Try these simple lifestyle tweaks to make the most of the festive season

>SUBSCRIBE FOR THE BEST THINGS TO DO EVERY WEEKEND<

1 

Be mindful

Put your phone away for a day and avoid social media (there’s nothing like it for making you feel that your own festive season isn’t as good as everyone else’s). Be present, enjoy the sensations of the season, whether it’s a frosty walk, the smell of mulled wine or wrapping presents in a more mindful and meaningful way. If you feel your social battery is becoming drained, set boundaries and take time for yourself. Consider what you say yes to – is it something you will actually enjoy or are doing simply out of obligation?

2 

Find balance

With the likelihood we will eat, drink and socialise more than usual, there’s the temptation to say to hell with it all (the mindset trap: what’s the point of trying when I’ll only be overindulging later?!) but you may end up feeling lethargic, bloated and exhausted. To maintain your wellbeing, pace yourself. If you are going out in the evening, make your daytime eating about health-giving nutritional food such as a lunch of protein-packed salmon and couscous topped with Vitamin C rich roasted vegetables, and antioxidant-powered pomegranate. Drink water alongside your alcoholic drinks, or stick to zebra striping, alternating between an alcoholic drink and non-alcoholic drink! Keep your stress levels in check with yoga, Pilates or a sound bath. And ensure you’re getting enough shut-eye – create a cosy sleep retreat in your room.

3 

New ways to socialise

While we want to see more of friends this time of the year, it doesn’t always have to be a pub or restaurant. Set up a walk, an activity such as axe throwing or an escape room, or meet up at the gym – make use of a guest pass and head for a sociable swim. There are also an increasing number of top saunas for groups, whether you want rooftop views or plush spa experience.

4 

Lean into the weather

It may be cold and rainy but it is the perfect excuse to stay in and enjoy activities such as cinema, theatre, baking, or a dinner party. It is all about reframing it into a positive. Meanwhile, keep an eye on your weather app and notice when a break in the rain is forecast: plan your time outside accordingly. A brisk walk or cycle will make a big difference to your wellbeing but you could also take up some outdoor photography or even try winter bird-spotting for total back to nature immersion.

5 

Adapt your beauty

Wrap up with hats, scarves and gloves but keep anything you will have next to your skin clean – unwashed, they can harbour dirt, hair and skin products, and bacteria. Keep your lips in good condition – gently buff with a flannel then use a good lip balm – but don’t share, and avoid pots where you are dipping your fingers in unless you wash them first!

6 

The power of a winter wardrobe

While you may be tempted to hide under as many layers as possible, what you wear can have a big impact on how you feel. Choose scarves in a colour to flatter you – they can really give you a lift. Choose your winter coat well and it is not only practical but makes you feel good, too. If you’re going loungewear, make it super-soft and give it a warm on the radiator before wearing – like a hug but in clothing form.

7 

Avoid the bugs

We all heard about the importance of washing our hands properly during the pandemic (the length of time surprised people – at least 20 seconds vigorously with soap and water) and it is just as crucial now with flu around. Avoid touching you face when you’re out and about as it’s an easy way to pick up germs. Grab a flu jab and a Covid vaccine (if you’re entitled). Nasal sprays such as First Defence can help stop a cold if taken early enough.

8 

Boost your mood

Comedy, theatre and live music are the perfect antidote to the winter nights. Or try a dance class, which is brilliant for physical and mental wellbeing.

Take up a new hobby for dark evenings – write that novel you always planned to, take up calligraphy, tackle that declutter you have been meaning to do all summer.

9 

Help a local charity

Putting aside the altruistic aspect of helping charities, generosity is good for your health, releasing feelgood chemicals and giving a sense of purpose. Whether you donate time or money, there are so many deserving causes that need your help. Look for local opportunities, offering to help as a companion, wrap and donate presents for care homes, and support local businesses: if someone has served you well, give them a positive online review.

10 

Eat your way to well

While many say that it is easier to eat more healthily in summer, that need not be the case. Our winter favourites? An Asian-inspired turkey soup with noodles, garlic, ginger, chillies, lime and shredded greens. Porridge is a perfect winter breakfast with oats providing slow release energy and reducing cholesterol – adding berries and nuts will also boost the nutritional value. Top up your Vitamin D with a supplement. We can’t get enough from sunlight in the UK between April and October. The jury is out on whether a Vitamin C supplement is useful over winter. But there are many seasonal alternatives out there anyway that are naturally rich in Vitamin C including tangerines. And keep up your zinc levels. Seafood is a rich source as are eggs and lentils. Don’t forget your probiotics too for gut health.