The Christmas period is usually an extremely busy time of year that often includes over indulging and under exercising.
In short, health and fitness is not generally at the top of our priority list.
Surviving Christmas can be stressful on the body in many ways. Here are a few survival tips to get you through this year:
1. Keep moving! Go for a walk or do some of your daily stretching exercises regularly over the holiday period. We are lucky enough to live on the gold coast, why not get up and go for a walk along the beach before Christmas festivities begin or start a friendly game of backyard cricket after Christmas lunch?
2. We see many injuries related to backyard cricket and other new Christmas toys. Remember you may not be as limber as you were when you were a teenager and try not to overdo it!
3. Try and remember your postures and optimal lifting techniques when lugging around heavy Christmas gifts or when cooking and cleaning for the big day.
4. If doing things you don’t normally do, such as renovations or gardening, remember to take it easy and listen to your body for any warning signs that may indicate you have an injury. This may include reduced range of motion, stiffness, pain or soreness, etc.
5. Just because it’s Christmas does not mean you have to eat the whole cheesecake or the whole Pavlova! Remember everything in moderation, and try to keep to a normal every day routine. According to ‘Nutrition Australia’ we put on an average of 0.8-1.5kg over the Xmas period. Believe me it’s much harder to get rid of them then it is to put them on!
6. Monitor your alcohol intake! Alcohol only dehydrates you and has vast negative effects on your health and wellbeing. Alternate each glass with a glass of water.
7. Anxiety, depression and stress are very common during the festive season. Reflect on the things you have accomplished this year. Set your goals for the New Year and focus on making happy, healthy changes.
8. Take some time out for either yourself or your immediate family. Remember the word “No”. If something is making you unhappy, change it. Although we are obliged to do certain things over the Christmas period maybe you can dedicate and extra hour or two to a hobby or taking a long bath to create a happy balance. Stress can have serious consequences to your health.
9. Get enough sleep. During sleep is when our body repairs and resets our hormones and stress levels. Plan some early nights or take a nap if you are lucky enough to have the opportunity!
We hope that you all have a safe and happy Christmas and if you do need a Physio or would like to take some time out with a Pilates class, we are open over the Christmas period (excluding public holidays).
Merry Christmas!
