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It's that time of year again. We all know what Christmas means – endless mince pies, rich gravy-laden dinners, and a drink or two… or three at the Christmas party. When Christmas comes around, there's a tendency to neglect our health. We're too busy enjoying the festivities to think about things like diet and exercise. Leave that for the New Year's resolutions we don't plan to keep.
Except – Christmas doesn't have to mean sacrificing your health. With a few simple tips and health hacks, you can look after your health even while you dig into a delicious slice of Christmas cake. Here's how;
Christmas Health Hack 1: Mindful Eating (With Treats)
Look: we all love Christmas food. It's designed to be delicious: an entire month of comfort food just as the year gets to its coldest and darkest point. That being said, it's not exactly good for your waistline or heart.
The secret? It's the same as any other time of year; it's all about moderation. Consider filling up on some healthy snacks before attending an event, use smaller plates to control portion size, and eat sweet treats mindfully without going overboard.
You don't have to go without, but you do have to balance your diet. It helps if you have a few healthier versions of popular holiday foods so it doesn't feel like you're missing out. Examples include:
Roasted Vegetables – Swap buttery sides for roasted Brussels sprouts, carrots, and parsnips with olive oil and herbs for a nutritious and flavourful option.
Turkey Breast – Opt for lean turkey breast instead of darker cuts to reduce saturated fat while keeping the protein high.
Fruit-Based Desserts – Try a baked apple with cinnamon or a fruit salad for a lighter, naturally sweet alternative to heavy puddings.
Christmas Health Hack 2: Stay Active, Even in the Cold
Going for a run in the freezing cold when the days turn dark at 4.30 PM isn't exactly the easiest exercise option. It's a far cry from those sunny Summer afternoons. However, sitting around like a couch potato for the winter months isn't an option either.
There are plenty of ways to stay active, even over the Christmas period. For example, you could go for a family walk after Christmas dinner; it's the only time of year the streets are so quiet.
Other options include:
10-Minute Holiday Workout. Something is better than nothing. Even a quick, intense holiday workout is better than not going to the gym entirely. Stick on some Christmas tunes to get in the spirit.
Use a Fitness App. Fitness apps let you do quick exercises in your front room. It's a simple way to encourage yourself to get moving.
Exercise Advent Calendar. If you're really struggling, try an exercise advent calendar. Sure, you get the little piece of chocolate, but you've got to do some exercise first.
Keeping active is the best way to maintain your physical and mental health. It helps boost your mood as your low vitamin D levels are likely to have you feeling the blues. Plus, you'll feel more active and engaged.
Christmas Health Hack 3: Stress Less; Enjoy More
You've got to buy all the presents. You've got to finish up your work for the year. You've got to buy the turkey. You've got half a dozen events and parties to attend.
Let's be honest: Christmas can be quite stressful – especially if you're the one hosting. It's crucial in amongst the hustle and bustle of the festive season to take some you time. That doesn't mean just sitting down in front of your favourite Christmas film (although that's important, too); it means practising stress-reducing strategies.
You might perform deep breathing, try yoga (which doubles as your exercise), or even take a moment of quiet reflection. Everyone needs space to decompress and unwind, giving you a chance to enjoy the holiday.
Of course, a few moments of rest aren't enough to counter all the stress. Consider delegating tasks to family and friends, prioritising key events (as opposed to trying to attend everything), and setting realistic expectations. Remember, perfect is the enemy of good. Trying to achieve absolute perfection is impossible and not what Christmas is about. Take the time to enjoy your family and friends and the general festive cheer.
Christmas Health Hack 4: Sleep Well For More Energy
Sleep is fundamental to your health. It's one of the three foundations for a healthy lifestyle alongside diet and exercise. The less sleep you get, the worse you begin to feel. Your immune system begins to suffer, your memory lumbers on, and every day feels like a chore. Sound familiar?
The problem is that most of what we do over Christmas impairs our sleep. With so many social events, it's common for our sleep schedule to become erratic, preventing us from falling asleep on time. We might also drink too much alcohol, which harms the quality of sleep.
Here are some simple solutions:
Stick to a Routine. Try to maintain consistent sleep and wake times, even with festive activities. Your wake-up time is generally more important than your bedtime – so no lazy morning lie-ins.
Limit Caffeine and Alcohol. Avoid late-night indulgences that can disrupt sleep quality. Eliminate caffeine consumption in the afternoon and stop drinking a few hours before bed.
Wind Down Before Bed. Create a relaxing bedtime routine with reading, meditation, or a warm bath. Turn off the TV and put away your phone an hour before bed for best results.
Create a Sleep-Friendly Environment. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and free from festive clutter or lights. Not too cold, however; otherwise, you'll have the opposite problem.
Balance Festivities with Rest. Schedule downtime to recharge amidst social gatherings. If you've got multiple things on consecutive days, prioritise the events you really can't miss.
Ensuring you feel refreshed throughout the Christmas period is the ultimate health hack. Not only will you have better energy levels and a lower risk of burnout, but you'll actually be able to enjoy the Christmas spirit. It's hard to feel merry when you've survived on 5 hours of sleep three nights in a row.
Christmas Health Hack 5: Stay Hydrated and Enjoy
Christmas coffees, salty foods, and endless alcohol all work to cause dehydration. Little wonder people end up feeling dehydrated during the Christmas period. Nor do people jump straight to drinking water – unlike in summer. There's a tendency to brew up another cup of tea or coffee, exacerbating the situation.
You should drink plenty of water throughout the day. If you're drinking in the evening, always drink a big glass of water before bed and keep a glass by your bedside. Not only will it minimise your hangover, but it also keeps you hydrated.
A water bottle is a simple solution. Add fruits, mint leaves, and other healthy extras to make hydration more enjoyable. Remember, hydration is crucial to every aspect of our life. It restores your digestion, energy levels, and even your mood. Without enough water, our body struggles to thrive. So, this Christmas, don't underestimate the power of hydration. Keep water close, sip regularly, and enjoy the festive season feeling refreshed and ready for anything!
Final Thoughts
Christmas is a time when we get to cut loose and enjoy ourselves. Sure, it's stressful, busy, and a little hectic, but there's no other time like it. However, if you go overboard, you're likely to feel the negative effects. Follow the advice above to maintain your health over Christmas. That way, when New Year rolls around, you'll feel ready to take on the world—no guilt required.
Why not take things one step further? A Well Man Check or Well Woman Check provide a thorough evaluation of your current health. It tests everything from your vitamin D levels to your thyroid function. It provides a comprehensive overview of your health, detecting any underlying or undiagnosed issues. Give the gift of health this Christmas – book your test today.
Written by:
Dr Joseph Nightingale, MBBS, MSc
Reviewed and approved by:
Dr Ravi Gowda, Consultant in Infectious Diseases and Travel Medicine
MBBS, MRCP(UK), DTM&H, MRCGP, DCH, DRCOG, DFFP
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