Don't let stress and exhaustion floor you. This four-point plan will keep you on track as the big day approaches
Rushing around buying presents, food, a tree and decorations, hurrying to get cards written and posted, clearing up the house before the family arrives - no wonder many of us feel ready to drop by the time Christmas Day arrives.
The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) has advice to us all stay well in body and mind.
Physiotherapist Sammy Margo says, 'Christmas is a time when we want to feel at our best. But for many of us the combination of too much food and drink, lack of exercise and increased stress leave us feeling thoroughly deflated by the time the festive season gets going.'
Follow her four-point plan to ensure you enjoy your Christmas:
- STAY ACTIVE: Sammy says, 'Keeping active can be helpful in combating obesity, musculoskeletal disorders and other illnesses. The easiest, and cheapest, exercise you can do is walking and it is a great way to help you feel good. Christmas parties are an opportunity to dance, which is great exercise, too. Don't just slump on your sofa, change position at regular intervals - even if it is just to make a cup of tea.'
Sammy's Christmas tip: Take a walk of at least 30 minutes after your Christmas lunch - and take your family with you. It's exercise that you can all do together.
- TAKE YOUR TIME:Sammy says, 'Instead of trying to buy everything on one big shopping trip, stagger it and buy just a few items at a time. That way you get lots of exercise and might feel more relaxed. Break tasks down into manageable chunks - create a plan for the Christmas lunch doing what you can in advance and involving others.'
Sammy's Christmas tip: Leave more time and plan your tasks. Build shopping into work lunch hours to ensure you get exercise and tasks done at the same time.
- GET SOME SLEEP: Sammy says, 'Sleep affects all areas of our lives, from our moods, memory and performance at work, to our waistline and skin. So make sure you get enough - between six and eight hours is right for most people. Also check your bed is comfortable - too much pressure on a joint or muscle can lead to serious problems.'
Sammy's Christmas tip: Keep your bedroom cool (16-18C) and examine your mattress and pillows - try using different numbers of pillow to find the most comfortable position for you.
- DON'T IGNORE ACHES AND PAINS: Sammy says, 'Make yourself a New Year's resolution to go and get aches and pains sorted out. Just doing that will help you improve your health- it's better than throwing yourself into a new exercise regime, which could make your problem worse. Also don't create new aches and pains - practise wearing clothing that you're not used to, such as high heeled shoes, before going to a party.'
Sammy's Christmas tip: See your GP or a chartered physiotherapist. Get aches and pains assessed before starting new exercises. Think about getting a regular sports massage if you suffer regular muscle strain.
Planning a New Year fitness, weight loss or detox campaign? Visit our fitness and eating plans channels for ideas. Why not log your intentions on our Zest readers' challenges forum to get support from other Zesties?
