Studio 42 Workspaces   •   November 25, 2019

The festive season is among us and at this time, many of us can find ourselves overwhelmed with invitations. From that end of year school gathering, to the mandatory office Christmas party and organising Christmas lunch at your home, it can be stressful.

And if you’re a parent, your mental load increases even further as you make sure the letters for Santa have been written, the Christmas cards have been sent and the gifts have been purchased, wrapped and under the tree. Plus if you’re hosting family gatherings, you’ll be organising the cooking and maybe hosting family from out of town, it’s enough to make you consider running away!

Unsurprisingly, all these demands can take a toll on your health.

Taking care of yourself over the festive season is vitally important to manage both your mental and physical well-being. The odd indulgence every now and again won’t have any long-term effects, it’s when these over indulgences become regular occurrences that they can lead to long-term damage. The most common unhealthy behaviours at this time of the year are; over consumption of alcohol, over indulgence of food, poor food choices and a maxed credit card. Between work, family and friends – these indulgences have be particularly hard to avoid.

The key is planning, moderation and a little self-control. Here are seven ways to help you survive the holidays:

1. Keep your Routine

Try to stick to your regular sleep and wake up times. Don’t let your exercise routine slip, if you can’t get to the gym, go for that walk/run through your neighbourhood and check out the local Christmas decorations. Sticking to regular exercise during this period can keep you swimming in happy endorphins and motivated to stay fit and healthy.

2. Eat Healthy

It may be the festive season, but that doesn’t have to mean eating recklessly. Party foods spell disaster for the waistline as they are often a mix of high fat and high carbohydrates. Fuel your body with a healthy meal or low GI snack (fruit, yoghurt, smoothie) before you go out will help to avoid mindless grazing on all those tempting snacks. Perhaps offer take a plate, as then you can guarantee at least one healthy offering!

3. Limit your Alcohol Intake

Celebrating does not have to include excessive alcohol, hangovers and regret. Alcohol is loaded with sugar and empty calories. Keep track of how many drinks you are having and alternate with a glass of water in between each alcoholic drink. Hydration is even more important during the festive season. Stay hydrated to keep your body healthy and your skin glowing.

4. Set Boundaries to Manage Stress

Long hours at work, excessive socialising and end of year commitments can get overwhelming and increase stress levels. Set boundaries and say “No” if you are feeling overloaded and under pressure to keep stress levels at a minimum. Avoid financial hangovers in the New Year and stick to your budget when buying gifts. Better yet, be prepared and purchase gifts throughout the year and be ready for Christmas early.

5. Rest and Recharge

It’s been a big year and now is the time to relax and enjoy time with friends and family. Between work, shopping, cooking and hosting, make sure you take some time for yourself to relax and clear your mind. Taking time to do the activities that make you happy and keep you centred are important not just for you, but your loved ones too. Practising yoga, reading a good book, preparing a beautiful meal or going to the beach can help you unwind and recharge. Listen to your body and get plenty of sleep.

6. Maintain Your Beauty Routine

Amidst the festive chaos, maintain your self-care routine. Keep your skin looking young and fresh with great products from Aussie companies Kadee Botanicals skincare range for a luxurious beauty routine that takes care of your skin and works naturally so you feel and smell as relaxed as if you’d just left the day spa. If you’re in the mood to gift a little early, why not splurge on a nourishing spa day, you’ll feel relaxed, happier and ready to power through the next few weeks!

7. Spread Joy

Finally, while it’s wonderful to get carried away in the celebrations and gift giving (and receiving) sometimes remembering what this time of year is about, helps with surviving the silliness. Getting out of our heads and focusing on spreading kindness and joy, helps. Christmas can be hard for people without family nearby. A beautiful way to do this is to include a lonely or grieving neighbour in your Christmas celebrations or involve your children in donating gifts to the less fortunate. What other ways can you spread kindness and joy during the festive season?

Making conscious decisions, listening to your body and sticking to your regular routine will help keep your health and nutrition at the front of your mind and minimise the over indulgences. Spreading joy and kindness to others will help distract from the chaos of the season. This will see you survive the Festive Season and come out the other side feeling relaxed, healthy and free of regret.

About the Author

Irene Liakos is the cofounder of Kadee Botanicals skincare.

Kadee Botanicals is an Australian made, vegan, clean beauty skincare brand that believes in Beauty Without Harm – no harm to People, Planet or Animals.  All skincare is cruelty free, free of harmful ingredients (like parabens, sulphates, artificial colours, artificial fragrances or petroleum) and packaging is sustainable and recyclable. Instead we use potent Australian plants, like Kakadu Plum, the highest natural source of Vitamin C