Christmas and the entire festive season is one of the most celebrated times around the world each year.

It is also supposed to be the most joyous – a time when family and friends come together to reflect on the year gone and look forward with optimism about the one before them.

But the reality tells a somewhat darker picture.

For many it is the most lonely, sometimes depressing time of year.

The mental health of many people suffer for so many reasons during the festive season.

Stress levels rise as they slip out of routine and overindulge in both food and alcohol.

Here are some practical tips to safeguard your physical, mental and emotional wellbeing during Christmas and New Year so you can hopefully enjoy the festive season to its fullest.

Prioritise mental health and self care

Ultimately, we must all take responsibility for our own health – physical, mental and emotional.

To do so we need to:

Set realistic expectations – Don’t offer to host Christmas dinner if you are not up to it! Accept that everything doesn’t have to be perfect. Focus on the little things that really matter like spending precious time with loved ones rather than overcommitting or striving for perfection.

Practice mindfulness – Set aside a few moments during each hectic day to slow down and breathe.

Schedule some ‘me’ time – Take some time to do what you love to do. Whether it is reading, listening to music, working out or taking a short walk, don’t neglect yourself. Schedule the time in your phone or diary if you have to.

Stay physically active

All the excesses of the festive season make staying physically active more important than ever.

Physical activity helps boost energy levels and reduces stress.

But it is so easy to lose that time during the holidays.

Aim to incorporate small activities into your day be it a morning swim or short walk along Seaford Beach. Even just playing with the kids is a worthwhile physical exercise.

Festive activities like a game of backyard cricket or beach volleyball are a great way to expend some energy as a family.

Maintain healthy eating habits

It is all too easy to grab that extra helping of Christmas turkey or pudding that you would not have ordinarily taken and really don’t need.

The festive season throws so many foods at us that we would not normally buy or eat.

It takes real discipline to say ‘no thanks’.

It is important to enjoy holiday treats in moderation, balancing them with nutritious meals.

Aim to fill your plate with fruit and vegetables at big meals.

Slow down and savour your food to avoid overindulging.

Stay hydrated during the Christmas heat and avoid sugary drinks.

Manage alcohol consumption responsibly

You are likely to be offered bubbles, beer and wine during the festive season at greater rates and at times you would not normally partake in alcohol.

If you are drinking, do so moderately and responsibly.

Try making every second drink a glass of water.

Remember that alcohol is a depressant and excessive alcohol can impact mood, sleep and physical health as well as the risk of embarrassment.

Low and no alcohol alternatives are flooding the market so why not give one a try?

Or drink a sparkling water, kombucha or festive mocktail that offers flavour rather than booze.

And whatever you do, do not be tempted to drink and drive.

Get plenty of rest

Overindulging in food and alcohol is exhausting.

When multiple functions, events and get-togethers are scheduled during the festive season, it is vitally important to get as much rest in between them as possible.

Late nights and irregular schedules can disrupt sleep while impacting energy levels, mood and ultimately mental health.

Aim for 7-9 hours per night and try to stick to a regular bed time.

Limit screen time before bed, opting instead for relaxing activities to wind down such as reading a book or listening quietly to music.

Respect your finances

Christmas does not come cheaply, especially if you belong to a big family.

Winding up in financial stress due to a week of overspending makes no sense and can quickly impact your emotional wellbeing.

Plan and set limits for spending when it comes to gifts, events and travel.

Consider experiences or handmade gifts which can be more meaningful and affordable rather than overpriced items which may not even resonate with the recipient.

Book an appointment

The festive season can throw together people who have their differences and do not see that much of each other during the year.

This is particularly common with bigger families.

If you find yourself caught in the firing line, do not be afraid to seek the help and support of loved ones and friends to help you through.

If you continue to struggle with stress, mental health or any physical issues, book an appointment with your GP at once.

Early intervention is important to manage any condition before it becomes more challenging.

A check-up before and especially after the festive season is a great idea so you can prepare for what lies ahead and check you have negotiated it in good health.

At AHA Clinics, friendly GPs know all too well the rigours of Christmas and New Year and the stresses that come with them.

They can talk to you about some sensible planning and ideas to help you look after your health throughout the festive season.

And they can give you the once over in January to ensure you are raring to go for the year ahead.

Book an appointment here today at either our Seaford Road Day and Night Clinic or our Seaford Meadows Day and Night Clinic.