We are slap bang in the middle of the period when we are most likely to overindulge on food, drinks, box sets and more. Temptation is everywhere. Whilst initially this can seem like all part of the festive fun it can start to take its toll. I think a bit of balance can keep things ticking along whilst still allowing some of the magic in. Here are a few thoughts to get you thinking about the best blend for you:-

 

·       Don’t over commit to invitations. Choose the GATHERINGS that you want to be part of. People will understand if you decline. It doesn’t have to be a big deal.

 

·       When it comes to FOOD & DRINK you may want to shift the boundaries a touch. If you follow pretty healthy eating routines throughout the year then aim to mostly continue that. For example, if you usually eat around the 80/20 mark (80% pretty nutritiously and 20% other stuff) then accept for several weeks it's probably going to look more like 70/30 or 60/40 at times. By allowing this mental shift it can remove some of that guilt we may feel and make room for the treats.

 

·       Lots of people will fall off the EXERCISE bandwagon over the festive period.  It doesn’t have to be this way. Staying active, whether that’s at an uplifting Zumba class, a bracing walk or a solitary swim can really keep your mental health in good form and mean it’s not so hard to get back into it once the party is over. Schedule it into your calendar so it’s more likely to get done. You could view your time “off” work as an extra opportunity to go for that run you’ve been meaning to do or getting back on the climbing wall. Earlier in the year, I started doing more online short sharp workouts at home (My current fave is Rebecca Louise as she films most of her stuff in gorgeous locations like the Galapagos and the Maldives.) Even when you are really time-pressed or your usual gym is closed you can slot in a 15-minute burst and get a little endorphin hit.

 

·       If you are having more late nights coupled with early mornings then LACK OF SLEEP can start to make us grumpier. Making more of an effort around your sleep routine can give you better quality sleep. It’s all the things we know but often don’t adhere to :- start the wind down around 30 mins before bedtime to calm any overactive minds, switch off all those electronic devices, keep out the light and lower the heat.

 

 

Some of you may be reading this and think “That’s ridiculous. It’s only Christmas once a year and I’m going to enjoy it and go all out." Ultimately, we’re all different. The thing is, only YOU know how you feel. Choosing the right level of indulgence for you is what lies at the heart of this.

 

At the end of the day, what matters most is probably not what you do between Christmas & New Year but actually what you do between New Year and Christmas 🎄😊

 

Day 6 will be a selection box ...

 

 

as !