Our fitness expert Graham Low on how to remain healthy in the festive season with a few easy tips on keeping moving and reducing stress.
DECEMBER always seems to creep up fast. One minute you are finishing off autumn routines and the next you are juggling shopping, nights out, family plans and cold dark mornings.
It is a busy month and it can feel chaotic, so it is very easy for your fitness and healthy habits to slip. Most people think they need to write off December and start again in January, but you really do not.
Read more: ‘It’s easy to think that getting fitter means making big, dramatic changes’
You can still enjoy the food, the drinks and the social events while keeping your energy levels steady. It just takes a few small choices that help you feel in control rather than overwhelmed.
One of the biggest challenges is low energy. The colder weather, short daylight and busy schedule can leave you tired before the day even starts.
A simple fix is getting outside for ten minutes of natural light in the morning. Even on a gloomy day it helps your body wake up properly.
Add a short walk and you will feel the difference straight away.
Movement helps more than people realise at this time of year. You do not need long workouts or intense sessions. Aim to keep things ticking over.
A twenty minute gym session or a quick home circuit keeps your joints loose, boosts your mood and helps you handle stress.
When life gets busy it is easy to skip workouts, but that is the time you need them the most.
Food can also feel like a minefield in December. There are buffets, mince pies and meals out everywhere you turn.
You do not need to avoid them. Just balance things out. Try to start your day with protein so you feel fuller for longer. Drink more water than usual because central heating dries you out.
If you know you have a big meal later, choose lighter meals earlier in the day and add some vegetables. These small choices stop you feeling sluggish.
Another thing to watch is stress.
December can be brilliant, but it can also be demanding. A lot of people feel under pressure to rush around and get everything done. Even a short break helps.
Sit down with a cuppa, breathe, and switch off your phone for ten minutes. It resets your mind and stops everything snowballing.
The truth is this. You do not need to be perfect in December. You just need to stay steady. A bit of movement. Better sleep. More water.
A balanced plate when you can. Enjoy the treats without guilt and keep yourself feeling strong.
If you can do that, you will reach January feeling much better than you think.
