As the holiday ay season approaches, it's important to take care of our health and wellbeing. The hustle and bustle of the season can be stressful and tiring, and it's easy to let healthy habits slip. This weekend I will make sure I take time out to sit and savour a coffee at my favourite coffee shop in between Christmas shopping activity. I will be getting out in nature and enjoying the lovely crisp clear days we are currently experiencing and afterwards I will jump in the sauna to keep my cardiovascular system and epithelial (lining of the blood vessels) healthy too!
Here are some simple ideas to help you stay healthy and happy during the Christmas season:
Eat well: It's easy to overindulge during the holidays, and please do enjoy yourselves, but also try to include plenty of fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and protein. To be honest the main Christmas meal of turkey with sprouts, carrots, parsnips and red cabbage is the real treat in my house!
Stay active: It can be tempting to skip your regular exercise routine during the holiday season, but staying active is important for both physical and mental health. Try to fit in some form of exercise, whether it's a brisk walk, a yoga class, or a trip to the gym. If you have severe fatigue don’t try to do any vigorous exercise, instead just try to move your body regularly during the day or try something gentle like Yoga Nidri.
Get enough sleep: The business of the holiday season can make it difficult to get a good night's sleep. But getting enough sleep is crucial for maintaining good health and wellbeing. Try to stick to a regular bedtime routine and avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime.
Take time for yourself: The holiday season is a busy time, and it's easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle. But it's important to take some time for yourself to relax and unwind. Try to carve out some "me time" to do something that you enjoy, whether it's reading a book, taking a bubble bath, or going for a walk.
Stay connected: The holiday season is a time for spending time with loved ones, but it's also important to maintain connections with friends and family who may not be able to be with you in person. Make time for regular phone or video calls, and reach out to those who may be feeling lonely or isolated.
By taking care of our health and wellbeing during the holiday season, we can enjoy the festivities to the fullest and start the new year feeling our best.
If you are still looking for ideas for loved ones and you would like to look for something that promotes health and wellbeing, here are some ideas to consider:
A device that tracks your health: look for one that includes sleep and resting heart rate and heart rate variability. These devices can help you to work out what activities help or hinder your health and restore your vitality making them a great gift.
A subscription to a healthy meal delivery service: For the health-conscious person in your life, a subscription to a healthy meal delivery service can provide a convenient and delicious way to eat well.
A relaxation or meditation app: The holiday season can be stressful, and a relaxation or meditation app can be a great gift to help your loved ones unwind and de-stress.
A yoga or Pilates class: For the fitness enthusiast in your life, a yoga or Pilates class can be a fun and challenging way to stay active and healthy.
A book or magazine on health and wellbeing: For the person who loves to learn, a book or magazine on health and wellbeing can provide a wealth of information and inspiration. In fact you can even gift them my new Recipe E-book: Fix Your Fatigue.
A spa or massage gift certificate: Everyone deserves to be pampered, and a gift certificate for a spa or massage can be a great way to help your loved ones relax and recharge.
By giving gifts that promote health and wellbeing, you can help your loved ones to feel their best during the holiday season and beyond.
Before I sign off from my blog for the holidays I want to look back at 2022 at my my most popular blogs. If you haven't read them yet then please do take a look:
Here again is a reminder about my new Recipe E-book...
Have a lovely festive holiday!