5 handy tips for a healthier Christmas

In less than 2 weeks we will be celebrating another much anticipated Christmas Day! We hope for many of you that it will be with family and friends now that Australia’s COVID-19 restrictions have started to ease.

To help you get through the so-called ‘silly season’ we have some simple, helpful tips to provide you with a more enjoyable, happy, healthy Christmas.

Tip 1: Move around
Sitting around the Christmas table eating, drinking and being merry is easily done on Christmas Day.  Keeping mobile whilst feasting is a great way to aid digestion and avoid feeling lethargic.  Try going for an afternoon walk or swim to break up the day and keep your body and mind active.

Tip 2: Space out your seconds
It is tempting to indulge in Christmas lunch or dinner not just once but twice or three times because it tastes so good!  Remember most people’s eyes are bigger than their stomachs.  Try spacing out your second helping for an extra 15-20 minutes to allow your food to digest, then re-assess whether you really have room for that next portion.

Tip 3: Stay hydrated
Australia is renowned for stinking hot Christmas Days with many families opting to spend their day outdoors lapping up the sun. As tempting as it might be, alcohol really doesn’t aid hydration and can leave you feeling fatigued. If you plan on having a ‘real’ drink over the course of the day try spacing it out with water or non-alcoholic beverages.  There are many great tasting non-alcoholic beers and wines now available which can be a great substitute and help keep your body and mind in top condition for the festivities.

Tip 4: Give the gift of your time
Christmas doesn’t have to be all about physical gifts.  Helping out a friend or family member on the day, or even gifting a hand-made voucher for a few hours of your time at a future date, can be a satisfying and rewarding experience for the recipient and yourself. The gift of your time can mean a lot to people.  It is a great way to connect and add value to the lives of others.

Tip 5: Cherish every moment
Whilst it may feel like it is just another Christmas, until someone finds the key to eternal life we should be grateful for this magical day. Some people find it stressful having to prepare for, or find themselves exhausted going from house-to-house on the day, but pause and take a moment to be thankful. Christmas is just one in 365 days of the year where this occurs.  The laughter, gift unwrapping, time with family & friends, food and general excitement in the air make it a special day to cherish.  Stop and smell the roses on Christmas Day – it has been a long year for many and there is no better way to put 2021 behind us.