Christmas can be a wonderful time of year, filled with joy, laughter, and love. But it can also be a time of stress and strain, as we try to juggle all the demands of the season. With so much going on, it’s important to take care of your wellbeing and make sure you’re looking after your mental and physical health, as well as your relationships with others.
Here are some tips for staying healthy and happy over the Christmas period:
Take time for yourself. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle of Christmas, but it’s important to make time for yourself and do things that bring you joy and relaxation. This could be something as simple as going for a walk, taking a bubble bath, or reading a book.
Stay active. Exercise is a great way to boost your mood and reduce stress, so try to stay active over the Christmas period. This doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym – a walk in the park, a game of football, or a dance session with the family can all be fun and beneficial.
Eat well. Christmas is a time for indulgence, but that doesn’t mean you should abandon all healthy eating habits. Try to balance out any treats with plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, and drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Get enough sleep. Sleep is crucial for good physical and mental health, so make sure you’re getting enough over the Christmas period. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night, and try to establish a regular bedtime routine to help you unwind and relax before going to sleep.
Limit your alcohol intake. While it’s okay to enjoy a few drinks, excessive alcohol consumption can have negative effects on your health and wellbeing. Make sure you stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water, and try to alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic options. This will help you avoid dehydration and the potential negative effects of drinking too much.
Maintain healthy relationships. Christmas can put a lot of pressure on relationships, as we spend more time with family and friends. Make sure you communicate openly and honestly with the people around you, and try to be understanding and supportive if tensions arise.
Find some calm. Another helpful tip for looking after your wellbeing over Christmas is to practice mindfulness. Mindfulness is the act of bringing your attention to the present moment, without judgment. It can help you to manage your mood and reduce stress and anxiety.
By practicing mindfulness regularly, you can help to calm your mind and reduce stress over the Christmas period. It’s a simple but powerful tool that can help you to enjoy the festive season in the here and now.
There are many different mindfulness techniques you can try, such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation, or guided meditation. You can do these techniques anywhere, at any time, and they only take a few minutes to practice.
To try a simple mindfulness exercise – Find a quiet place where you won’t be interrupted. Sit or lie down in a comfortable position, and close your eyes. Take a few deep breaths, focusing on the sensation of the breath as it enters and leaves your body. When your mind wanders, gently bring your attention back to your breath. Continue for 5-10 minutes, or longer if you wish.
Overall, the key to looking after your wellbeing over Christmas is to prioritize self-care and make time for the things that matter most to you. By taking care of your mental and physical health, and maintaining healthy relationships, you can enjoy the festive season to the full.
Here at Boost Wellbeing – Hands on Health UK we know how important keeping your body and mind healthy is.
We have amazing stress management and resilience workshops, with great feedback from many clients – Why not take a look at our other services too, many of which can be delivered safely either in person or remotely.
Boost Wellbeing – Hands on Health UK is an expert, therapist-led organisation helping your business to be more energetic, happy and productive.
Want to know more about how we can make your office a happy and healthy place to be? Call on 0800 368 9079, or email [email protected]
Healthy Best Wishes – The Boost Wellbeing Team