10 Things You Didn't Know About… Festive Wellness

Our experts reveal their tips for a healthy Christmas

- Ali Horsfall

It should be the season for feeling good and having fun, so why does sickness so often strike over Christmas? Terrible weather, excess food and booze, and sky-high stress levels can all play havoc with our immunity, and can leave us feeling fatigued. But, as these experts have learned, there are tricks you can try to boost your well-being during the festivities.

1 Good hydration

Alcohol can weaken your immune system so balance out your booze intake by staying hydrated during the day. ‘First thing in the morning, I drink a glass of water with added lemon juice to hydrate the body,’ says nutritionist Chantal van der Brempt. ‘If you don’t like plain water, you can also opt for herbal teas and vegetable juices to quench your thirst throughout the day.’

45% of Brits said they felt drained over the festive period, according to a survey.*

2 Help your sleep

At Christmas time, the activity that goes along with it can be draining – not only does this make you feel tired, but the stress of it can affect sleep, says nutritionist Susan Alexander. ‘It’s been shown many times that a lack of sleep affects your immune system and can make you sick, so during this time I take a herbal sleeping supplement designed to enhance sleep.’ Try Unbelievable Health’s Bee Rested (£13.99 for 20 capsules, Holland & Barrett).

3 Feeling wiped out?