We could all do with a bit of help to Survive the Silly Season, below are some thought provoking ideas to guide you through the season .
Alcohol; now we’re all going to enjoy a few (too many) drinks over the next few weeks. Yes, even trainers enjoy a drink or two! But it’s about limiting the damage.
- Plan what occasions you’ve got coming up and work out which ones you can take it a bit easier.
- Drink water in between alcoholic drinks.
- Choose light beers or clear spirits with soda to limit the affects of alcohol.
- Let’s not forget the hard and fast rule of drinking a big glass of water before you go to bed!
Food; who doesn’t love a fruit mince pie or a handful chocolates at this time of the year? But ask yourself do you really need to have them on a daily basis?
- Plan to eat clean and healthy around Christmas celebrations.
- Eating Out - Plan ahead and choose what you’re going to eat off the menu and choose a healthy option.
- Concentrate on having a lean source of protein with each meal to prevent you from overindulging
Sleep; did you know your body needs 7-8 hrs of sleep a night to properly recover. This doesn’t stop just because it’s Silly Season.
- Make sure you can still get a sufficient amount of sleep around celebrations.
- Turn your electronic devices off an hour before bed so you can wind down.
- Get some lavender oil for your pillow or invest in a room diffuser.
Stress; let’s be honest, Christmas can be stressful. More stress = increased cortisol levels which in turn leads to insulin resistance and then weight gain.
- Make time for yourself, read a book, meditate, go for an ocean swim or a walk.
- Delegate; you don’t have to do everything, ask your friends and family to help by bringing a dish, or picking the kids up.
- Manage your own expectations. Christmas doesn’t have to be ‘perfect’. As long as you’re with your nearest and dearest, that’s all that truly matters.
Staying Active; finally stay active! Keep up your 10,000 steps a day, maintain your current fitness regime, even if you don’t “feel like it” whatever you normally do, this will go far in helping with all the above factors and you always feel better for it.
