The Christmas Survival Guide: Essential tips for a healthy holiday season

The season of indulgent food and drinks has arrived! It’s that time of the year when we make the promise to ourselves that we won’t overeat, binge drink or stress about preparation, but in reality, it’s tough to not indulge during the festive season. That’s why our GPs from Market Street Medical Practice have put together a list of essential tips for a healthy holiday season.

During the holiday season, it is very easy to break your routine and let healthy habits slip. Most of Brisbane will have time off over Christmas, and overindulgence in food and drinks is almost inevitable. And not just food, the festive season can also leave you stressed and for some people can lead to the holiday blues.

Regardless of how tricky the holiday seasons can be, these are the top 5 essential health tips from our doctors that can still let you have your extra guilt-free pavlovas.

Remain hydrated to feel good throughout your holidays

For some of us the celebratory drinks can keep rolling until New Years Eve, so don’t forget to drink plenty of water – particularly in Brisbane, where it is very hot at this time of year.

Staying hydrated is essential for your overall well being. Drinking plenty of water gives you the boost to remain active throughout the day.

Being hydrated also means that your blood is about 90% water that should keep your blood pressure regulated and help flush out bad bacteria from your kidneys. Water also assists in digestion and helps deliver oxygen all over the body. On the occasions of a big night out, don’t forget to consume at least one glass of water before you indulge in your favourite cocktails.

Read more on how remaining hydrated during Christmas is essential.

Enjoy your bevvy, but be booze consciously

With the Australian Christmas being so hot, it is ok to drink a little extra to beat the heat. But being conscious about your alcohol consumption is important. Binge drinking during the festive season can often result in liver fibrosis, alcohol addiction, stroke and irregular heartbeats.

The best tip from our doctors is to keep a track of your number of drinks and stick to low-alcoholic drinks. Most symptoms of a hangover like dry mouth, headaches and thirst can be linked to dehydration, so it is important to drink plenty of water before and after a drinking session.

Eat according to your stomach not your eyes

Overindulging in food and drinks goes together with holiday festivities, but it is also the mother of all bad holiday habits.

It’s ok to be selective when it comes to your festive dinners. Overindulging in big dinners and snacks can lead to many health issues including slowing down your digestion, feeling bloated, heavy and tired.

Additionally, overeating in a short period of time can spike your carbohydrates intake and blood glucose level that can increase your risk for chronic health issues like obesity

The best way to enjoy your big dinners is to be selective. Eat what is required and make sure you have plenty of greens, lean protein and limit foods high in sugar and saturated fats.

Learn more on a healthier diet for this Christmas:

Stress less, enjoy more

The holiday season needs a lot of preparation and planning which might leave you stressed. Also, for some of us, Christmas can be a lonely time. Stress and depression can ruin both your holidays and your health.

With demands like shopping for your family, cooking for a cast of thousands and with the COVID-19 pandemic still around, it is understandable that you might feel extra stressed this Christmas. But, with some tips, it is possible to beat the holiday blues.

Start with keeping realistic plans for your holiday season, fix a financial budget, reach out for help from friends and family, get physically active and have a well-balanced diet with plenty of rest and water.

If you need help with mental support, reach out to our mental health care GPs who can advise you on stress management or even provide a GP mental health management plan.

Learn more on beating your holiday blues:

Stay healthy during the Christmas season and get adjusted

Practice your healthy habits and incorporate our doctor’s tips in your daily routine throughout the festive season.

Wishing you and your family a very healthy Christmas from our entire team at Market Street Family Practice