (ROS). 

How Do Carotenoids Support Vision?

Carotenoids are the red, orange, and yellow pigments produced by plants. Astaxanthin, zeaxanthin, lutein, and xanthophylls are specific carotenoids that demonstrate impressive antioxidant activity. Some studies have found these carotenoids to protect the eyes from oxidative damage. 

Both lutein and zeaxanthin are found in concentrations 1,000 times higher in the eye than other tissues in the body. Reportedly, these are beneficial in reducing the risk of developing AMD. One study found that participants with the highest intake of lutein and zeaxanthin were 65% less likely to develop neovascular AMD compared to people with the lowest intake. Another study from 2022 found that these two carotenoids were able to protect the retina and lens from age-related changes.

Although astaxanthin is not as concentrated in the eye, it does have antioxidant properties that are ten times greater than lutein and zeaxanthin. Astaxanthin has demonstrated an ability to address choroidal neovascularization (CNV), which is a hallmark feature in AMD. This feature causes oxidative stress and inflammation and blood vessels grow in the eye and leak as a result. That can lead to vision loss. 

How To Get More Carotenoids In Your Diet

The body cannot make carotenoids on its own, so it is your responsibility to consume them via foods or dietary supplements. In order to support eye health and vision longevity, experts encourage you to consume at least 10 milligrams (mg) of lutein, two mg of zeaxanthin, and six mg of astaxanthin per day.

In which foods can you find these carotenoids? Well, lutein and zeaxanthin are readily available in leafy greens (kale, spinach, and collards), avocado, orange bell peppers, green peas, and eggs. Astaxanthin primarily exists in marine-derived foods, such as shrimp, salmon, lobster, and algae. All three of these carotenoids, however, are available in various eye supplements, should you not want to worry about consuming specific foods every day. 

At the end of the day, your eyesight will get worse with age, but it doesn’t have to be inevitable. Try to increase your intake of the carotenoids we detailed in this article to help support eye health and protect them from AMD and other causes of age-related vision loss.

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Anyone in the mood for a….mocktail? This delicious creation is going to change your holiday party game. Whether you are hosting a party or attending one, you can make this tasty beverage and enjoy yourself without the extra sugar and calories that come with traditional alcohol beverages. This is also an excellent drink to enjoy if you are a friend of Bill W (a person who belongs to the Alcoholics Anonymous program, for those who didn’t get the reference).

This refreshing non-alcoholic beverage hits all the rate notes. It is sweet yet tart and bright with a festive finish. It hits all the right notes for special holiday occasions. You can celebrate the holidays or ring in the New Year with this refreshing beverage. Planning a dry January? This drink is perfectly suited for your newly sober lifestyle. You can even drink this with your kids, so long as you let them drink sparkling water.

Although the cranberries are optional, we encourage you to incorporate them into your beverage. The reason for this twofold: they make the drink more visually stunning and they add a subtle tartness to the drink. Plus, fresh cranberries are loaded with antioxidants and have a limited window of availability in grocery stores. You can even add fresh pomegranate arils to your drink for added visual appeal. Finally, make sure that you choose 100% pure pomegranate juice, as many store bought varieties can contain a lot of added sugars. Cheers to your health!

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The holiday season can be very uplifting for a lot of people, but not everyone feels that way. It’s very common for stress to overwhelm the mind and body during this time of year. Perhaps the stress of finding the perfect gift for your loved ones proves too much. Hosting a large family gathering, or traveling to meet family can also induce a lot of stress. 

What Are Healthy Boundaries?

Mental health experts agree that setting clear boundaries can make a big difference in preserving your mental and emotional health. A healthy boundary can be defined as such: your list of what is okay and what is not okay. That means you have to clearly establish what you are comfortable with before encountering certain situations. Perhaps you are sober and attend a holiday party. Some friends or family members come and try to get you to drink, but you have to let them know that you are content without imbibing. Your uncle treats you like a child even though you are 40 years old. Whatever the case, you feel frustrated, and that is where healthy boundaries enter the equation. 

Define Priorities

Before you even think about setting boundaries, make sure you understand what your priorities are. Are there aspects of the holiday season that are meaningful to you? Is it important to spend time with immediate family, reconnect with old friends, or spend time alone? Make sure to understand your priorities, as that understanding will guide you to set boundaries that set you up for success. 

Communicate Openly

Do not be afraid to share your intentions and needs with people. If they truly care about you, then they will respect these boundaries because they are important to you. Honest conversations can prevent conflict and misunderstanding. In fact, your loved ones are more likely to respect your wishes if you explain where you are coming from and why these boundaries matter. 

Create A Budget

This is more of a personal boundary that can help you avoid stress regarding gift giving. Financial stress is very common during the holidays, as many people often spend beyond their means. Setting a budget for holiday spending can help you avoid financial stress. That means that you have to plan your budget for holiday gifts, travel, and entertainment expenses ahead of time. The most important thing: stick to that budget!

Politely Decline

You do not have to say yes to every single party invitation or holiday request that comes your way. There is great power in the ability to say no. You can politely decline when you need to, and remember that it is perfectly acceptable to do so. In fact, saying no to things is a great way to conserve your energy for things that matter the most. Whether you know it or not, saying know is a great way to practice self-care and set boundaries simultaneously. 

Prioritize Self-Care

Speaking of self-care, it is very easy to forget about yourself during the holidays. It is difficult to take care of yourself when there is so much to do. Find moments for yourself and do things you love during those moments. Go to the gym, watch a movie, read a book, meditate, or practice writing in a journal. Do not be afraid to recharge your batteries and show yourself love. Consider gifting yourself a massage or facial!

Congratulate Yourself

You stood your ground, you said no, you shared what mattered to you, and then some. Great job! Being vulnerable, honest, and respectful is not easy, but you did it! Sometimes, it takes a little force to establish boundaries, but people will respect them if they care about you. People may get upset at your boundaries, but don’t worry about that. Setting boundaries will help you feel more confident about setting new ones when the time comes. At that time, you’ll have the knowledge and power to set them even more clearly!

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