This week, routine still matters

We are entering the final days before Christmas.  For most families, the “to-do” list is still overwhelming:  presents to buy and wrap, holiday parties, end of school, charity and volunteer obligations, food to buy and prepare, family WhatsApp negotiations that make the Middle East look positively peaceful in comparison…

This week, it is very tempting to abandon the routine:  I find that patients often cancel medical and dental appointments, reschedule therapy for the new year, skip the gym, swap take-aways and convenience foods for the usual meal plan, or go to bed later to get those things done.   In short, they get everything done at quite a cost to their mental and physical health.

Try to plan, pace, and prioritise this week.  Priorities aren’t just settling the argument over who is bringing what or last minute gifts. Health is also a priority.  The stress has a real effect on our health.  In addition, statistics show that the weight gained over the holidays often is not lost after the holidays, and while losing weight over the holidays isn’t a realistic goal, maintaining current healthy weight is, well, healthier and more successful approach that planning a crash diet in January.

This is Day 18 of Health Holidays, a virtual advent calendar focusing on ways to look after your mental and physical health this holiday season.