Surviving the 2020 festive season

Words SAMANTHA ASHLEY

Despite all the challenges we have faced this year, the festive season will soon be upon us, with all the glitter and magic and promises of family, fun and new beginnings.

This can be a wonderful time of year, but it can also be stressful, and for many of us, 2020 will be more so than usual.

In general, at this time of year, we often eat more, increase our alcohol intake, exercise less and gain weight. Overindulgence is a common problem, and this year, mental health will also become a problem for many who have to face a festive season that is completely different from any we have known in the past. Financial stress, family stress, fear of the future and what it may hold, are all feelings that can negatively impact mental health and leave us feeling overwhelmed and unwell.

Here are some tips for surviving the 2020 festive season and moving forward into 2021 in a positive way:

PRACTISE GOOD EATING HABITS

Chew food well and eat slowly; sit down to eat. Understand your body and try to make good choices, even when at parties. Eat smaller portions. Include bitter greens in your meals to help with digestion.

DRINK WISELY

Watch your alcohol intake and drink one glass of water for every glass of alcohol. Try non-alcoholic or light beer options.

STAY HYDRATED

Drink 2 litres of water per day for hydration and waste elimination. Herbal teas are also a good option. To aid digestion, add a teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to a glass of water before meals to balance the pH of the stomach, or a slice of lemon in warm water before breakfast.

MOVE YOUR BODY

Exercising can come in many forms. Going to the gym, beach, pool, or a simple walk can all help with weight control and balancing mood. Over the festive season try new forms of exercise, like dancing, yoga, Pilates or roller skating. Get up every 30 minutes, move your body and stretch.

MEDITATE

There are many benefits to meditation. Meditating helps to improve mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and help with decision-making.

PRACTISE GRATITUDE

Being grateful makes you feel good. Gratitude can help you overcome adversity, improve the quality of your sleep, and give you a more positive outlook on life. Learn to appreciate life’s simple pleasures like a sunrise or sunset, the cool grass underneath your bare feet, or the smell of the rain.

www.greenvalleybowentherapy.com.au