9 Simple Ways to Support Your Health this Festive Season
The festive season often brings glittering lights, social gatherings and endless to-do-lists. While wellness influencers remind us to slow down, many of us still find ourselves hurtling towards packed weekends, work parties and family plans as we try to catch-up with everyone before the year ends.
Everyone I’m coming across lately seems to be telling me they’re tired, they’ve taken on too much work or they’ve committed to too many events. I’m looking at my own diary and every weekend up til Christmas is full 😩
It’s easy to start feeling the effects when our social calendar fills up. So, how can we care for ourselves in between these celebrations to maintain our energy, immunity and overall wellbeing?
Here are nine easy, science-backed ways to stay balanced and energised this holiday season:
1. Start the day with a glass of warm water
A great way to gently hydrate and support our inner engine. This helps kickstart our digestive system and liver (the body’s natural detox pathways) before our day begins.
2. Make lunch your largest meal
Our digestive capacity – known in Ayurveda as Agni – is strongest in the middle of the day. Choosing to eat a hearty, balanced lunch and keeping dinner light, helps improve digestion and blood sugar stability. Since insulin sensitivity drops after sunset, lighter meals in the evening also reduce glucose spikes before bedtime (all that incoming energy has nowhere to go and our blood glucose levels go up).
3. Prioritise protein first
Starting your meal with protein and vegetables before carbohydrates helps to moderate glucose and insulin levels after eating (after-meal glucose and insulin levels don’t spike as much). Protein-rich foods also keeps you fuller for longer so we’re less likely to snack between meals.
4. Cook with spices
Spices add more than just flavour to our meals. Many like turmeric, cumin and coriander are powerful antioxidants that support digestion and nutrient absorption. They also strengthen the immune system – just what’s needed in the cold season. It’s a win-win – tasty, supporting digestion and boosting our immunity all at once!
5. Add bitter vegetables to your plate
Bitter green vegetables are known in Ayurveda for supporting liver function and detoxification. Modern research agrees, showing that compounds found in these vegetables can help improve the signs of fatty liver and liver enzymes. From a taste perspective, they also help balance out the sweet and rich qualities of much of the meals we eat during these months. So don’t skip the brussel sprouts!
6. Sip on ginger tea
If indulgence has left you feeling bloated, ginger tea can offer relief. Ginger has numerous benefits, improving gut motility, reducing bloating and supporting our immunity. Sipping on it throughout the festive period is an easy way to soothe the stomach and stay warm.
7. Keep a regular morning and bedtime routine
When our usual rhythms can get thrown off course because of gatherings and time off work, keeping a simple morning or bedtime routine can help us maintain stability. Winding down for the night or having a morning practice (could be walking the dog, having a hot drink, writing, movement, stillness or anything you like) can help us feel grounded and give us some much-needed “me time” in this busy period.
8. Move everyday, ideally outdoors
Movement is medicine, and even short walks make a difference. And outdoor movement (even when it’s grey) offers extra benefits, from boosting vitamin D to improving our mood. Studies suggest that exposure to woodland environments can enhance immune cell activity – so wrap up and get outside when you can.
9. Air out your home daily
Cosying up indoors with fireplaces, electric heaters and scented candles might sound nice, but it also increases our exposure to toxins. Cracking open the windows at least once a day will let in that fresh air, reduce indoor pollution and support respiratory health.
Finding balance in the festive rush
This time of year can feel overwhelming and leave us exhausted but it doesn’t have to. What I’ve learnt is that if we try to pace ourselves (this might include saying no to some invitations and being content with our choices) and weaving in small moments of commitment to our own wellbeing, we can stay grounded and energised. Taking time to support our health helps us show up more fully in the moments that matter to us.