Daily Record Wednesday, November 11, 2009 Page 13
Christmasstartshere
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out more, then they are getting less sleep and
generally they will feel run down.
"People are drinking more alcohol because
they are out more. Even the food we are offered
at Christmas is likely to be less healthy.
"If you go out for a Christmas lunch, it is a
fair bet you are going to be offered a set menu
of rich, often oily, food that can lead to
build-ups of acid in your tummy.
"We are also dashing about the shops, and
trying to arrange what everyone wants to be the
most amazing day of the year.
"If we are stressed, our hearts beat faster, our
blood pressure is higher, our muscles are tense,
our blood glucose levels are affected and even
our breathing alters. It is no wonder our bodies
feel the strain."
But Iain says simple steps such as booking an
hour-long massage or taking time out for yoga
can leave you feeling revived and refreshed.
He said: "Taking time out to have a massage
is a wonderful boost for your immune system.
"A massage will help your body flush out
toxins and improve the nutrient flow into your
muscles. Even just chilling out while you have
the massage can be hugely beneficial.
"You are just giving yourself over totally to a
state of calm and well-being."
Iain says, as the festive season approaches,
many people fail to turn up for exercise classes.
But the period leading up to Christmas should
be when you make the biggest effort to exercise.
He said: "The endorphins our bodies release
during exercise counterbalance the chemicals
our bodies release as a result of stress.
"I'd recommend yoga or tai chi. Both disci-
plines teach you the ability to relax your body
and mind. My advice would be book ahead now
for classes and make sure that you do attend."
While many fitness clubs and spas are offering
pre-Christmas pamper packages, you don't
need to eat into your holiday savings.
Making the time to go for a brisk walk in the
fresh air will put the colour back in your cheeks.
Iain adds: "Not overindulging on nights out is
an easy step to keeping on top form.
"But if the temptation is too much, there are
things you can you to help your body.
"Hangovers don't start when you wake up,
they start as your body dehydrates. Drink a pint
of chilled water before you go to sleep � and
even add a pinch of salt for extra benefit.Taking
a multi-vitamin at bedtime can also help.
"But, of course, the best way to beat a
hangover is to not to drink."
`Christmas is by far
the busiest period for
our immune systems
to take a battering'

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