Give yourself a Gift This
Christmas. Stay healthy during Christmas.
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"What Affects The Mind, Effects The Body" |
Oh My! It’s that time of year again. Although it’s hard
to believe another year has flown by, I am clearly not mistaken as today I
heard my first Christmas song on the radio, on the way to the gym (TLC-Sleigh Ride). Shops are displaying their
Christmas themed windows, and my inbox is full of “Christmas Gift Idea” emails
from all my fans of Christmas suggestions.
With the risk of sounding a little like the Scrooge, please be sensible. It’s
not called the silly season for no reason. Partying, drinking, indulging,
overeating and running around like a headless chicken from event-to-event and
shop-to-shop, it’s no wonder many of us feel tired, rundown, and overweight plus
stressed as the New Year comes around.
What if this year you give the gift that keeps giving and gives YOUR self a
wonderful gift and entered the New Year feeling refreshed, energized, slim and
relaxed? It’s really not so difficult. Just a little discipline and willpower,
that’s all.
Waking up in to a new spring day every morning to record your previous day’s
points is a great starting point and reminder to keep on track with your
wellness journey. Here are a few tips to help you keep on track.
Top 5 Tips to
help you stay healthy over Christmas
1. Exercise
Remember to keep up with your exercise routine. Just because you were out and
about the night before is no excuse to sleep in and forego your training.
Staying active will help you feel better. I promise! No tales here! My favorite
hangover cure used to be a walk in the park with my friends and my favorite
step aerobics class. Great way to sweat out those toxins! Try and exercise
outside as much as possible and take advantage of the bright sunny summer days.
Also why not share the gift and calling on the friends who was out with you the
night before and take a brisk walk around the park or that wonderful step class.
2. Relaxation
As much as Christmas is a lovely time to catch up with all your friends and
family, remembers to take some time out for YOU. Take a few moments in the day
to practice meditation or stress-relieving breathing techniques (long deep breath
through your nose and out your mouth). We’re conditioned to think that
Christmas is all about giving, so how about taking the time to give to you as
well this year. Don’t get stressed out over Christmas present buying. Plan you’re
shopping in advance, write a list of all the presents you need to buy and avoid
the long lines and overcrowded stores.
3. Healthy Eating
Remember to make healthy choices this Christmas. It’s
easy to get carried away with all the pies, chocolates, shortbread and party
food, but before over-indulging remember how it’s going to make you feel the
next day. Remember to eat plenty of vegetables, fruits and whole grains. If you
do like enjoying Christmas treats, limit your portion size.
4. Water
Drink plenty of water to keep you hydrated. If you do drink alcohol, remember
to alternate every alcoholic drink with a glass of water and please don’t drink
on an empty stomach. Best to have a healthy snack before you go to the party as
it will also prevent you from snacking on unhealthy party food. Dandelion tea
is a great herbal tea to drink throughout the days when you know you’re going
to be out and about, partying and drinking alcohol at night, as it helps to
detoxify the liver.
5. Sleep
Get plenty of rest and aim for 7-8 hours of sleep every night. It’s not going
to make or break your life if you don’t go to EVERY party. How about having a
night in? Create a relaxing movie night at home, snuggle up on the couch with a
good book or DVD and get to bed early.
And if all that fails, please don’t beat yourself up
about it. Take each day as it comes and strive for a healthier you day the next
day.