Tips to stay happy and healthy over Christmas from LiveWire’s Lifestyles team

LiveWire’s Lifestyles team has shared some tips for keeping happy and healthy this festive period.

The Lifestyles team offers support to people wanting to make a difference to their health and wellbeing, including stop smoking advice, weight management and much more.

In the run up to the busy festive period, the LiveWire Lifestyles team has shared a few simple ways people can make sure they are looking after themselves over Christmas.

Neil Morley, Lead Lifestyles Advisor at LiveWire, said: “Christmas is a time of fun and spending time with family and friends, but it can also be one of the most stressful and lonely periods of the year so it is important to look after yourself both physically and mentally during this time.”

Here are some ways to take care of yourself during the festive break:

Talk About Your Feelings

It’s hard to admit that at such an exciting time of year, you don’t actually feel that great. But talking about your feelings can improve your mood and make it easier to deal with the tough times.

 Eat Well

Christmas is typically a time of overindulgence, but what we eat can sometimes impact on how we feel.  For example, too much sugar can have a noticeable effect on your mental health and wellbeing in the short and long term, everything in moderation.

 Take a Break

The holiday season is the perfect opportunity to take some time out of your day to day life, and gain some perspective to reflect on the year. Whether spending time away from home or having a night away, re-energise by giving yourself a change of scenery or pace- it’s good for you!

 Keep Active

It’s no surprise that cold weather and short days are not the greatest motivation to get you out of bed and on a 5k run or a visit to the gym, but research shows that doing exercise releases chemicals in your body that can make you feel good.

 Drink Sensibly

Some people drink to deal with fear or loneliness, but the effect is only ever temporary. Christmas parties encourage socialising and it’s very easy to get carried away, but know your limits – it’s important to maintain your personal wellbeing too.

Care for Others

Present-buying is not the only way of showing that we care about others. Christmas is the perfect time to reach out to loved ones who you haven’t spent much time with in the past year.

For more information on LiveWire’s Lifestyle services and the help and support they offer, please visit www.livewirewarrington.co.uk/lifestyle. For more information about local and national support services for mental health visit: http://happyoksad.warrington.gov.uk/