The holiday season and Christmas are fast approaching. After the year 2021 has brought us, many of us are looking forward to the increased social events and Christmas cheer. Christmas is known as the most wonderful time of the year, and it\u2019s also often filled with increased food, alcohol and late nights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Being conscious of what is on our plate is a great place to start, but it\u2019s important to remember that many habits connect to daily health. Whether it\u2019s exercise, quality of sleep or the way you manage your stress, they all will have an impact on how you feel. We have put together 5 tips to help you keep yourself well over the Christmas period, so you can enjoy time with family and friends, and not burn yourself out. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nourish your body<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s very easy to overeat during the holiday season, where food is a central part of the celebration. It can be tempting to skip breakfast if you know you have a big lunch ahead, but that can often lead to overeating later. To help combat this, one thing to pay attention to is what you are eating beforehand. Start with a nutritious breakfast like a bowl of oats with peanut butter that contains protein and healthy fats, or have lunch beforehand with plenty of veggies and hummus. Eating meals like the ones mentioned that are packed with fibre and will help keep you fuller for longer and prevent you from feeling over-full and lethargic.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep moving<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Think of exercise as \u2018you\u2019 time. It may not be your top priority over the busy holiday season, but even a short session is better than nothing. Pick a form of movement you know you enjoy, whether it\u2019s an at-home workout from YouTube, a walk around the neighbourhood or a game outdoors with the kids. Working out shouldn\u2019t be a punishment for eating. It has incredibly positive effects on your body and will help improve your mental health.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Limit your late nights<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Sleep hygiene plays an essential role in mental health, so it is important to be mindful about ensuring you schedule enough sleep for your holiday. Sleeping in the following day or having naps when you know you have a late night can be a way to compensate. It will keep you feeling refreshed and enjoy your time off!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Drink enough water<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n When alcohol is flowing, it can be easy to forget to fill up on water. Especially as the weather warms up, it\u2019s important to stay hydrated. You can make your water more enticing by using carbonated water and adding lemon, lime or other fruit chunks for some refreshing flavour.<\/p>\n\n\n\n