The Christmas holidays are just around the corner, and many of us – basically all of us – couldn’t be happier.
But could your health?
While indulgence is part of the season, going back to work in January feeling like you need another round of holidays to recover isn’t much fun.
Here are some practical tips to stay healthy, happy, and safe over the festive period
Prepare for Festivities With a Healthy Start
In the lead-up to Christmas, aim to prioritise healthy eating and exercise. By focusing on healthy meals and regular activity before the celebrations begin, you can indulge a little on Christmas Day without guilt.
This can do wonders for mental health too as you may feel you’ve earned a day of indulgence.
However, avoid overdoing it – balance is key.
If lifestyle management is something of concern for you, check out how we can help here.
Alcohol: Keep an Eye on Alcohol Consumption
The holiday season often brings social gatherings where alcohol flows freely. While it’s okay to enjoy a drink, avoid associating every fun event with alcohol.
Fun doesn’t mean drinks have to be present.
Consider alcohol-free alternatives like festive mocktails or sparkling water with fresh fruit, or zero percent beer.
Excessive drinking can impact your sleep, energy, and mental health, so moderation is a smart choice.
And, don’t forget all the calories in many alcoholic drinks, especially sugary cocktails.
Are you drinking too much? Or, will you be over the holidays? AlcoholThinkAgain recommends “no more than 10 standard drinks a week and no more than 4 standard drinks on any day”.
Hint: By following this advice, there is a less than 1 in 100 chance of dying from an alcohol-related condition across your lifetime.
Your Skin: Don’t Skip Your Skin Check
The Australian summer brings increased exposure to the sun, making it a great time to prioritise your skin health.
Schedule a skin check at Mooney Street Medical to catch any early signs of sun damage or skin cancer.
FYI: Skin checks save lives:
As skincancer.org points out:
The estimated five-year survival rate for patients whose melanoma is detected early is over 99%.
However, the survival rate falls to 74% when the disease reaches the lymph nodes, and just 35% when it reaches distant organs.
Your fitness: Incorporate Social Exercise
Combine fitness and fun by planning active social gatherings. Activities like beach cricket, hikes, or swimming not only keep you moving but also bring people together in the sunshine.
Group exercise doesn’t feel like a chore and adds variety to your holiday routine.
If it’s hot, or you’re concerned about snakes when hiking, try a city or local park, or even a walk around your neighbourhood.
Your Sleep: Maintain Consistent Bedtimes
Holidays can throw sleep routines into disarray, especially for families. Late nights may feel tempting and even become the norm during time off, but quality sleep is essential for everyone’s wellbeing.
Aim to set reasonable bedtimes to avoid post-holiday burnout.
Your Mental Health
The festive season can be overwhelming with packed schedules and financial pressures.
Protect your mental health by:
- Saying no: It’s okay to skip or decline events if you need time to recharge.
- Staying mindful about spending: Avoid overextending your budget to keep stress at bay. Money is a major stressor for many people, especially at this time of year.
- Focusing on your own healthy happiness: Remember, the holidays aren’t about alcohol or tricky family dynamics – they’re about connection and celebration.
Did You Know?
Financial stress is a significant cause of holiday anxiety, with many Australians feeling pressure to spend more than they can afford during Christmas.
This, coupled with complex family dynamics, can take a toll on mental health.
🎁 Try focusing on simple gifts like your time rather than material gifts. For example, taking someone for a coffee and a walk or to see a movie, or other experiences over things can be even more special.
Your Safety in the Sun: Beach and Outdoors
The beach is an iconic part of Australian holidays, but safety should always come first.
Remember:
- Slip, Slop, Slap: Protect your skin with sunscreen, hats, and sunglasses. Check the Cancer Council’s website
- Swim safely: Stick to patrolled areas and watch out for rip currents.
- Hydrate with water: Not soft drink, and definitely not alcohol. The summer sun can be intense, so drink plenty of water and cool off in shaded areas.
The team at Mooney Street Medical wishes you a safe and enjoyable holiday season.
If you’d like help staying on top of your health this summer, contact us to book an appointment today.
