We all tend to overindulge over the festive season but it’s still important to look after your health. Here are a few ideas to help keep yourself on track without missing out on all the fun.
From staying hydrated to keeping active, these tips will help to keep you healthy for Christmas – and beyond.
Keep your diet consistent
It can be easy to eat rich, high-fat, and high-sugar foods over Christmas. While the occasional treat is no problem, to avoid weight gain, bloating or discomfort try to keep a balance. For example, if you usually eat fruit at breakfast time, try to keep this up as much as you can. If you struggle to remember what you’ve eaten, writing it down can help. Keeping a Christmas food routine can help you feel less bloated and more energetic.
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Don’t be afraid to say ‘no’
Many of us see an increase in invitations to drinks, lunches, and celebrations at Christmas. While these can be great fun, don’t overdo it, and keep the danger of the pandemic in mind. If an invitation is likely to cause you more stress than excitement, don’t be afraid to say no. If you find it uncomfortable to decline, politely suggest a date in the new year instead, when hopefully health restrictions will ease. Family and private events are restricted to 10 people maximum at present.
Make travel plans early
Family get-togethers are a big part of any festive season but 2020 will see a Christmas of a different sort. Curfews and the limit of 10 people gathering in one place are wreaking havoc on holiday plans. For some people it’ll be the first Christmas they won’t make it home. The current curfew between 8 pm and 5 am will stay in place until January 11. City parking is free of charge to reduce the burden on public transport, and of course, masks must be worn on the latter. If you know you’ll be traveling to visit relatives this Christmas, make your travel plans early. Work out your route to reduce stress.
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Set a budget
It can be easy to feel pressured into spending beyond your means at Christmas. Set a budget and be sure to stick to it. If you find you cannot afford to get presents for everyone on your list, why not suggest you spend some time together instead? Don’t forget, if you have time, a homemade gift such as a Christmas cake or craft item can be a good alternative.
De-clutter your home
If you are decorating your home for Christmas, be sure to de-clutter. Avoid putting decorations in places that may cause you to trip.
Avoiding loneliness
This is tricky during the coronavirus pandemic. Loneliness can be emotionally painful and even lead to depression and lowered immunity. Check with charitable groups because it still may be possible to volunteer for a good cause such as helping the disadvantaged this Christmas. Having a pet can help, or seek advice from FirstMed about seeing a therapist.
Christmas routine exercise
It’s a well-known fact that many of us forgo our usual exercise routines over the festive period. Keeping a Christmas routine should include gentle exercise. While you may not be able to do your usual exercise routine, if you are staying with relatives, venturing out to the garden or walking a pet can help.
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Know your limits
If you’re not a big drinker, knowing your limits over the festive period is advisable. If you do decide to indulge in a drink or two, be sure to intersperse drinking alcohol with water and keep stronger drinks to meal-times.
Get medication and non-perishable food
If you have a repeat prescription you need, be sure to get hold of it early. Many doctors’ surgeries close over the festive period, so it’s important to check their opening hours. The same goes for food – many shops become busy before Christmas, especially at weekends. And opening hours are now limited, with shops closing at 7 pm. While you may not be able to store some items for a long time, think about freezer and cupboard staples. Picking them up early can save stress further down the line.
Have a good night time routine
One thing the festive period can wreak havoc with is your night-time routine. While you may find yourself having later nights, consider how you can still get a restful sleep. Whether you take naps during the day or do things to get a better quality of sleep, be sure to make sure you don’t tire yourself out.
