The festive season is approaching once again, and while for many it’s a time of joy and celebration, spending time with loved ones, giving gifts and dancing to holiday tunes, for others this time of year can be a source of overwhelm, dread, or even fear.
Perhaps it is, as for many, a reminder of losing a loved one, or a time of heaviness and loneliness, as those without families or many friends may struggle to see others gathering, and indeed some people may find being constantly surrounded by family and friends difficult.
Either way, it can often provoke feelings of alienation, or sadness. But to help you navigate this season, we bring you our top 10 tips to help get you through this next month, and to help you to take time to focus on your health and wellbeing during what can be a difficult time for many.
In the modern internet world there is an overwhelming amount of information; it can be hard for you to find health advice that you can trust, particularly as the main media channels are typically dominated with a single, orthodox narrative.
That’s why we always take an evidence-based approach, orientated towards a holistic and Personalised Health approach, and aim to provide you with actionable knowledge and tips to help you on your journey to optimal health.
1. Take a break
For many, spending constant time with family and friends can be a source of stress and fatigue, especially for those of us who are typically more introverted. It can be helpful, therefore, to plan to step away every once in a while. This may involve heading to the bathroom, or stepping outside for a short walk or a breath of fresh air.
Some people might find it helpful to practise a breathing exercise during this time. In fact, a 2022 review suggested that specific breath-work activities were one of the best ways to alleviate feelings of anxiety, depression, and stress, no matter your holiday situation.
2. Don’t forget to move
For those with regular exercise routines, the festive period can feel frustrating as many often let their activity slip in favour of long hours spent indoors watching festive television, or eating and drinking large amounts over the dinner table. For this reason, it is important to take time to exercise to combat the effects of a long time spent indoors.
This does not have to involve long gym sessions or jogs, but can be as simple as encouraging the whole family to get out for a walk – ideally after dinner to aid digestion. The more activity, the better – so take along any new outdoor gifts, like bikes, scooters, footballs, or Frisbees, or play other games such as hide-and-seek.
3. Watch what you eat
Recent research suggests that the average person consumes around 3,000 calories in their Christmas dinner – more than the entire recommended daily intake for a grown man!
This huge feast contributes not only to weight gain, but also to indigestion and heartburn, not to mention lethargy for the day, reducing the chances of you burning much of it off. So instead of gorging yourself on copious amounts of food, try eating a normal-sized meal before taking a 20-minute break to see if you’re still hungry, as this is approximately how long the brain takes to register that the stomach is full. The chances are, after this point you’ll realise you’ve had enough.
4. Prioritise sleep
Sleep is vital for ensuring you maintain your health and wellbeing over the holidays, yet with a busier holiday schedule, it’s easy to find ourselves staying up extra late and sleeping in, which confuses our sleep cycles. A good way to keep your sleep on track is to go to bed and wake up at the same time each day.
If you struggle to fall asleep, try reading a bit before bed, dimming lights 30 minutes before lights out, or listening to a guided meditation. Also try to avoid any action-filled television, vigorous exercise or heightened conversations right before bed.
5. Pace yourself
It’s important to realise that the holiday season is a marathon, not a sprint. While extra social gatherings with different groups of family and friends can be exciting, you don’t want to compromise your physical or mental health by doing too much.
Acknowledge that you cannot do everything with everyone. Practise saying “no” without guilt, and allow yourself the opportunity to grieve the loss of giving up some activities.
6. Manage your spending
With a wide range of often unavoidable advertising from the commercial-based side of the festive season, it can be easy to feel the pressure of consumerism. One way to decrease the financial stress is by making and sticking to a budget.
Thoughtfulness need not come with a hefty price tag – why not consider ideas such as reducing the number of gifts, initiating a gift exchange, or giving to a favourite charity in family members’ names? Gift cards can also be purchased for small amounts and the receiver will enjoy thinking of you as they choose their own gift, or enjoy a cup of coffee or music download on you.
7. Monitor alcohol intake
It’s easy to overindulge in alcohol during the holidays. Binge drinking (drinking lots of alcohol in a short space of time) can, according to the NHS, increase your risk of accidents resulting in injury, misjudging risky situations and losing self-control. It can also affect your mood and your memory, and, in the longer term, can lead to serious mental health problems.
Moderation is therefore key so that your balance and emotional wellbeing are not negatively impacted. Try to keep tabs on how much you are drinking, and intersperse alcoholic drinks with soft ones.
8. Do something for others
It’s hard to avoid the consumerism that has overtaken this time of year in the Western world, but it doesn’t all have to be about giving or receiving gifts. Try to do something for others this festive season, whether it’s volunteering your time at a local soup kitchen, or donating to a charity that helps those feeling lonely at this time of year.
Research shows that such little acts of kindness can increase your empathy and compassion, and improve mood. It can also help decrease blood pressure and cortisol, a stress hormone, leaving you feeling more relaxed and better about yourself.
9. Limit your social media content
For those of you who will be alone during the festival season, it can be difficult to see images of other people enjoying time together, and can leave you feeling more lonely, sad, or fearful. It’s okay to take a break from social media apps at this time of year, or to limit your time on them each day.
Try leaving your phone outside the room when you’re eating meals, or when you go to bed. Also try and take the time to appreciate what you do have this festive season, rather than playing the comparison game and feeling jealous of others during this time.
10. Reach out
Lastly, it’s important to say that if at any point throughout the holiday season you are feeling alone, depressed, or overwhelmed, or are struggling in any way with your mental health, reach out to others, perhaps via a phone call or video chat.
If you don’t feel you have anyone to reach out to, remember, there are lots of ways to get support during this tricky time of year. Try contacting emotional and mental health support charities, such as Mind, or the Samaritans, or arrange an appointment with a personal counsellor.
Takeaway
Although the festive season can pose difficulties of varying natures for many people, it’s important to take time to consider both your physical and mental health over this time of year. Not all of these tips will work for everyone always, but you should take time to work out what works for you, and remember that there are always places or people you can go to for support if you’re struggling.
Finally, if you want to boost your health over the holidays, why not come to Amchara for a relaxing detox health retreat in our tranquil surroundings? With expert advice on hand from our experienced practitioners, you can benefit from personalised health advice, tailored to your needs and goals to help you maximise your health gains.
Or why not try Amchara Juicery– cold-pressed, nutritious juices delivered to your door to help you boost your health and wellbeing, naturally. Created by Amchara’s expert in-house health team, you can enjoy a range of fresh, organic juice cleanses (and super soups) at home.
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