Have you heard the expression too much of a good thing can be bad for you? How is this possible? With Christmas fast approaching, the topic of overindulgence comes up often.
The Christmas season is notorious for having too many ‘good things’ or at least the things we like! The festive celebration is a time when you make merry with your friends and family, but it is safe to say, it is not a time when we make the best choices for our health.
Our will power is lowered against the temptations of food, drink, and in some cases drugs. The devilish phrase ‘Go on; it’s Christmas!’ is like a pass against temperance and an excuse to be a glutton. We don’t want to sound like Scrooge and tell you to cut out everything that is a part of making Christmas fun, but, let’s consider balance and moderation.
Drinking and Drug Abuse
Some of you reading this will think, ‘What’s a party without a drink?’. In addition with the usual wine and beer comes the morning champagne and after dinner tipples. Sherry, Egg Nog, Crème de Menthe, Baileys. Everything comes out of the cupboard.
In addition, there are work Christmas parties, family get-togethers, friends nights out, gathering with neighbours… It can get a little too much especially for those who have suffered from alcohol abuse in the past.
With the party atmosphere in swing, the use of illegal party drugs like cocaine, ecstasy and ice also increase. People feel a sense of freedom at the end of the year – free from work and free from restraint. They want to let go and enjoy themselves. However, let’s consider the side-effects of this over-consumption of alcohol and drugs.
There are two major issues to consider. The main issue is the effect this has on you. When you are intoxicated, you are more likely to be the victim of crimes such as being robbed, physically or sexually attacked, making bad decisions and not being in control. This can include having unprotected sex or take stupid risks. You are not acting yourself so you will not behave in a reasonable manor.
The other issue to consider is the effect that drugs and alcohol has on everyone around you. Hospitals, A&E and the police are kept busy with the inevitable violent crime that occurs when people are drunk. You may want to go wild, but there are often consequences, and someone will have to clean up the mess you leave behind.
Christmas Food
Christmas is not a dieters dream! The majority of us eat way too much end up putting on weight. Our portion sizes get larger over the holidays and food we don’t usually eat. After we have filled up with sugary and processed food, we end up feeling lethargic, unmotivated and sometimes depressed even. The reaction of all that bad food has a physical effect on many of us.
In January, when it’s all over, and we have to get on with our lives, some people experience a massive psychological crash; the January Blues. You have gone from partying like mad, to back to work and trying to keep your New Year’s Resolution. From the wild excess of gluttony to frugal realities of self-control.
We certainly don’t want to cancel Christmas or the holidays. We simply want to warn against over-indulging and advise to use your judgement wisely and everything in moderation.