What healthy Christmas present would you like to give or receive this year? We've asked this question to our clients, colleagues and friends. Here’s what you said!
Let's be honest, with treats galore, it’s not the easiest time of year to LiveWell. Chocolates, mince pies, work nights out and double-up-BOGOF deals on prosecco – it's the most wonderfully hard time of the year to keep things in check.
And before we know it, it’s a new year and the pressures for perfection are calling with chatter and excitement for new year's resolutions.
Hey – stop - let's take the pressure off
Let's not listen to these expectations. Let’s enjoy Christmas in moderation, together. Let's get set to take steps to LiveWell in the new year. Let's choose sustainable change over crash diets and new year fads. Let's not try and change everything on the 1st Jan. Let's make this new decade a time of daily little steps towards living well.
Get started on the right foot
Thank you to all of you who’ve shared your gift ideas with us. Here's the shortlist!
1. Health and Fitness Journal
Thank you to Sam (@all_things_run.derful) for this idea: 'One thing I like to give or receive is a fitness journal. I like to pick one that has a different motivational quote each week with space to reflect on what went well and what struggles I had. I find being able to plan my week out in advance helps me stick to my goals.' A neat idea Sam, thank you.
2. Book: How to break up with your phone
How's your relationship with your phone? Speaking from personal experience, smartphones are inherently addictive. App notifications are designed to give you regular hits of dopamine, or feel-good chemicals pulsing around our mind. I bought a cheap wristwatch to be less reliant on my phone to keep track of time. And an alarm clock so I charge my phone downstairs and not next to my bed where I’m tempted to check it first thing in the morning.
Being present in the present this Christmas is a valuable gift indeed.
3. Hand blender
Thank you to Lauren for this idea. Smoothies, soup; homemade hummus or tomato sauce are just a few of the recipes you can create with a handy hand-blender. Lots of which can be batch cooked and frozen for healthy home-cooked food through the week.
Starting price: £9.99
4. Mindfulness App: Headspace or Calm
Headspace made it on to last year's list too! Dr Emma Thurston (@the_lifestylepill) mentioned it to us again recently: “The self-care gift of a Calm or Headspace subscription could be just what a friend needs to take care of their wellbeing.”
Price: from £9.99/month
5. Book: Eat yourself happy
Thank you to our placement student and resident nutrition expert Shelley (@you.trition) for this idea. 'The go-to lifestyle guide for a happy gut that will transform your health and wellbeing.’
From the back cover: ‘Drawing from the latest research and experience as a dietitian and consultant at The Gut Health Clinic, Dr Megan Rossi explains how to feed your gut for a happier, healthier you using simple, delicious and gut-boosting recipes… Eat Yourself Healthy is packed with over 50 delicious, easy-to-make meal ideas... including expert advice on how to deal with common complaints such as IBS and bloating, diagnose food intolerances, and manage good gut health with sleep and exercise routines.’
6. Minibike
Thanks to Christy who sent us the idea of a minibike! It can be used under your desk at work or from your sofa at home! It can be placed on a table to work out your arms.
A priceless wildcard:
“Give someone the present of your time – “We will meet up every week” – or giving someone an experience that they’ll really value such as going for an afternoon tea.” Thank you, Dr Emma Thurston, for this final idea. Christmas has highs and lows – a cyclone of emotions. “I know it’s not a happy time for everyone. If you are feeling lonely or are struggling with your mental health, please reach out and get some help. Get connected.”
Phone a friend. Phone our local 24/7 helpline Connection. Or visit a local safe place such as The Retreat in Bournemouth or Dorchester, or a Community Front Room in Bridport, Shaftesbury or Wareham.
Wishing you a happy and healthy Christmas!
Thank you to everyone who’s sent us ideas. We're here for your health and wellbeing. Need some support, now or in the new year? Please do give us a call or register today to start your journey to healthy living.