Not to mention the endless running around, the entertaining, the visiting, trying to keep the house clean, and the kids entertained.
Whew! Life can be hectic at this time of year.
So how can you keep up your energy and make it to the New Year without burning out? We’ve put together a few tips to help you through the Christmas mayhem.
Tactics for your intake
Food, drink and energy – the three are tied at the hip. Certain liquids and foods will help to increase energy levels, while others will zap it dead.- Try to maintain the right blood sugar (also called glucose) level. Very often when you feel drained or tired out, it’s simply that your blood sugar levels are low. One of the ways to ensure you maintain the right balance is to eat a protein snack every few hours. This could be a hard boiled egg, some slices of leftover turkey, a handful of nuts and seeds, or some hummus on oat crackers.
- You may feel like reaching for a sticky toffee pudding instead – but resist! Pure sugar can give you an instant hit, but it will be followed closely by an-all time energy low.
- Aim to mix all the essential food groups into your main meals, and keep them as light as you can. If you know there are two more courses coming, don’t finish everything on your plate! Overeating leaves you groggy.
- Water – drink away! Water allows your body to regenerate energy and regulates body temperature. So try to drink at least a few glasses daily, and when you’re drinking alcohol, drink water alongside it. If you find you’re just not able to drink enough plain water, try naturally flavoured ones, or diluted and unsweetened fruit juices instead.
- Avoid coffee later in the day, and opt for an energizing herbal tea – green tea or rooibos will do the trick.
- Taking a high quality multivitamin can help ensure you stay fighting fit, particularly through the dark and cold winter months. Most good ones include Vitamins B and C (which help to aid the normal functioning of the nervous system) and iron (a deficiency in iron, particularly common in women, can cause lethargy). Brussels Sprouts are high in Vitamin C - so don’t hold back on them this year!)
Don’t skip meals. It’s easy to do this with breakfast (and as far into the day as lunch), particularly when you think you’ve indulged so much the night before that you’ll just go without this morning. Bad idea! Your body needs food after sleeping in order to kick-start the day
Don’t drink alcohol on an empty stomach. It can so easily happen at this time of year – maybe you’re asked out for drinks straight after work, or offered a drink visiting someone’s home, and you’ve been so busy you haven’t eaten for hours. If this happens and you’re going to accept, don’t be too polite to ask for some nibbles, or buy some peanuts at the bar.
The right exertion
You’re not expected to pump iron, but research shows that regular moderate exercise helps to fight fatigue and boost energy.Just when you feel like flopping down on the couch, take a fifteen-minute brisk walk instead.
The best way to ensure you get exercise, particularly hard at this time of year, is to build it into your regular schedule. Maybe that’s as simple as walking to the shop for the morning paper.
Pull back on the programme
Be realistic about how many activities you can pack in, particularly on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. While you may feel you should be able to cover every social event, the likelihood is both you and your family will end up exhausted.Prioritise what’s important, and allow time for relaxation.
As dynamic as you may be, it’s impossible to be in several places at the same time, and you’re not a professional juggling artist!
Crisis management
Ok, so you’re exhausted, and you over did it on the mulled wine and mince pies the evening before. Here are a few suggestions for what to do:- Eat a banana. High in electrolytes, magnesium and potassium, it will replace much of what alcohol has depleted.
- Pour a few teaspoonfuls of honey over your porridge or into your tea. Honey is also high in potassium and the little bit of sugar will help rebalance blood sugar levels.
- Skip the coffee and drink a cup of peppermint tea instead. Peppermint is believed to aid digestion and help relieve stomach problems and nausea.
- Take a probiotic supplement like acidophilus (available in chemists and health shops) which contributes to regulating the flora balance in the stomach.
- Exercise for a quick detox effect – it helps to increase circulation which in turn gets blood and oxygen to the brain.
Sounds like a lot of advice? If you remember one tip from this article, it’s to pace yourself. When it comes to preparation and cooking, family activities, eating and drinking – moderation is the way to go.
You’ll be glad when January arrives!