As the end of the year approaches, many of our clients have a common wish on their wishlist… better health!
For some, this wish is related to their current injury and wanting to return to doing what they love most.
For others the wish is more related to a fitness or weight loss goal that they’ve been working on throughout the year.
So instead of rushing out to the shops to battle the crowds, how about giving a much more meaningful and longer lasting gift to someone close to you.
I appreciate Christmas and the New Year can be a challenging time to make progress with some of these health and wellness goals, it can also be a great time to reflect and re-focus for the year ahead.
So if you’re keen to get a kick start this Christmas season by helping yourself and those around you improve their health, check out these tips for a happy, healthy holiday.
Mental Health and Wellbeing
We all know the feeling as year end approaches- Suddenly everyone wants everything done before the Christmas break. In this mad rush it can mean high work stress and long hours. Combine this with countless social events and parties with workmates, friends and family and you have a recipe for Christmas season mayhem.
So amongst the craziness, we suggest that you slow down and use this time to spend with loved ones and reflect on the ups and downs of the year- hasn’t it flown! Don’t forget to thank those who have helped you grow and enjoy the ups and downs of the year.
These celebrations coupled with the potential time off work make for great time to mentally recharge and clear the mind. Take this time to reduce time on your devices and make time to read that book you’ve been putting off or spend time with the family.
Even better if you get the chance to go on holidays and enjoy the best of our Australian summer! Personally I’ll be down at the beach getting some sun, swimming and reading- make sure to stay sun safe though :)
Food choices
One of the challenges at this time is all the good food and drinks. As the celebrations heat up it can also be hard to keep track of what we are eating. Christmas treats are plentiful and big lunches and dinners mean food is never in short supply. I’ve had more than my fair share of choccies this year!
To help combat this- we suggest you buddy up with your partner, friend or relative to help keep each other accountable and on track. It can be as simple as not going back for seconds or getting an extra serve of salad instead.
It’s made much easier when you’ve given someone permission to help you on your journey!
You could even prepare and bring some healthier snacks or dishes for the family gathering.
For more tips check out these videos from our Dietitian Monica on her top tips for this period and how to navigate Christmas choices more mindfully.
Exercise and Movement
The hectic Christmas lead up often means more hours chained to the desk- and less moving and exercising. We know how hard it can be to keep up with regular activity at the best of times- so this peak at work makes things even more challenging. This is where the holiday period can be a saviour!
If you have time off work it can also be a prime time to get outside and enjoy nature. If you’re working on upping your exercise, ask you friend or partner to commit to walking or exercising regularly as their Christmas present! This can be a great gift that keeps on giving- helping not only fitness and weight loss but also building a strong relationship.
There are many free options such as one of the many coastal walks, swimming at the local beach or throwing the frisbee at the park. If you’re in the giving spirit could also get a voucher or shout them a class of outdoor training, paddleboard yoga or one of the many fitness activities around these days. You could even go for a massage and facial if you want to spoil them and help them relax after a busy year!
Check out this post from our Exercise Physiologist Paul for more on how to keep up your fitness as the New Year comes around.
Hopefully these tips give you some ideas on how to keep on track and inspired through the Christmas break. Don’t forget to reflect and celebrate what you have been able to achieve in 2018!
So cheers to 2019, BJC Health hopes that it brings good health and many good times!
