The nights are getting darker, and the days ever shorter – and with the clocks going back this month, we’re well and truly on the homeward straight to (dare we say it?!)…CHRISTMAS.
As the darkness takes hold, the temperature often drops, leaving us with far less spring in our step than in the warmer months. With all the jobs and worries that the festive season can bring (presents to buy, dinner to cook, outfits for various nights out and so on), it’s not uncommon to feel fried and frazzled well before the turkey’s in the oven! So, instead of waiting for new year to resolve to take better care of yourself, stress less, move more, relax often (we all do it?!) – with a little forward planning, this could be your happiest, healthiest winter yet! See our top tips below, and devise your own wellbeing plan to see you through to the new year with get-up-and-glow!
- Try and get some fresh air daily, whether it’s walking the kids to school or taking some time out on your lunch break. Although we may lack the feel-good influence of the sunshine, nature has multiple health benefits and relaxation effects, and the nip in the air can help to keep you alert for hours!
- Take advantage of all the seasonal food (think winter veg and lean meats, not mince pies and whipped cream!) and cook up warming stews, soups and casseroles. Add in spices such as ginger and nutmeg for a circulation boost, and try stewing fruits and winter berries for a healthy, warming dessert. Obviously, enjoy anything else you fancy in moderation – eat, drink and be merry, right?!
- Schedule some time just for you, and consider booking a massage or holistic treatment. Doing something you enjoy can help to boost your mood and unwind, thus benefitting everyone around you. Yes, you want everyone to have the best Christmas possible – but that starts with you! Try a hot stones massage for an hour cocooned away from the frosty air, with a therapist tending to your every need, and your mind free to wander anywhere you wish…(Bahamas anyone?!)
- Treat yourself to a new moisturiser to slather on after you bath or shower. Choose an uplifting scent such as citrus, or relax with lavender and chamomile – whichever you prefer, it’s a quick and inexpensive way to remind yourself you’re totally worth it. Plus you might just avoid the lizard legs dry skin that often greets us when we peel off our onesies next June!
- Develop an attitude of gratitude. Instead of moaning about the freezing temperatures, rainy evenings and constant busy-ness of every single shop, try to pick out the positives of every day. Savour that frothy hot chocolate, curl up with loved ones for a Christmas movie and embrace the fact that you are surrounded by friends and family for whom to buy or make thoughtful gifts.
Love it or loathe it, Christmas comes but once a year. With just a few small changes, we can see great results. Quite often, simply promising yourself not to give yourself such a hard time this year, and to accept that it absolutely will not be perfect, we begin to let go of so much of what gets us stressed and uptight. And if all else fails, put on a big smile and Ho Ho hope Santa brings you some earplugs and a really, really big glass (bottle) of festive cheer!
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