The festive season can be a joyful whirlwind, but it’s easy to feel frazzled with all the extra to-dos on your list. Between all the catch-up drinks, Christmas shopping, entertaining, plus getting ready to go away on holiday (often straight after the 25th) there’s a lot of potential for overwhelm, which can have a real knock-on effect on your body and general health.

Here are six tips, that will hopefully help you to have a calmer, more energised December.

Boost that magnesium intake
Late nights and extra stress can leave you feeling depleted. Magnesium is a great way to support relaxation, better sleep, and muscle recovery so maybe think about eating foods with high levels – or getting yourself a good quality supplement to keep things calm over the crazy season.

Say yes to saying no
It’s tempting to commit to every event and believe that if you don’t catch up with friends before the end of the year, they’ll somehow disappear; but overloading your calendar can so easily lead to burnout. Focus on the gatherings that matter most and don’t be afraid to decline politely.

Fit in incidental exercise
Don’t have time for the gym with all the extra Christmas activities and end-of-year workload? No worries. Park further away from the shops, take the stairs, or even do a quick shimmy to your favourite Christmas tunes in the lounge – every bit counts

Drink plenty of water
It’s easy to forget to keep your fluids up when you’re busy ticking off your holiday list, but staying hydrated boosts energy levels and keeps brain fog at bay. Keep a water bottle handy and sip throughout the day.

Keep some healthy snacks in the fridge and your desk drawer
The consumption of festive treats is inevitable, but balancing them with healthier options will keep energy crashes at bay. Stock up on things like fresh fruit, veggie sticks, hummus, nuts and easy lean protein so they are easy to grab when you’re tired and have eaten your body weight in fruit mince pies and scorched almonds!

Prioritise sleep
With parties, gift wrapping, and later-than-usual nights, sleep can take a hit. Make sure you balance off those late bedtimes with a few earlier ones to compensate. A couple of late nights are okay, a whole week of them can be detrimental to all concerned.

Have a lovely Christmas and enjoy your summer break