Prepare for Party Season

A month before
 

Ramp up your exercise routine. Not only will you be trim and toned but your stamina for all those big nights will be at a premium.

 

Get lots of sleep. If you start out well rested you’re less likely to crack under the pressure of too many late nights.

 

Eat cleanly. Be kind to your digestive system and liver in the weeks leading up to an indulgent period. Not only are you likely to shed a kilo or two, but your system will be in the best possible shape to cope with the onslaught of indulgence.

 

Watch your alcohol consumption. Keep it moderate in the lead-up to Christmas. If you have no alcohol at all, or build up to an unsafe amount, the chances of bingeing increases. The National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre recommends that women have no more than two standard drinks a day with one or two alcohol-free days per week. This guideline applies to party season, too.

 

 

Take advantage of the calm before the storm and get as much sleep as you can.

 

Get your skin looking its glowing best by exfoliating. This is also essential if you’re planning on applying self-tanning products.

Head to your stylist for a quick trim and colour touch-up. If you don’t have time to sit in a salon, try a hair masque or leave-in treatment to put some gloss back into your locks.

 

Up your intake of vitamins B and C as alcohol depletes both these from your system leaving you lacking in energy and your immune system vulnerable.

A few hours before

Have a big, healthy lunch and follow it up with a healthy snack just before you go out. You are more likely to overeat and feel the effects of alcohol if you go to a party on an empty stomach.

Drink lots of water. You’re less likely to guzzle your first couple of drinks if you’re well hydrated.

 

Right before you go out, drink a glass of full-cream milk. It really does “line” your stomach in that it provides a fatty layer, making alcohol absorption a little slower.

Find 20 minutes for a light sleep or at least lie down quietly. This will do wonders for your endurance and stop you from becoming overtired as the run of parties continues.