How are you feeling? As joyful as the festive season is, it can also be quite stressful. Especially when we have to consider keeping our family and friends safe from COVID-19 at a time of togetherness.

Mind have some great tips for taking the stress out of Christmas this year, and some alternative ideas to the usual celebrations.

Make sure you’re up to speed with the ever changing latest Christmas guidance from the Government, so you are equipped to make the right decision for you and your family.

The Christmas holiday period is typically extremely busy and can also be extremely indulgent.

Christmas is a time of celebration, and often excess, frequently resulting in firm New Year’s resolutions to get fit and lose weight, so it’s not surprising that many people struggle to maintain a healthy focus in December.

If your fitness takes a back seat at this time of year, you’ll probably identify with some of the following problems:

• I’m too busy with Christmas preparations to fit exercise into my day
• I love Christmas but I know I overdo the eating and drinking
• In January, I always have to try and make amends for the effects of the festivities

If any of those phrases ring a few bells, these tips can help you.*

One of the hardest things to do when your time is in short supply is to maintain an exercise routine. If you usually exercise a few times a week, the extra demands on your time can mean that something has to give. However, reduced training doesn’t mean that your fitness levels have to plummet. Research has shown that a couple of weeks of maintenance training can result in minimal or even no fitness losses.

Indeed, in certain cases performance can actually improve after a short period of reduced training because the body has the opportunity to recharge and rebuild. Hence on returning to full training, you can find that you have renewed vigour and enthusiasm for your sessions. Remember - a little exercise is better than none at all.*

Christmas is always a challenge to keep your calorie intake at normal levels but with a little planning you can still enjoy all the festivities and keep the calories in check. Simply try the three calorie saving ideas below to keep your weight under control at Christmas…

• If you only get three glasses of wine out of a bottle, your 80 calories a glass shoots up to 160 calories a glass, so stick to standard measures if you can
• Standard potions of stuffing, combined with other trimmings such as bacon, sausage and sauce can easily total over 500 calories. Just sticking to stuffing and using the roasting juices as gravy will slash those calories by half.
• Christmas pudding and mince pies are delicious – and also high in calories. However, when smothered in brandy butter or double cream, the calories go through the roof. Try some crème fraiche or yogurt as an alternative and you cut out fat and save calories.*

Most people will struggle with limited time and tempting food and drinks at this time of year but with a little planning, the festive season can be enjoyed healthy.

Don't be too hard on yourself if you over indulge, just put it behind you and get back on track as soon as you can.

At Ilfracombe pool, the last day of the Swimming lessons will be Wednesday 23rd December and lessons will restart on Monday 4th January 2021.

At the leisure centre, the last day of Swimming lessons was Saturday 19th December and lessons will restart on Monday 4th January 2021. (Please note Wednesday 23rd lesson will be on).