How to Stay Healthy and Happy During the Silly Season

How to Stay Healthy and Happy During the Silly Season

The holiday season is often filled with joy, laughter, and lots of delicious food and drinks. However, it can also be a time of stress, overindulgence, and unhealthy habits. In this article, we'll share some tips on how to stay healthy and happy during the silly season, so you can enjoy all the festivities without sacrificing your wellbeing.

Stay Active

The holidays can be a busy time, but it's important to make time for exercise and physical activity. Regular exercise can help you manage stress, boost your mood, and maintain a healthy weight. Try to incorporate at least 30 minutes of moderate-intensity exercise into your day, such as brisk walking, cycling, or swimming. You can also get creative and find ways to incorporate movement into your holiday activities, such as dancing to holiday music or taking a post-dinner stroll with your family.

Eat Mindfully

Holiday feasts can be tempting, but it's important to eat mindfully and listen to your body's hunger cues. Overeating can lead to indigestion, weight gain, and feelings of guilt and discomfort. Try to fill your plate with plenty of vegetables, lean protein, and whole grains, and avoid going back for seconds or overindulging in sweets and treats. If you do end up overeating, don't beat yourself up - simply acknowledge how you're feeling and make a plan to get back on track with your healthy eating habits.

Stay Hydrated

Drinking plenty of water is essential for maintaining good health, especially during the holiday season. Alcoholic beverages and sugary drinks can be dehydrating, so it's important to balance them out with plenty of water. Aim to drink at least 8 glasses of water per day, and carry a water bottle with you to stay hydrated on-the-go.

Get Enough Sleep

The holidays can be a busy time, but it's important to prioritize sleep for your health and wellbeing. Lack of sleep can lead to fatigue, irritability, and weakened immune function. Aim for at least 7-8 hours of sleep per night, and try to maintain a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends and holidays.

Practice Self-Care

The holidays can be a stressful time, but it's important to make time for self-care and relaxation. Take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday preparations and schedule some time for yourself, whether it's taking a relaxing bath, practicing yoga, or reading a book. Remember that it's okay to say no to social events or obligations if they don't align with your values and priorities.

Manage Stress

The holidays can be a stressful time, but there are many ways to manage stress and maintain your mental health. Try deep breathing, meditation, or yoga to help calm your mind and reduce stress. You can also practice gratitude by reflecting on the things you're thankful for and focusing on positive experiences and relationships.

Be Socially Responsible

During the holiday season, it's important to be socially responsible and take precautions to prevent the spread of illness. Wash your hands frequently, wear a mask in crowded areas, and practice social distancing when possible. If you're feeling unwell, stay home and avoid contact with others to prevent the spread of illness.

Supporting your Body and Detoxing your Liver is Key

• B vitamins: Your body uses up a lot of nutrients when dealing with alcohol, especially B vitamins. Some of the richest sources of B vitamins include wholegrains, legumes, avocado, nuts, seeds and red meat. 
• Think (merry and) bright : When drinking alcohol there is an increase in free radicals, resulting in damage to cells in the body. Antioxidant intake is the best way to combat this. Try increasing vitamin C, berries, guava, rose-hip tea and parsley, as some powerful antioxidants. Other rich sources of antioxidants include berries such as acai berries and blueberries, green and white tea, tomatoes and other red and orange fruits and vegetables. Think bright!
• St Mary’s thistle: This herb is thought to help protect liver cells from alcohol-induced damage and enhances liver detoxification, helping to remove toxins from the body. Take St Mary's thistle tablets daily over the party season. 
• Chlorella has been shown to help remove toxic substances from the body. Chlorella may also help reduce hangover symptoms
• Eat more garlic: Garlic contains an amino acid called S-acetyl-cysteine, which neutralises acetaldehyde, a highly reactive by-product of alcohol metabolism 
• Take a probiotic: Eat lots of probiotic-rich foods such as yoghurt and miso or take a probiotic supplement daily. This will help boost good bacteria in your gut and intestines which can get very disrupted when you drink too much alcohol or eat lots of rich food

References:

Braun L and Cohen M, 2010. Herbs & Natural Supplements – An evidenced-based guide, 3 ^rdEdn, Churchill Livingstone, Sydney

Hechtman L, 2014. Clinical Naturopathic Medicine. Churchill Livingstone, Sydney

Osiecki H, 2014, The Nutrient Bible. 9th Edn, Bio Concepts Publishing, QLD