A Guide to Christmas Wellbeing
Christmas is fast approaching and although it’s easy to get wrapped up in the excitement and festivities, it’s important to take some time out for yourself along the way.
Christmas is a magical time, but commitments to see family and friends, Christmas shopping and the associated expenses, and the general stress of organising the perfect day can feel overwhelming.
Whatever this festive season brings, we’re here to guide you through some top tips for maintaining and boosting your Christmas wellbeing.
Our Christmas Wellbeing Guide
Wellbeing is all about maintaining a positive state of mind and body, no matter what life has in store for us. Wellbeing looks different for everyone but it’s a holistic concept, including our mental, physical, emotional, spiritual and social health.
There are many ways to enhance your wellbeing at Christmas time, from eating healthily and exercising regularly to managing stress and spending time with loved ones.
Take time out for yourself
Christmas is the time for giving and for partying and with social media and the high street stores piling on the pressure to shop until you drop, it can take the sparkle off the season a little. It’s important to make sure you take time for yourself in the run-up to Christmas and don’t feel guilty if you need to miss out on something for a much-needed self-care session. This could be an exercise class, a brisk winter walk, a well-earned manicure or a relaxing afternoon with a hot chocolate and a movie.
Prepare in advance
It’s the most wonderful time of the year and you’ll want to make sure everything goes with a swing. Although many of us feel the pressure to make everything perfect at Christmas time, it’s important to set realistic expectations for yourself. Everyone has different amounts of time and resources on hand and there is only so much you can do. Prep what you can before the big day and do whatever you can to make things easy for yourself.
List-making is a brilliant way to break things up into manageable sections, help you get organised and boost your Christmas wellbeing. Writing down tasks can help you focus and feel more in control, as well as help you to remember things. From Christmas card lists and menu planning to inspiring elf-on-the-shelf ideas (IYKYK), physically writing and ticking things off a list can be immensely rewarding.
Enjoy time outside
The days may be short and the evenings dark, but unless the weather outside is frightful, grab some boots, wrap up warm and step outside. A daily dose of fresh air and time spent in nature can boost wellbeing in many ways, helping to reduce stress and anxiety, boosting your mood and helping you maintain a healthy weight.
Take a walk and grab a coffee with a friend, take your four-legged friend on a longer walk or join a social walking club to make new friends and explore different places.
Live well
Regular exercise, eating well and getting plenty of sleep are three of the most important ways to improve and boost your Christmas wellbeing.
Try to cut down on alcohol and ultra-processed foods and boost your physical wellbeing by incorporating plenty of fresh fruit, vegetables and healthy proteins into your diet. There’s a wealth of quick easy and healthy recipes online so you can whip up delicious and healthy vitamin-packed soups, casseroles and stews to see you through the festive season and beyond.
Regular exercise is essential, but you don’t need an expensive gym membership or personal trainer to stay in shape. A brisk walk, an energising swim or a workout (courtesy of the internet) from the comfort of your living room are excellent ways to keep fit throughout the festive season. Exercise will boost your mood and your immune system, helping to keep those winter bugs at bay.
Simple ways to improve sleep include going to bed and waking up at the same time each day - our bodies love predictability - avoiding alcohol and caffeine close to bedtime, reducing the amount of time spent on screens before bed and creating a relaxing sleep environment.
Book a spa date
One of the best ways to care for yourself and improve your Christmas wellbeing is to schedule a relaxing spa day or spa break before or after the Christmas rush. Feel your stresses ebb away as you take advantage of a range of glorious massages and treatments and enjoy gorgeously delicious and healthy food.
Spa treatments and saunas have been proven to help relax your mind and body, reducing stress, anxiety and tension and easing muscle aches and pains.
Book your Christmas or New Year spa break at our purpose-built detox and wellness retreat. Nestled in the beautiful Essex countryside, The Glass House Retreat offers a range of inviting packages to soothe and revive your mind, body and soul.
Choose from our tailored wellness packages, build a bespoke retreat, indulge in our wide range of spa treatments and fitness classes and experience the health benefits of the Cryo Chamber, guaranteed to supercharge your system this festive season and boost your Christmas Wellbeing.
With a focus on building healthy and positive habits for lifelong wellness, a visit to the Glass House Retreat will help you relax, renew and rebuild.
Click here to view our offers and Retreat gift vouchers. We look forward to welcoming you.