How to have a healthy Christmas
There’s a lot to love about Christmas, but festive excess can also take its toll on our health and well-being. But, with a few tweaks and some smart planning, it's possible to get the most out of the festive season and feel great throughout. Here are our top tips for having a happy, healthy Christmas.
Make smart food choices
The festive season usually means routine goes out the window, and so do your normal eating habits. But there are ways to eat healthier without sacrificing delicious Christmas foods. This may mean filling up with protein-rich foods and vegetables to keep you fuller for longer. You can also swap out typical calorie-rich foods for lighter options like ice cream for whipped cream or baked ham for seafood. However, the best thing you can do is to listen to your body when it’s telling you it’s full.
Stay hydrated
A hot Australian summer and a busy schedule is a recipe for dehydration. It’s essential to keep up your water intake and actually drink more than the recommended 8 glasses a day, especially if you plan on enjoying a champagne or two. Even mild dehydration can lead to a headache, and combined with the diuretic effects of alcohol, maintaining your fluid intake is more important than ever..
Support your nervous system
It's very easy to get overwhelmed with the stress of Christmas juggling, so it’s the perfect time to practice yoga. Yoga can help reset your nervous system, particularly long yin holds or inversions. You might want to book one last chiropractic or acupuncture session for the year, as both help balance the nervous system. Also, dial down your coffee intake, as this can overstimulate your adrenals and lead to insomnia. Try herbal tea before bed, a warm Epsom salts bath and a book to unwind and relax.
Focus on quality rest
You must get a good night's sleep at this time of year, even more so than usual, as the late-night Christmas parties can catch up with you. When you don’t get enough sleep, it can affect your mood, memory, concentration and even your immune system. Make sure you practice good sleep hygiene - no screens or caffeine before bed, a cool, dark room and 7-8 hours of sleep for the best recharge.
Any exercise is better than no exercise
If it's unrealistic to do your usual exercise routine, then integrate exercise into your day-to-day. Do ten squats to break up your working morning, walk to the local coffee shop or take the stairs rather than taking the escalator at the shops. Exercise will help clear your mind and boost your mood during this sometimes stressful period.
Practice self-care
Just because Christmas is about family and friends doesn’t mean you should forget about yourself. Our team are here to support your health all year round, including the holidays. If you’re feeling overwhelmed with your Christmas to-do list, why not book a chiro, massage or acupuncture session with one of our friendly team? We’re still open throughout the festive season, excluding the public holidays.
With these smart strategies and simple tweaks, you can enjoy the happiest, healthiest Christmas yet!