Surviving the Holidays
The festive season is full of celebrations and the time to spread cheer, but it can be stressful.
As a parent, your mental load increases as you make sure the letters for Santa have been written, the Christmas cards have been sent, the gifts have been purchased and wrapped and under the tree, and if you’re hosting family gatherings, organising the cooking and maybe hosting family from out of town, it can be overwhelming!
All these demands can take a toll on your health.
Taking care of yourself over the festive season is vitally important to manage both your mental and physical wellbeing. The odd indulgence every now and again will not have any long-term effects, it's when these over indulgences become regular occurrences that can lead to long-term damage. The most common issues with unhealthy behaviours at this time of the year are; over consumption of alcohol, over indulgence of food, poor food choices and a maxed credit card. These can be hard to avoid when you have so many functions and party invites with work, family and friends at this time of year.
The key is planning, moderation and a little self-control.
Here’s six ways to take care of yourself during the “silly season”:
- Stick to a Routine
Try to keep your regular sleep and wake up times. Don’t let your exercise routine slip, if you can’t get to the gym, go for that walk/run through your neighbourhood and check out the local Christmas decorations. Sticking to regular exercise during this period can keep you swimming in happy endorphins and motivated to want to stay fit and healthy.
- Limit your Alcohol Intake
Celebrating does not have to include excessive alcohol, hangovers and regret. Alcohol is loaded with sugar and empty calories. Keep track of how many drinks you are having and alternate with a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink. Remaining hydrated is important to keep your body healthy and your skin glowing.
- Eat Healthy
It may be the festive season, but it doesn’t have to mean eating badly. Party foods spell disaster for the waistline as they are often a mix of high fat and high carbohydrates. Eating a healthy meal or low GI snack (fruit, yoghurt, smoothie) before you go out will help to avoid mindless grazing on all those tempting snacks. Perhaps take a plate as then you can guarantee at least one healthy offering!
- Manage Stress
Long hours at work, excessive socialising and end of year commitments can get overwhelming and increase stress levels. Manage expectations and say “No” if you are feeling overloaded and under pressure to keep stress levels at a minimum. Avoid financial hangovers in the New Year and stick to your budget when buying gifts. Better still, be prepared and purchase gifts throughout the year and be ready for Christmas early.
- Rest and Relax
It’s been a big year and now is the time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. Between work, shopping, cooking and hosting, make sure you take some time for yourself to relax and clear your mind. Taking time to do the activities that make you happy and keep you centred are important not just for you but your loved ones too. Yoga, reading, cooking or go to the beach can help you unwind and recharge. Listen to your body and get plenty of sleep.
- Maintain your Beauty Routine
Amidst the festive chaos, maintain your self-care routine. Keep your skin looking young and fresh with the Kadee Botanicals skincare range for a luxurious beauty routine that takes care of your skin and works naturally so you feel and smell as relaxed as if you’d just left the day spa.
Making conscious decisions and sticking to your regular routine will help keep your health and nutrition at the front of your mind and minimise the over indulgences. This will see you survive the Festive Season and come out the other side feeling relaxed, healthy and guilt free.