The cures of CHRISTMAS

Lost your festive spirit? Here's our alternative take on the popular song, with 12 easy remedies

'Tis the season to celebrate, but it's easy to peak too soon. One too many soirées can leave you desperate to slip under the duvet and hide until 2025.

'Lack of sleep from late-night shopping, wrapping gifts and partying, the stress of planning, dashing about and potential financial pressures impact on our immune system's ability to protect us,' says GP Dr Helen Wall.

The good news? Our tips can help take the pain out of the party season.

FESTIVE FIXERS

Planning on going full throttle? These simple measures will help to ease the pain when it's time to recover

On the 1st day of Christmas, my true love sent to me...

Ice to ease achy feet

Walked for miles scouring the shops for perfect presents to put under the tree? Swollen feet and ankles are caused by excess fluid, but applying ice for 10-20 minutes will constrict the blood vessels to reduce swelling and pain. A bag of frozen peas will mould around your foot far better than a hard ice pack.

On the 2nd day...

Lemongrass for blisters

Party shoes can make you feel fantastic one minute, then in agony the next. Friction from tight shoes can cause fluid to collect between layers of skin. Woken up with blisters? Soak them for 15 minutes in warm water with an essential oil, such as lemongrass, to cool feet and help with the healing process, boosting circulation and blood flow.

On the 3rd day...

Tennis balls to help back pain

Decorating the tree can leave you with aches and pains - but this trick can help. Pop two tennis balls inside a sock, then lean against the wall with it tucked into your lower back. Roll the balls down and up the wall by bending and straightening your legs, to help relieve tight muscles.