If your healthy habits tend to slip a little at Christmas, you’re not alone. The chaos of December makes sticking to a routine near impossible, and no one wants to spend Christmas day worrying about the protein content of their meal or obsessing over how many steps they’ve done.

But that doesn’t mean you need to throw in the towel completely. The last thing you want is to return from the Christmas break feeling more lethargic and spent than you did before you started, and this time of year can provide some valuable downtime if you go about it the right way. 

The most important part is striking a balance. You don’t need to go all out to feel good; simply keeping up a few healthy habits is enough to ensure you stay well.

So, to help you navigate the festive period, we asked a bunch of experts to share the healthy habits they think are worth maintaining during Twixmas. Letting things slip a bit isn’t going to hurt, but turning your attention towards these four areas will help you to recharge and enter the new year feeling that little bit more prepared. 

Having a few late nights here and there won’t hurt, but sticking to a sleep schedule where possible will help you to feel at your best over the Christmas period. Not only will it help to maintain your energy levels, which are often at risk of a dip at this time of year, but it’ll offer wider benefits for your health and wellbeing, too.

“Sleep plays a critical role in our overall health – especially during the festive period – and it shouldn’t be overlooked,” says Dr Hana Patel, resident sleep expert at Time4Sleep.

“A lack of sleep can weaken the immune system, making us more susceptible to illnesses while we’re interacting with family and friends, and impairs cognitive function, which can affect our decision-making and productivity.”

That means you might be more inclined to make rash decisions when interacting with those around you – something that spells disaster when paired with a dose of festive tension. 

Maintaining a sleep routine – waking up and going to bed at the same time every day – will also set you in good stead for those first few days back at work when all the fun is over. “Irregular sleep patterns disrupt our body’s internal clock, meaning that the return to work or school after Christmas may prove more of a challenge,” Dr Patel adds.  

When you’re a little hungover and full of Christmas treats, exercise might be the last thing on your mind. But you don’t need to go hard to reap the benefits of moving your body – even the smallest, most gentle forms of movement can make a real difference.

Getting outside for a 10-15-minute walk is the best place to start. Heading outdoors for a stroll is not only a great way to get some breathing space, but it also has the power to help you feel better overall due to the combination of exercise and environment.

“A 10-minute walk or quick workout can stimulate the release of endorphins, the body’s natural mood lifters,” says Jamie Winn, medical director at Universal Drugstore. “Walking outside is a bonus, as exposure to natural environments and sunlight has been shown to boost mood and reduce symptoms of anxiety and depression.”

TV medic and personal trainer Dr Frankie Jackson-Spence also stresses the benefits of outdoor movement for energy regulation. “With all the festivities, you’ll likely be out of a normal routine and consuming additional alcohol, both of which can reduce sleep quality. Getting some natural light in the morning helps regulate your body’s circadian rhythm, wakes you up and helps you sleep better at night (whatever time you make it to bed!)”

But if you don’t fancy getting out and about – or feel inspired to do more movement once you’re back from your amble – you can use home workouts to get active. Even a simple stretching routine can make a difference.

“Alongside the physical benefits such as improving range of motion and reducing joint stiffness (which is especially beneficial to counteract long periods of inactivity), stretching also helps to relax your mind and centre your breathing,” explains Sarah Jane Watson, an award-winning massage therapist. “A gentle stretching routine before bed can help prepare your body for sleep by reducing muscle tension and promoting relaxation.” 

The last thing you want is a dehydration headache placing a dampener on the festivities, so make sure you’re drinking plenty of water to keep things ticking along.

This is especially important if you’re drinking alcohol or consuming lots of salty festive snacks. And while it’s easy to lose track of what you’re drinking when everything’s so busy, carrying around a water bottle or having a glass of water alongside your regular festive drink is a good place to start.

“Don’t overlook the simple power of staying hydrated,” says Nick Hird, co-owner of ViDrate. “Hydration aids digestion, helps regulate body temperature and keeps your energy levels stable. It also aids in preventing headaches and fatigue, ensuring you feel your best during the holiday season.”

Reaching for some electrolytes every so often can help to make things a little easier, adds Carina Bentley, a homeopathic lifestyle advisor and hydration specialist for True Sports Hydration: “Electrolytes work to replenish lost and depleted water stores and provide improved stamina and endurance – not just for workouts but for post-party recovery too.” 

We all know how easy it is to let our eating habits slip over Christmas; you might enjoy a few roasted vegetables as part of your Christmas dinner, but the number of snacks and sweet treats on offer can lead to you filling up without ever eating a balanced meal.

In most cases, that means you’re missing out on the valuable nutrients found within fruits and vegetables – so making it your mission to include at least one extra fruit or vegetable in every meal you eat is a great idea for anyone looking to give their health a boost.

“If you’re eating three meals a day, that’s at least three of your five a day met without much thought,” explains Lucy Jones, a registered associate nutritionist and founder of Lutrition.

“Fruits and vegetables are brilliant sources of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and fibre – all the nutrients that are essential for good health. For example, your friendly gut bacteria feed on fibre to keep your gut happy, and antioxidants help to prevent inflammation.” 

Gabrielle Morse, a specialist dietitian for Nuffield Health at St Bartholomew’s Hospital, recommends trying to increase the variety of plant-based foods on your plate too – 30 different plants every week is what’s recommended for good gut health.

“Eat a rainbow of food,” she says. “You might even find your Christmas dinner helps with this, as it typically contains lots of seasonal vegetables that you might not usually reach for.”

These seasonal vegetables might include parsnips, brussels sprouts, roasted potatoes and braised red cabbage. In terms of fruit, cranberry sauce is delicious and rich in antioxidants, and clementines are particularly tasty at this time of year.

At the end of the day, it’s all about balance. If you want to eat chocolate for breakfast on Christmas day, then absolutely go for it – just consider having a handful of berries or a banana on the side to give your body a little helping hand at the same time.  

Images: Getty