5 tips for supporting your health this Christmas

The Christmas season is a time of magic, excitement, overeating and - if you haven’t noticed - a fair amount of stress. The stress of the season, along with the overindulgence of all things naughty and delicious, can bring a lowered immune function. Keep reading, for my 5 top tips for a healthier, happier you this Christmas.

Tip 1 - Stay Hydrated.

Believe it or not, in the winter months we are at greater risk of chronic dehydration than any other time of year. Spending more time indoors, exposed to central heating and, being more sedentary can lead to less fluid intake. Keep a jug of water on the kitchen counter or in the fridge infused with fruit or herbs, and refill your glass regularly. Try seasonal flavours to make it more festive - sliced orange and cranberries, pomegranate and mint, or raspberry and ginger. In the evenings reach for warming herbal teas such a peppermint, cinnamon or licorice. Alternate your alcoholic bevy’s with non-alcoholic. Too much alcohol is dehydrating, this trick means you still get to enjoy what you love, and avoid any boxing day remorse.

Tip 2 - Keep your antioxidant levels topped up

Believe it or not those winter spices that remind us so much of this magical season are SUPER high in antioxidants. Clove, cinnamon, nutmeg, thyme, parsley, rosemary, sage and more. These delicious seasonal flavours can enhance any dish and are easily added to foods, drinks, deserts, and even scented decorations around the home. Think of creative ways to incorporate more spices, herbs, fruit and veg into your Christmas meals. Sprinkle cinnamon on your favourite Christmas dessert, add some rosemary and thyme to your roasted veggies, or nutmeg to your hot chocolate. Be creative in the kitchen, look for recipes that embrace herbs and spices.

Tip 3 - Diffuse Essential Oils.

Essential oils are by far one of my favourite holiday go to's and can be exuberantly festive. Not only can the delectable scents of Wild Orange and Douglas Fir wafting through your home transport you to a Norwegian pine tree forest, but their antioxidant properties have the power to be incredibly mood and immune boosting, as well as calming and relaxing (cue annoying family members, and hyped up children!) Essential oils have long been known for their antiviral and antibacterial properties. Diffusing them into the air is one of the simplest ways to get their potent little drops of goodness into your body through simply breathing. So start wafting them through your home and brighten everyone's nostrils and spirits.

(I use and endorse doterra essential oils as they are incredibly pure and health promoting)

Tip 4 - Swap the chocolate binging for healthier options

Keep a bowl of fruit on the dining table/coffee table instead of chocolates. As a kid, I knew it was Christmas when the family sized tins of roses or quality street graced every room of the house. This of course, led to chronic chocolate snacking from about December first through to the new year - and quite often replaced my breakfast! You eat what you see, and what you see becomes what you crave. It’s a simple ‘out of sight out of mind’ trick. Fill festive bowls full of your favourite fruit, nuts or even veggie sticks and place them where you will see them. In front of the TV, on the coffee table etc. and soon you’ll find yourself replacing those chocolate munchies for healthy snacks, without even realizing it.

Tip 5 - Don’t skip on the supplements!

Vitamin C, Astragalus, Reishi mushroom, Elderberry syrup. These are all AMAZING immune boosting supplements, which can help you get through the most wonderful -and germ ridden- time of the year! I know the festive season gets busy, but create a routine around taking a supplement, i.e. with breakfast, or when you clean your teeth. Added stress and sleep deprivation depletes the body of vital nutrients such as Vitamin C, Zinc, and Magnesium much faster, creating a greater need for additional support. So, put one of these supplements on your Christmas shopping list this year and beat those holiday hiccups.

Merry Christmas you lot

Love, Ferne