{"id":3058,"date":"2021-12-02T00:08:44","date_gmt":"2021-12-01T13:08:44","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/2021\/12\/02\/navigating-the-silly-season\/"},"modified":"2024-02-15T10:13:41","modified_gmt":"2024-02-14T23:13:41","slug":"navigating-the-silly-season","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lifeprogram.org.au\/health-hub\/navigating-the-silly-season\/","title":{"rendered":"Navigating the silly season"},"content":{"rendered":"

And just like that we are drawing\u00a0a\u00a0close to another\u00a0year!\u00a0Our out of office statuses have been set\u00a0and\u00a0our social calendars are\u00a0almost\u00a0full.\u00a0Whilst this time of year allows many people to enjoy some\u00a0much-deserved\u00a0rest and\u00a0relaxation, it is important that we continue with\u00a0the\u00a0healthy\u00a0habits we\u00a0have built upon during the year.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Continue reading to find out our top tips to help you navigate the silly season.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

1. Make exercise a non-negotiable habit. <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Physiotherapist and\u00a0<\/span>Life!<\/em><\/span><\/i>\u00a0Facilitator Amanda\u00a0recommends making\u00a0exercise a\u00a0habit.\u00a0Just like cleaning our teeth every day,\u00a0exercise can be\u00a0looked at as a non-negotiable\u00a0healthy habit. Most of our daily tasks are routines \u2013 so by tagging exercise to our\u00a0existing\u00a0routine behaviours, we can\u00a0make\u00a0sure we get it done, even during the Christmas break! For example, adding in a non-negotiable\u00a030-minutes’ walk\u00a0before breakfast, or completing 25 chair\u00a0squats\u00a0before each\u00a0meal.\u2019\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Include healthy eating fundamentals. <\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Incorporate healthy eating fundamentals at each meal by following the <\/span>Healthy<\/span>\u00a0Plate Mode<\/span><\/a>l.<\/span>\u00a0You can think of following the\u00a0healthy plate model like having a level of insurance\u00a0\u2013 it means that with each meal you are nourishing your\u00a0body with\u00a0vitamins and minerals, fibre,\u00a0protein,\u00a0and healthy fats.<\/span><\/p>\n

3. Remember that it is okay to say no!<\/span><\/b>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

There will always be people\u00a0trying\u00a0to\u00a0convince us to have that extra\u00a0portion\u00a0of food or fill up\u00a0our\u00a0glass without asking\u00a0first.\u00a0Whilst they may have positive intentions, setting\u00a0healthy\u00a0boundaries is\u00a0important for our wellbeing all year round\u00a0but especially during the festive season.\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Next\u00a0time someone\u00a0tries\u00a0to\u00a0add extra food to your plate,\u00a0how about asking if you could take that\u00a0portion\u00a0home instead for leftovers? This shapes the conversation\u00a0so your\u00a0friend or family member\u00a0knows that you\u00a0appreciate\u00a0their food\u00a0but\u00a0would like to\u00a0enjoy\u00a0it\u00a0when you are ready \u2013 not when you are being forced to!\u00a0<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Mindful Alcohol Consumption<\/span><\/b><\/p>\n


\n<\/span>To reduce the risk of harm from alcohol-related disease or injury, the\u00a0Australian\u00a0guidelines recommend that\u00a0men and women\u00a0drink no more than 10 standard drinks a week, and\u00a0no more than 4 standard drinks on any one day.<\/p>\n

We suggest incorporating the following tips to ensure\u00a0a responsible silly season.<\/span>\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n