How to survive the silly season

The festive season can take its toll on our minds and bodies if we don't manage our essential needs holistically. How can you maintain a balance through these crazy times?

Here are some potential hazards, followed by tips for you to create your own daily survival routine.

Get the best out of the season's festivities, feel great and be the life and soul of the party.

Drinking

• Water is the source of life. Keep hydrated.
• Make your first drink non-alcoholic.
• Dilute your drinks, have a spritzer (half wine, half soda), or if you drink mixes try something like vodka, lime and soda.
• Milk thistle is known to be a powerful antioxidant that has the ability to protect and rejuvenate the liver.

Eating

• Continue to eat normally and healthily. Not eating leads to hunger and over-eating at the end of the evening and will probably involve foods high in fats and low in nutrients.
• Have a "strategic sandwich" before you go out so you don't arrive hungry.
• Get your five fruit and vegetables each day.

Exercise

• Get involved in backyard cricket or suggest a family stroll.
• Be wary of burning the candle at both ends. Listen to you body and get some quality sleep.
• Do something that refreshes you and makes you feel alive, like swimming or walking, if you're not up for rigorous exercise.

Peace of mind

• Don't over-commit or feel obligated. Do what you want to do and make time for yourself.
• Spend time with people who inspire you and make you laugh.
• Expectations can be limiting and disappointing. Be ready for anything and you're bound to have a good time.

Money

• Don't feel the pressure to buy expensive gifts. Think out the box and be creative.
• Give yourself a gift of a debt-free January.
• Budget for your partying.

Family matters

• Let go your frustrations and try to laugh at awkward situations!
• Delegate activities and share the workload.
• Wish everyone the best of health, love and life in the coming year.

Work Christmas party

• Watch out for inappropriate behaviour and conversations; keep the personal stuff for another time.
• Choose your dress carefully. Factor in the wind, sun and alcohol.
• Be cool, be fun, celebrate without becoming the office joke in January.

The sun

• Wear a beautiful, funky hat. Look great and protect yourself.
• Sunscreen sprays guard problem areas like thin hair, partings and the back of the neck.
• Drink loads of water especially if you are outside.

Build your own daily survival routine

• Take a multi-vitamin or herbal remedy.
• Drink at least two litres of water over the day.
• Go for a short walk, swim, or light jog.
• Have a bath, shower, or quiet coffee where you can focus on the moment, breath and let your mind go.
• Get you full quota of fruit and vegetables.
• Wish someone well, even if it is in your mind.
• Tick something off your to do list today.
• Have a 'strategic sandwich' before you go out.
• Order a non-alcoholic drink first.
• Budget your evening's drinks financially and mentally.
• Meet someone new, have an inspiring conversation.
• Laugh, dance, listen to music, tell stories, have fun engaging with others.
• Rest, sleep and dream.

Smile to yourself for having celebrated life to the full!