Dear Santa,
Enjoy the festive season in moderation.
All I want for Christmas is…to stay fit and healthy!
If you have spent the best part of 2014 getting fit and healthy, the silly season is not the time to throw in the towel. It’s called the silly season for every good reason – non-stop parties, endless eating and drinking and limited time to exercise.
It’s little wonder that most of us feel like we have been hit by a bus when the clock strikes midnight on New Year’s Eve! With a mixture of tiredness, feeling sluggish, overweight and rundown, it leaves many people asking the question “Was it worth it?”.
As Christmas party invites start rolling in, believe it or not, you don’t have to go crazy! However, you don’t want to look like a party pooper with your glass of water and celery stick and leave before dark!
Don’t be too hard on yourself. Everyone deserves a break so relax and enjoy yourself so Christmas is the time to kick up your heels…in moderation.
Here are 5 Holiday Survival Tips to help you enjoy your festive season. And stay stay happy, fit and healthy in the lead up to the man in red arriving at your doorstep.
Tip 1: Stay hydrated
It’s an oldie but a goodie but it goes without saying, drink plenty of water each day (at least 8 glasses).
Don’t feel like you have to totally avoid alcohol.
Spirits have less calories so would be the drink of choice but whatever you decide is your tipple this Christmas, try to drink it slowly and have a glass of water in-between each drink.
It’s that simple!
Tip 2: Sleep is the best medicine
Most people need between 7 and 9 hours of sleep a night to help them stay healthy. Believe it or not you don’t have to stay til the end of every party or indeed go to every one!
So why not take a night to yourself and relax on the couch with your favourite Christmas movie or a good book.
Alternatively, if you find getting to sleep is hard, have a nice soak in the bath before hitting the hay.
You’ll reap the benefits and be sleeping like a baby before you know it!
Tip 3: Exercise is possible
Just because you have been burning the candle at both ends doesn’t mean that you can’t exercise.
If you don’t feel like doing your usual exercise, why not go for a walk around your neighbourhood?
Pound the pavements with a friend and check out the local Christmas lights in the streets near you.
You might surprise yourself how much you enjoy it.
Tip 4: Less is more
Food is certainly a focal point of Christmas gatherings.
Don’t feel like you have to nibble on a lettuce leaf or completely overindulge yourself.
You can simply opt for the healthier snacks on offer, like pretzels and nuts instead of lollies, chips and chocolate.
Try to eat slowly and listen to your body, when it tells you it is full – perhaps you have had enough to eat!
Try to eat smaller portions – perhaps use a smaller plate rather than pile it all on a large dinner plate.
Tip 5: Reflect and look ahead
Take this time to sit back and reflect on what you have achieved over the past year.
You will surprise yourself.
Give yourself a well-deserved pat on the back and set yourself realistic goals for 2015. Why not sign up for an event in 2015 now so you have something to work towards.
The new year is a new you!
For inspiration check out the Running Calendar.
Merry Christmas one and all. Stay happy, safe and healthy.