Stay healthy this holiday without missing any festive fun

Christmas is just around the corner and so begins the annual flurry of television adverts telling us we should ‘indulge’! Of course, it’s a time to celebrate and enjoy ourselves, but even those with the best intentions often see their health take a hit during the party season. With that in mind, we’ve compiled our top 10 ways to stay healthy this holiday without missing out on any of the festive fun.

1. Keep colds at bay: Nothing dampens the festive spirit quite like a persistent cough and blocked sinuses, and no one wants to cancel their party plans because a cold has left them feeling run down. So ensure you’re eating a varied diet, rich in fruit and vegetables, to give you the best chance of fighting off a cold. It’s also worth considering getting the flu vaccination, if you haven’t already, to protect you this winter.
2. Don’t overdo it at the office Christmas party: You’ve worked hard all year so of course you’ll be looking forward to letting your hair down at the office Christmas party. But according to a recent survey of 2000 UK adults, 40% of us have had an embarrassing mishap or minor accident at their work Christmas celebration, so take care. Know your limits and check on colleagues to ensure everyone gets home safely.
3. Switch off from work: The lead up to Christmas can be a busy one for many workers, so it’s essential you take time to relax and unwind, both mind and body.
4. Don’t sweat the small stuff: It can often feel like there’s an endless number of things to do before the big day –shopping for presents, visiting family, cooking, cleaning… and it’s easy to let things get on top of you. Remember, it’s just one day and the chances are that no one will mind if the house isn’t completely spotless or the carrots aren’t perfectly seasoned!
5. Drink more: (Water, that is!) It can be tempting to start the festive celebrations with Bucks Fizz for breakfast, wine at lunch, Port with dessert, Baileys in the evening, but all this alcohol can leave you feeling dehydrated, so ensure you’re getting enough water.
6. Be mindful of what you’re eating: It’s hard to say no to sweet treats and extra helpings, and of course it’s perfectly OK to enjoy the things you wouldn’t normally eat at any other time of year. Just be mindful of what you’re eating and how much, rather than continually snacking throughout the holidays without thinking, which can often lead to a shock when you hit the scales in the New Year!
7. Go for walk: Staying cooped up in the house for days on end can create tension amongst even the closest of families so head out for a brisk walk to invigorate your mind and body.
8. Engage your brain: Relaxing on the sofa with a Christmas movie is a lovely way to relax for a couple of hours but aim to break things up a little by cracking open the board games and get your grey matter back in gear.
9. Reach out and speak up: Christmas can be a difficult time for many people and for many reasons. If you’re struggling, make sure you reach out to someone and speak up, whether it be a friend, relative or healthcare professional.
10. Surround yourself with happiness: Enjoy the moment, spread the happiness, and laugh – it does wonders for the immune system.

If you do get ill this Christmas, help is on hand at YourGP. We’re open six days a week (excluding Christmas Day and Boxing Day), with same-day appointments often available. Simply email reception@your.gp or call 0131 225 5656.