1
We know that Christmas TV can show all your favourites, but you don’t need to sit in front of a screen all day! Encourage your family to go for a walk! The more activity, the better, so take along any games or a football to keep every occupied.
2
Recent research suggests that we consume around 3,000 calories in our Christmas Dinner! This not only contributes to weight gain but also to indigestion and heartburn. Instead of over feasting on your Christmas dinner, eat a normal-sized meal and then wait for 20 minutes to see if you are still hungry (it takes this long for the brain to register that the stomach is full).
3
Alcohol units can very quickly add up. Mulled wine, Bucks Fizz, Baileys, brandy… the list goes on! So, do try to keep an eye on how much you are drinking, and interchange alcoholic drinks with soft ones.
4
‘Tis the season to be jolly’ but with overspending, cooking, cleaning, ‘to do’ lists and visitors, we sometimes aren’t as jolly as we should be. Try to keep a sense of humor and proportion. Is it actually the end of the world if the carrots are burnt or if the house is a bit messy?Christmas is just one day out of the year and it isn’t worth stressing over.
5
Colds are very easy to catch at Christmas time, partly because many of us travel around the country and expose yourselves to new viruses. By eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep and not smoking, you are more able to fight off any viruses.
6
Try to do something for others, whether it’s baking some mince pies for an elderly neighbor, inviting a friend who doesn’t have family round to your home or helping out with a local service.
7
Keep your mind active by playing games like Trivial Pursuit or Charades. It is a great way of getting everyone together.
And most importantly, have a happy, healthy festive season!
