5 Top Tips for Keeping Sane in the Lead Up to Christmas

December is a fun time of the year, with Christmas parties, family gatherings, mince pies and festive lattes, a tipple or two whilst wrapping presents, more cake and less time to fit in exercise routines. It’s very easy to start to let ourselves go, knowing that come January we will get back on the wagon!

The festive season is a wonderful time for having fun and catching up with friends, but unfortunately its not a great time for keeping to your routines and potentially undoes some of the hard work you have put in through out the year, keeping fit and maintaining a healthy diet.

So how can you strike the balance between letting go and enjoying yourself, but not opening the floodgates entirely?

Here are 5 tips for you to stay in control in the lead up to Christmas.

1) Drink water – stay hydrated

We all tend to drink more alcohol during this time of year, but being aware and limiting your alcohol intake help you stay properly hydrated and will help curb craving for sweet stuff, pastries and cheese.

Here are some useful rules of thumb:

• For every glass of wine/beer, drink a glass of water.
• Drink more water before reaching for more food.
• Bring your own water bottle to holiday functions.

2) Be active with family and friends

Here in New Zealand we are able to enjoy long evenings and warm days in the lead up to Christmas. It’s important for your stress levels at this time of year to try and keep balanced, so get out and enjoy a family walk, stay active by swimming in your local pool, continue to do your favourite sport or go to your usual gym, or dance class.

3) Eat a balanced diet

We are moving into the salad season with lots of fresh leafy vegetables and fruit available on supermarket shelves and in your garden. Load up on seasonal specialities made with kale, spinach, asparagus and spring greens for a boost of iron and protein.

4) Relax

As difficult as it is to do, factoring in ‘me time’ is important for your health and sanity. Taking time out to read, have a long soak in the bath or commune with nature all helps to ground you and gives your body and brain a chance to re-set and prepare for the next onslaught!

5) Prioritise sleep

Getting enough sleep is essential to keep healthy, so ensure you relax in the evening in the lead up to bed time. Read, listen to music, do some gentle exercise or relaxation techniques so that when you hit the hay your brain is not buzzing.

Whatever it takes to be more kind toward your body, just do it! If that means stepping outside of the house more and enjoying the beautiful weather, by walking, biking or running – just do it! If that means staying in for a bath or a face mask, do your thing. Perhaps it’s cooking healthy dinners and sweet treats that'll feed your soul and body. What ever it is - good luck for the busy month ahead!