With less than a week to go, things are hotting up... We are all trying our best to juggle our everyday demands, with Christmas piled on top and at times that can feel a bit much.
When life gets busy, our healthy habits tend to get pushed to the bottom of our list and we are more likely to grab and go, skip our regular exercise class, or eat rubbish because it is handy.
It is a busy time of year, so don’t be too hard on yourself. It is a good time to rethink the basics of what helps to keep you strong and healthy. Keeping a few simple habits in place could help with energy, stress, mood and sleep - all of which can be a little out of sync at this time of the year.
Read more: From turkey to tryptophan, the healthy Christmas foods to add to your table
Here are three simple things that will help you keep your cool through this week.
1. Always eat breakfast
Even if you are used to intermittent fasting or time restricted eating, do yourself a favour and eat a nourishing breakfast when life gets busy. Aim to eat within an hour or so of waking. That way, you are fuelling your body with sustained energy and you are guaranteed to get at least one decent meal in your busy day.
When you skip breakfast, you are likely to be running on empty, and one of the side effects of this can be that your body triggers more adrenalin, resulting in more stress or anxiety. This is even worse if you are knocking back a few cups of coffee to get your day started. Caffeine will add to the stress load.
If you are not usually a breakfast eater, then try a smoothie made with yoghurt, a splash of milk and some fruit. Add some cinnamon and berries for a Christmas twist and extra antioxidants.
Give your porridge a boost with a spoonful of chia or flaxseed, choose some low sugar granola with yoghurt and berries, or even just sit down to a slice of wholegrain toast with some no added sugar peanut butter.
If you are feeling a bit stressed or anxious, then switch your coffee to decaf or green tea, to help reduce the Christmas jitters.
Read more: Festive shopping survival guide: Healthy gift ideas and tips to stay energised this Christmas
2. Get outside as much as you can
A breath of fresh air could do you the world of good. We know it instinctively, but now research goes to show that being in nature can make a big difference to our levels of stress and anxiety, with a positive impact on mood.
If you can get out for a walk around the block, a jog in the park or cycle to work in daylight at this time of year, you are likely to notice a difference in your energy and sleep patterns.
Daylight is just as essential to our health as any vitamin or mineral, and with the shortest day of the year falling this weekend, we are in short supply of vitamin D.
Walking after a meal also has the advantage of helping our digestion and may help support a better blood sugar balance and insulin response. For best effects, walk within 60-90 minutes of eating. Even a short walk can make a difference.
If you can get out for a walk around the block, a jog in the park or cycle to work in daylight at this time of year, you are likely to notice a difference in your energy and sleep patterns
3. Take a break
Give yourself a break and permission to rest. We all need time to recover and restore, and winter is traditionally a time for taking things a little slower.
Whether or not you are taking time off over Christmas, make sure you are leaving some space for rest.
Read a book, run a bath, watch Wallace and Gromit – whatever it is, take time out to give your mind, body and spirit a rest, so you are ready to enjoy the best this Christmas has to offer.
I wish you all a merry little Christmas. Enjoy the festive treats...
