1. Stay Hydrated

Drink plenty of water and warm beverages throughout the winter season. Staying hydrated is good for your digestion, your cognitive health, your skin and so many other bodily functions. The general recommendation is to drink around eight glasses of water a day to really feel the benefits of hydration.

2. Wash Your Hands

Coughs and colds are rife at this time of year.

Wash your hands frequently to avoid getting sick, and to help stop the people around you getting sick. Remember to use soap, and sing the chorus of Jingle Bells twice through!

It's also useful to keep hand sanitiser with you when you're on the go.

3. Take Your Vitamins

Vitamin D is essential for maintaining strong bones and muscles, and it also plays a role in immune function. During the winter months, when there is less sunlight, it is important to make sure you are getting enough vitamin D.

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps protect cells from damage and supports the immune system. It is necessary for the growth, development and repair of all body tissues. Good sources of vitamin C include citrus fruits, berries, and leafy green vegetables as well as supplements.

4. Stay Safe

It’s a time of year when more people let their guard down regarding safety. When you’re up and down ladders with decorations, or dancing in the kitchen whilst chopping vegetables… be cautious! Nobody wants to be in A&E over the festive period.

5. Stay Active

It’s so easy to wrap up warm and stay cosy, but it’s important to exercise! Aim for a daily walk or stretch or something more energetic if you can.

Being physically active can improve your brain health, strengthen bones and muscles, and improve your ability to do everyday activities. As well as boosting your mood!

6. It's Good to Talk

Christmas can be a lonely time if you can't spend it with loved ones. Pick up the phone and talk to a friend or relative today, you may make their day!

There isn't always a logical reason for feeling low, sometimes it's SAD. Symptoms of Seasonal Affective Disorder include low mood, lethargy, change in appetite and difficulty concentrating.

You should consider seeing the GP if you think you might have SAD and you're struggling to cope.

7. Check the Weather

If you’re out and about this season, make sure you’re prepared!

Stock your car with de-icer and gloves, and if you want to be super prepared, pack a blanket in case of breakdowns. 

If public transport is key to your journey, check your schedule and have backup plans in place if it’s cancelled.

8. Stay Warm

We all know the importance of staying warm!

One way to stay warmer for longer is to layer clothes to trap in the heat. Invest in a good-sized hot water bottle, drink plenty of warm drinks and wrap up well.

Now is a good time to check your house for drafts and block any gaps to stop the chilly winter breeze from invading your space. Draft excluders can really make a difference under a drafty door!

9. Stock the Essentials

Among others, condiments, bin bags and batteries are the most forgotten “essentials” over the festive season. Grab these on your next shopping trip so you’re not caught short!

Other items to remember:

- Pet food

- Medicine

- Tape

- Tin foil

10. Plan for Jan

Take some time to reflect on 2023, envisage what you want for yourself next year and set some achievable stepping stones to achieve that! You’ve got this.

Some ideas for healthy resolutions with your heart and soul in mind:

- Spend more time with loved ones

- Be more active

- Quit smoking

- Read more books