Christmas is coming, as you have surely realised by now. It is a season of high expectations, self-inflicted pressure, being surround by more than usual amounts of stuff everywhere and various parties. Unfortunately for many this is also the season of feeling ill or run down, the symptoms varying from being slightly sniffy to a full blown fever and several days of bed time. So how to survive December, once again?
Because we all love lists and advice, here’s my top tips to survive what is left of December and its aftermath.
1. Use hand sanitizer and wash your hands at every opportunity
Sounds obvious and most of us probably do this already (thank you for that.) But really, I mean washing your hands all the time. The bigger the city, the more the germs and thus more opportunities to catch some nasty streak of a bug. I have taken to washing my hands the first thing I arrive anywhere and the last thing I do when I leave the place, including my own home. Sounds exaggerated? Maybe but I have also been feeling pretty ok over the last weeks.
I am not alone on reminder people about this either. I recently visited a new gym and counted ten (yes, 10) hand sanitizers in the ladies changing room alone, plus several in the reception area and in the studios. They know too.
2. Supplements and food you put in
Now I am the first one to admit I have no particular interest in talking about food or supplements. We all know that Vitamin C is beneficial and we should up the intake when ill, either through food or supplements. In addition, I usually take extra zinc in the winter to help combat against viruses and unwanted bacteria. A yoga teacher friend of mine swears by Olive Leaf Extract and after I learned the capsules also contain zinc I switched to those. So far, so good.
Naturally the quality (and quantity) of food we put in has a big impact. December tends to be about excess and indulgence to an extent but I try to counterbalance that by making sure I have a healthy breakfast, keep up with my fruit and veg intake and drink loads of water and herbal teas. Winter is also the citrus season in the Southern Europe. I try to make sure that my mandarins, lemons and oranges come from Cyprus, Greece, Spain and Italy, rather than go for berries and other fruit coming from another continent.
3. Move – and Rest
Cold weather, rain and darkness are not the greatest motivators when it comes to exercise but even a little bit of movement goes a long way. I used to be very sceptical of 45 minute yoga classes but these days, knowing how busy things can get, I happily throw my yoga purity mindset out of the window – everything counts for something and if all you can squeeze in is a 45 minute class, so be it.
If you are into measuring your fitness performance, it might be an idea to try and mellow down your normal routine, especially if you are feeling the end of the year tiredness creeping in. Moving should be a pleasure, not a punishment. Just remember, even the word “asana” translates as a “comfortable seat.”
Finally, if you feel like just resting, rest. Have baths. Sleep. It is like putting money in the Bank (of Health.)
The Sanskrit word “asana” translates as “comfortable seat.”
4. Go online for your purchases…
…or even better, don’t buy any material things at all. Give services, charity items and your time. Seriously, it is pure madness to even try and make it to the high street, especially knowing that on the 26th everything will be heavily discounted.
I am not a Grinch, I am just trying to get to the essence of the Christmas. Peaceful mind, togetherness and all that.
…And The Beyond Part?
Recovery. As important as getting ready and being in the moment. As a part of the “survived December” plan I will be looking into the following:
- Colonic cleansing, because they are good for you! Especially after a period of having digested (or not) probably more and/or heavier food than usual. I see Suki at The Colon Whisperer.
- An introductory offer pass to a new yoga studio: A perfect way to try new classes. Plus, the 7-14 day window is a good motivation to make it to few more classes than maybe usually. If cold is not your friend and you are London based, why not take up on the hot yoga offers at Hotpodyoga or Light Centre Monument.
- Facial or natural face lift massage. To get a bit of the potentially lost glow back.
- Rest and baths, as before Christmas. Whatever you do, always remember to rest.
Happy holiday season everybody, stay warm and safe!
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