With 2018 coming to its end, Healthwatch Essex would like to wish everyone a happy, safe and healthy Christmas.
Here are five simple tips for helping yourself to have a more positive and healthy Christmas:
- Get enough sleep.
If you know you are burning the candle at both ends, and feel tired more than you would like, make the effort to go to bed even half and hour earlier at night. This can make a huge difference in your energy levels and how positive you feel. If you can’t get an extra half hour at night, a nap at some point during the day can be just as valuable. - Get out of the house at least once a day, whether it’s to go for a walk, do some work in the garden or take the kids to the park. A daily boost of natural Vitamin D is great for your energy levels and your immune system.
- Take the time to talk to someone; whether it’s a colleague at work, picking up the phone to a friend or checking on a neighbour who lives alone. Conversation is great for your own wellbeing and can make a huge difference to the person that you are talking to, helping to combat the feelings of loneliness and isolation that we all get sometimes, but particularly at this time of year.
- If you take regular medication, check in advance that you have enough to cover you through the Christmas and New Year period. Doing this the week before Christmas will give you enough time to request and collect a prescription if necessary.
- Make sure that you check your carbon monoxide and smoke detectors are working properly. Winter is the time when most house fires occur, and knowing that your warning systems are functioning when you are spending more time at home will give you peace of mind, as well as time to go and buy replacement batteries if you need them!
From Healthwatch Essex, Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Sharon
Information & Signposting Lead