S is for sleep
The UK Sleep Council state there are four stages of sleep and which last about 1½ hours each and for a good night’s rest we need all four stages and about 5 to 6 cycles. So unless you are regularly getting 7-9 hours a night you will be damaging your long term health and increasing your risk of ill health. A recent study by the University of California found that “short sleep“ was a bigger factor in your chances of catching cold than stress or smoking.
So in amongst all the partying remember to schedule some good quality sleep. For tips on getting your necessary rest take a look at www.sleepcouncil.org.uk

A is for Alcohol
We all know Santa likes a drop of sherry but he knows when to say no. I don’t want to spoil your seasonal merriment but nor do I want you suffering hangovers and getting ill from too much abuse! Drinking can be a very sociable pastime and can help boost confidence and increase conviviality. However, no one likes a drunk and excessive drinking leads to poor judgement and ill health. So please take a leaf out of Santa’s book and enjoy a tipple but go steady.

http://www.nhs.uk/change4life/Pages/alcohol-lower-risk-guidelines-units.aspx

N is for Nutrition
I know the seasonal goodies are fattening and full of sugar, I know. Yet there are healthy seasonal goodies such as nuts, cranberries or oranges and of course turkey with lots of veggies (and no I don’t like Brussel sprouts either!) Stock up on the good foods and moderate the not so good. No one wants to spoil Christmas by denying themselves a mince pie, a slice of Christmas cake or a few chocolates but moderation is the key. We should do everything in moderation and enjoy the holidays but make it safe and comfortable into the next year.

T is for Training
Keeping fit with all the Christmas partying and the excess food and drink is a must to stay healthy. Often when we are out of our normal working and living routine we can lose our fitness routine as well but let’s make this the year we don’t lose it all! High Intensity Interval Training (HIIT) has been getting lots of rave reviews since it was first studied at Loughborough University by Dr. Jamie Timmons and shown on the BBC by Dr. Michael Mosley. It proves that short bursts of flat out exercise can have health benefits and can be fitted into any lifestyle. So no excuses!

http://www.lboro.ac.uk/news-events/news/2013/january/06hit.html

http://www.michaelmosley.co.uk/tv_radio.html

A is for …. and relax
Above all else ENJOY the festive season which means keeping safe, not OVER indulging but definitely indulging on all that is on offer. So stay calm, have fun, eat, drink and be merry and I’ll see you on the other side. Merry Christmas and remember SANTA.

References
Sleep. 2015 Sep 1;38(9):1353-9. doi: 10.5665/sleep.4968. Behaviorally Assessed Sleep and Susceptibility to the Common Cold. Prather AA1, Janicki-Deverts D2, Hall MH3, Cohen S2.