It’s that time of year when many of us are trying to fit 30+ hours of tasks into a 24-hour day. From work deadlines to increased social engagements and family time, there’s a lot to juggle! You may be working to ensure the cupboards are stocked and presents are purchased—or perhaps simply feeling the urge to escape from the seasonal overwhelm.

I’d like to share five straightforward ways to care for yourself this festive season. I’ve learned to keep my approach to health simple; when I focus on the basics, everything else tends to fall into place. These are things we all know, but sometimes a little reminder helps.

1. Hydration

Hydration is one of the easiest but often most overlooked aspects of self-care. Staying hydrated supports our body in countless ways, including maintaining energy and concentration levels, keeping our skin healthy, and even regulating mood. Fatigue is a common side effect of dehydration, and this is the time of year when we need all the energy we can get!

If you are consuming alcohol, aim to match each glass of alcohol with a glass of water, following a more traditional European approach. Adding fresh lemon, mint, or frozen berries can make plain water more appealing. Check your hydration levels easily by noting if you’re urinating every 2-4 hours and if it’s light in colour.

2. Sleep

Sleep is essential for cognitive function, mood, and overall well-being. When we don’t sleep well, we often reach for caffeine to jump-start the day and turn to alcohol in the evening to unwind, creating a cycle that can be hard to break. Sleep deprivation can affect food choices, mood, and our interactions with others.

Some practical tips for improving sleep:

• Try to maintain a regular sleep routine; even if you have a late night, get up at your usual time the next day.

• Reduce blue light exposure 30–60 minutes before bed to help your mind/body wind down.

• Morning sunlight can trigger our body’s natural circadian rhythm, so start your day with exposure to natural light.

• If your diary is packed with social events, plan a few evenings to prioritise sleep. Consider turning off the TV and resisting the “just one more episode” urge on streaming platforms.

3. Eating Mindfully

With endless treats on offer, it’s easy to overindulge. Try to limit festive temptations at home so you only have to rely on willpower when you’re out. If you know you’ll be at a gathering with heavy food, have a light, nutritious snack beforehand to balance your blood sugar and give your gut microbiome something beneficial to start the digestion process with.  Remember that food affects not only your physical health but also mood, immunity and energy levels, so prioritising some wholesome meals can go a long way towards good health.

4. Movement

When we’re tired, it can be hard to motivate ourselves to get moving, but a little physical activity is one of the best ways to boost your energy. Exercise helps release endorphins, which naturally lift our mood and improve circulation. Even a short, brisk walk outdoors can enhance our mood and help the body process toxins from festive indulgences.

Movement doesn’t need to be a full workout. Even gentle stretching, taking the stairs, or dancing to a favourite song can make a difference. Movement is not about intensity but consistency, helping to support the mind as well as the body.

5. Relaxation and Self-Care

Taking time to relax is essential to your mental, emotional, and physical health. It’s easy to become like a hamster on a wheel, trying to keep everyone happy.

Setting aside time just for yourself will ultimately make you more focused and effective.

This can be as simple as a meditation session, a mindful walk, or a calming bath.

If you’re looking for some extra support, consider booking a reflexology session. Reflexology promotes relaxation, eases tension, and balances the body, creating a sense of calm amidst the festive chaos. Investing in self-care—even in small ways—has cumulative benefits.

Remember: these five elements are all interconnected. Starting with just one of these will naturally support the others, and as you develop a rhythm, you’ll feel the positive effects. If you ever feel overwhelmed, simply focus on one and let that be enough. Here’s to a balanced and joyful season!

PB x

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