Christmas and New Year is a time for joy, indulgence, and connection, but it can also leave us feeling frazzled. Alongside enjoying extra treats, late nights, and celebratory drinks, try out these 6 simple self-care tips to help you stay healthy whilst enjoying all the festive fun.
1) Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate
Water is your best friend during the festive period. Staying well-hydrated can boost your energy, give your skin a radiant glow, and help ward off illnesses. If you’re enjoying a festive tipple or two, alternate alcoholic drinks with water to pace yourself and reduce the risk of a sore head the next day. Your body will thank you the next morning!
2) Balance Indulgence with Nutritious
Christmas is all about enjoying ourselves and indulging in the good stuff, but keeping a bit of balance can make a big difference. It helps us feel more energized, less stressed, and keeps our health on track. A super simple tip? For every indulgent treat, add something nutritious to the mix. For example, try filling half your plate with colourful veggies during meals; they are full of fibre, vitamins, and minerals which will keep you satisfied and will help your body handle all the festive feasting.
3) Fuel up for the festivities
It’s tempting to “save room” for party food, but avoid arriving at events on an empty stomach. Starting your day with a balanced breakfast sets the tone for smarter choices later on, whilst a protein-filled snack or meal before a day or night out helps fuel your body for the festivities and can avoid over-indulging. The saying “eating’s cheating” belongs firmly in the past. If weight management if your goal, please see previous blog.
4) Keep moving
Many clients share that balancing a busy social calendar with work and other commitments during Christmas can leave them feeling drained and sluggish. Staying active is a great way to boost your energy and find balance. Whether it’s a brisk winter walk, a yoga session, or tearing up the dance floor, regular movement can lift your mood and keep your body feeling great.
5) Show Your Liver Some Love
Whether meeting up for a few glasses of bubbles with friends or sharing a toast with family, it’s good to support your liver when celebrating with alcohol over Christmas and New Year. The liver is one our our most important organs, key in a range of functions including hormone balance, weight management, and cholesterol regulation to name but a few. Boost your liver’s detoxification pathways with key foods and herbs. Cruciferous veggies like Brussel sprouts, kale, and broccoli are great choices, as are onions, garlic, beetroot, turmeric, artichoke, and milk thistle.
6) Feel Free to Say "No"
If social commitments start to feel overwhelming rather than fun, it can be empowering to simply say "No" and recuperate on the sofa watching a Christmas special or getting some much needed sleep. The festive period can be a joyous time, but also hugely stressful with all the pressures it brings, so putting yourself and your mental health first should remain a priority. See my previous blog for tips on managing mental health and anxiety.
Let's not forget though, the most important thing at this time of year is to enjoy yourself! Savour every drink and mouthful and delight in every minute spent with family & friends! A balanced approach to the festive season ensures you can fully indulge in its magic without compromising your wellbeing.
🎄✨Wishing you a joyful and nourishing festive season! 🎄✨
If you would like to talk more about any of the above, understand what you can do personally to optimise your health, or perhaps you'd like to book in for a pre- New Year chat then I'd love to hear from you. Please click here to book a free 30 minute consultation.
What’s your favorite self-care tip for the festive season? Share it in the comments below!
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