Dr Ruhil Badiani, a general practitioner at Cornerstone Clinic, shares her most valuable tips for surviving this Christmas, to help you not just survive but thrive this Christmas.
The festive season is a time for celebrating, catching up with friends and family and indulging. But between the whirlwind of holiday parties, family gatherings, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel burnt out. Here are 3 essential strategies focusing on diet, sleep, and the increasingly popular IV infusions.
Christmas is a time when we are inundated with delicious treats. In my house, we bake cookies every weekend as part of our family tradition. It is ok to indulge, but just in moderation. Maintain a balanced diet to keep your energy levels high and prevent post-meal sluggishness. Prioritise nutrient-dense foods like lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains alongside traditional treats. Start meals with a plate of salad or roasted veggies to curb overeating and provide essential vitamins and minerals.
Keeping well hydrated is key! Alcohol, caffeine, and salty snacks can dehydrate you, leaving you feeling tired and bloated. Drink water consistently throughout the day. A good rule is to alternate drinks with glasses of water to stay hydrated without missing the fun.
If you know you’re attending a feast, eat a light, healthy meal beforehand. This reduces the likelihood of overindulging in high-calorie options.
Don’t skip meals. Skipping meals to “save up” for a big dinner can lead to overeating. Instead, aim for balanced, smaller meals throughout the day to keep your metabolism steady.
Sleep often takes a backseat during the holidays, with late-night celebrations and early-morning preparations cutting into rest. However, quality sleep is critical for physical and mental well-being. While it’s tempting to stay up late, try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule. Going to bed and waking up at the same time every day helps regulate your body’s internal clock. Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet to promote restful sleep. Consider using blackout curtains or a white noise machine to minimise disruptions. Avoid caffeine and alcohol close to bedtime. While a nightcap might make you feel drowsy initially, it can disrupt your sleep cycle later in the night. If holiday stress is keeping you awake, try deep breathing, meditation, or gentle yoga before bed. These techniques can help calm your mind and prepare your body for sleep.
A newer wellness trend gaining traction during the holidays is IV therapy. IV infusions provide a direct delivery of vitamins, minerals, and hydration into the bloodstream, offering a quick way to recover from holiday excesses.
Boost Immunity: With cold and flu season coinciding with Christmas, immune-boosting IV infusions rich in Vitamin C, zinc, and other nutrients can help fortify your defences.
Combat Fatigue: IV drips infused with B vitamins, magnesium, and electrolytes are designed to fight fatigue and restore energy levels, making them ideal for tackling post-party sluggishness.
Stay Hydrated: If dehydration from alcohol or insufficient water intake has left you feeling drained, a hydration-focused IV can quickly replenish fluids and restore balance.
Surviving Christmas without compromising your health and well-being is entirely possible with mindful choices. A balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and strategic wellness interventions like IV infusions can make all the difference. Embrace these tips, and you’ll be well-equipped to enjoy the festive season to its fullest while staying vibrant and energized.
This Christmas, let’s toast to health, happiness, and balance — because a thriving you is the greatest gift of all!
