A Cautionary Christmas Tale
Sally finished work on December 24th. She’d worked her socks off since the August Bank Holiday and was looking forward to a good rest. For the next 10 days, she ate, drank and argued more than she normally would in 30 days!! She returned to work in early January vowing to lose weight, give up drinking for the month, feel better, be less stressed and determined to get her finances back in order…
Sounds familiar? But unlike Sally, it’s not too late for you to plan for a happier ending. So here are a few tips to help you towards a healthier Christmas.
Christmas and your health
The statisticians have given us a few sobering facts about the Christmas period. It is a stressful season for all of us and Coronavirus has increased these facts. Let’s check some:
74% of adults have felt so stressed at some point over the last year they felt overwhelmed or unable to cope. Isabella Goldie (Mental Health Foundation Director) said: “Millions of us around the UK are experiencing high levels of stress and it is damaging our health. Stress is one of the great public health challenges of our time, but it still isn’t being taken as seriously as physical health concerns”.
“Stress is a significant factor in mental health problems including anxiety and depression. Experts also link stress to physical health problems like heart disease, problems with our immune system, insomnia and digestive problems.
On average, we are likely to put on about 4 pounds in weight between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day. Frighteningly, it can take many people up until early April to lose the weight they gain over the festive period. That’s hardly surprising when you consider that the average Brit consumes a staggering 8,000 calories on Christmas Day itself. That’s more than 3 times Sally’s daily requirement!
And on average the first alcoholic Christmas drink is consumed at 9.05 a.m. and helps to explain why the alcohol intake for December is 41% higher than in any other month of the year.
Tips for a healthy Christmas
So what changes can you make to ensure you have a healthy Christmas this year?
Start by factoring in a few activities that will help reduce the phenomena they call ‘Stressmass’. Overeating and drinking too much are often an emotional by-product of the added pressures that Christmas, work and Coronavirus bring.
Yes, it should be a time of celebration, but the reality is that there are a ton of expectations to be met over this period. If it’s not too late, perhaps you can ask for a relaxation massage or MLD as a present. They are highly effective in reducing stress levels, boosting your immune system and improving your general wellbeing, while also there are some great supplements from this beet elite reviews that will help you feel more healthy and have more energy.
- Try meditation tracks, they are incredibly effective, but they also give you an excuse to disengage from the crowd for a few minutes.
- Another easy stress buster is long walks. They have the dual effect of clearing your head as well as counting toward aerobic activity. And not forgetting, they also give you time away from the tempting foods.
- If you are going to drink, help to protect your liver. The herb milk thistle has been taken for centuries because of its ability to support the liver, the key organ for processing alcohol.
- Remember to drink plenty of water. This will not only help reduce your appetite but will probably help to reduce the amount of alcohol you drink too.
- And finally, consider buying some almonds. They are a healthier alternative to the box of quality street chocolates and are also good for helping to regulate blood sugar levels. By regulating your blood sugar you will get fewer hunger pangs, and your sleep and mood should improve.
A final word
By keeping all things in moderation, you should be able to get a head start on your New Year’s resolutions. If you need extra help, why not visit a nutritionist?
We hope this information is useful for you. If you have any questions about our treatments, please contact us. You can find us in Mill Hill Broadway and Islington. If you like this blog, please share!
We are always happy to help.
References:
https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/320295#2.-Manage-expectations
