Top
tip: Keep nuts and fruit around the house, rather than chocolates, and eat
panettone rather than Christmas cake as it contains fewer calories.
1.
Energise
Let’s face it, getting to the gym can be
harder once the party season’s underway. But keeping going with some kind of
exercise regime will not only burn off some of those mince pie calories, it’ll
also help you deal with stress and feel fresher and more energised. If you
can’t do your usual workout, at least try to get out for a walk each day.
According to Foster, some of the known mood-boosting effects of walking outside
may be connected to exposure to daylight as much as the exercise itself – so if
tensions are running high on Christmas Day, a crisp morning stroll could make
all the difference. And look out for opportunities to exercise throughout the
festive season. Dance at parties and walk between shops rather than taking the
bus when you’re out buying presents.
2.
Stay sane
Even if you can’t hit the sack early every
night, it’s vital to grab sleep whenever you can. ‘Too many late nights can
upset your body clock, which will affect your energy and mood throughout the
day,’ says Foster. Stick as much as possible to your usual sleep routine, even
if you’re out a lot. If you get in very late, resist the urge to lie in – try
to get up at your usual time and get straight back into your sleep regime.
Take time out – being around people
constantly can be draining, particularly if you’re with relatives who wind you
up, so plan some me-time over the festive season, whether that’s a night in
with a box set or a visit to an art gallery. Even a long soak in the bath in
the evening will give you some much-needed space to sort your thoughts. ‘When
you’re busy, it’s important to learn that it’s fine to say “no” sometimes,’
points out psychotherapist Jules McClean. Try to plan ahead so you can
prioritise the important social events but avoid those you don’t really need to
go to.
3.
Boost your beauty regime
Even if you’ve been looking after your
skin, it’s wise to have some troubleshooters on standby for those days your
complexion’s a little worse for wear. If your eyes betray a late night, try
wrapping an ice cube in tissue, then holding it over each eye – the cold
willhelp constrict blood vessels and reduce any swelling. To perk up tired skin
before a party, try Elemis Visible Brilliance ($67.5 for 30ml;
timetospa.co.uk), a luminosity-boosting serum packed with seaweed and minerals
to give your skin an instant lift. If spots crop up, tackle them with
Dermalogica Overnight Clearing Gel ($63.5 for 50ml; dermalogica.co.uk).
4.
Eat smart
Yes, it’s Christmas, but that doesn’t mean
you have to live on unhealthy foods. ‘There are a lot of healthy options
around, from Brussels sprouts to nuts and satsumas, so try to fill up on those
rather than fatty, sugary foods,’ says Marber. He recommends having a healthy
snack before you head out to a party – that way, you won’t arrive ravenous and
make straight for the buffet table. Try eating a couple of oatcakes spread with
almond or cashew butter. ‘Choose nuts and fruit instead of crisps, and try not
to drink too much alcohol – not only is it high in sugar, it lowers your
ability to make healthy choices,’ says Marber. Top up spirits with mixers, have
spritzers and avoid too many dark drinks, such as brandy and red wine, which
have higher concentrations of substances called congeners, associated with more
severe hangovers. And don’t hang around near the food – fill your plate then
move away, or it’ll be too tempting to keep nibbling. For Christmas Day itself,
Marber advises that you choose lean turkey breast meat and lots of steamed
vegetables with just a few roast potatoes, and try keep pudding portions small.
Eat To Beat A Hangover
While there’s no magic solution, there are
some tricks to help stave off that hangover. We all know to drink lots of water
during and after sessions on the booze. If you find fruit juice is too acidic
for your stomach to cope with, try herbal teas and effervescent vitamins as an
alternative with some flavour. Eggs are high in cysteine, which is believed to
help break down the toxins linked with hangovers, so try scrambled eggs on
brown toast to help steadily raise your blood sugar.
Eggs
are high in cysteine, which is believed to help break down the toxins linked
with hangovers, so try scrambled eggs on brown toast to help steadily raise
your blood sugar.
Experts’ Top Party Season Survival Tips
·
Ian Marber, nutrition consultant
‘I pace myself and never go out two nights
running; I catch up with people straight after work, not later in the evening,
so I don’t have too many late nights; and I take a probiotic and also a little
extra zinc to help keep my immune system firing.’
·
Lorraine Jones, podiatrist
‘I always wear trainers to do the Christmas
shopping – it’s stressful enough without having uncomfortable feet too. If I’m
going out, I only put heels on at the very last minute, just before I go into a
party.’
·
Jules McClean, psychotherapist and
aromatherapist
‘I add a drop of lavender essential oil to
my forefingers and massage my temples if I feel tense or have a headache.’
·
Uchenna Okoye, dentist
'I nibble on strawberries, which contain
natural fluoride to strengthen teeth against sweet festive treats that are hard
to avoid.'
