Dealing with the Christmas Season

Although we sometimes get so caught up in the worldly aspect of Christmas, remember that no matter what your political ideals are, the holiday is still and always will be Christmas. We don't celebrate "holiday," we celebrate Christmas. Just my two cents worth...

On another note, here are some tips in helping deal with issues some of us will endure during the course of the holiday season:

Sweet Treats: It seems sugary treats are unavoidable, especially this time of the year. When sugar breaks down and enters the bloodstream, it bonds with protein molecules, including those found in collagen and elastin (the fibers that support the skin), through a process called glycation. This process leads to sagging and wrinkles, both of which none of us want!
Try choosing a small square of dark chocolate instead, which contains antioxidants to protect  you from free radicals. Increase your consumption of vitamin C. It'll help generate collagen.

Untamed Tension: When we're under intense or chronic stress, our bodies increase production of the hormone cortisol, which can damage collagen and elastin and decrease the skin's ability to repair itself. Stress can also make us frown, which in turn can leave marks in the form of permanent lines.
Exercise daily; yoga, Tai Chi or brisk walking. The deep breathing of Yoga helps promote healthy circulation. Download a yoga app (Yoga RELAX) and do a couple of poses prior to calling it a day.

Weight Fluctuations: Packing on pounds  an make your skin look plumper on the surface, but carrying excess weight can cause your body's levels of insulin and cortisol to rise, which breaks down collagen. The repetition of gaining and losing weight can take its toll on the skin's elasticity, leaving behind stretch marks and jowls.
Aim to keep your weight in the normal range, with a  body mass index between 18.5 and 24.9.

Lack of Sleep: Our skin needs a change to rejuvenate and the lack of sleep deters that. Without enough deep sleep, the skin can't properly undo daily damage and puts the body into stress mode.
Shoot for 7-8 hours of sleep a night. It takes discipline, but start by shutting off all electronic devices a half hour before bed so the stimulation doesn't keep you up.

Take time to relish in what this season means. There is a God and He did send His Son to die for you and for me. What kind of Father sends His only Son to die a horrific death to save ME from my sins? The least I can do is praise Him with my words and my actions. Show love this Christmas season just as He has chosen to show love to us.