It is inevitable that as the season gathers pace, stress levels rise, and our healthy habits slide as we succumb to all of the temptations on offer.
Your stress levels will likely be at an all-time high as you rush to get those last tasks crossed off your list and then attempt to produce a three or four-course banquet fit for a king!
In these scenarios, and without resembling the Grinch, I will say give in the odd mince pie and glass of wine but, as always let's try and make it about balance...
1.
Balance stress levels by taking time out for a few minutes to perform some meditation. There are several apps can help with this, ordo some deep breathing exercises such as the 4-7-8 technique. This involves inhaling for 4 seconds, holding the breath for 7, and exhaling for 8 seconds. This method helps to calm the mind and reduce stress by promoting relaxation. Try it in a comfortable, quiet place and see if it helps.
2.
Practice mindful eating. We are undoubtedly faced with an abundance of different foods this season but try not to indulge too much. A good practice to avoid this is mindful eating. Mindful eating involves us being fully present and attentive whilst we eat. Focus on the sensory experience – smell, taste, texture- and pay attention to how your body feels, are you full? Are you even hungry? Avoid distractions such as phones and TV, take time to appreciate each bite and don’t eat for the sake of it.
3.
Watch the alcohol! Of course, we shall all enjoy a tipple or two this Christmas and New Year but try to balance this out with glasses of water. A glass of water for every glass of wine or alcoholic drink will help to mitigate the effects to some degree. It helps to prevent dehydration, a common side effect of consuming alcohol. Alternating alcoholic drinks with water may reduce the effects and severity of a hangover, aiding your body in processing the alcohol more efficiently.
4.
Support your liver with Milk Thistle. If there is one supplement you could take to support your liver this season, it’s Milk Thistle. It contains an active ingredient called silymarin, which has antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties. These protect the liver by reducing free radical damage and promoting the regeneration of liver damage. Silymarin is also thought to prevent toxins from binding to liver cells, offering some protective effects against alcohol-induced liver damage. However, it is important to understand that this is not a magic bullet and alcohol intake should be kept within guidelines.
Overall, remember to practice some self-care this festive season. It is a time to be enjoyed with family and friends. Balancing indulgence with moderation in food and drink is key.
One last thing to add is to make sure you get plenty of sleep, this is key for overall help and supporting your immune system, enhancing mood and cognition, allowing you to fully enjoy the festivities without feeling rundown.
