CHRISTMAS brings out the party animal in us all, with endless outings and get-togethers, and maybe even dance floors to set alight. Add to that the stress of endless shopping, cooking and planning the perfect day, and you can easily end up feeling far from merry.

We asked the experts not only how survive the festivities, but also for their tips on how to stay fit and happy throughout.

STEP BY STEP

Personal trainer Joanna Hall, who has advised a host of celebrities from Dido to Sir Richard Branson, says the secret to staying happy and healthy is planning ahead and avoiding the gym.

''Christmas is about enjoying yourself, but the biggest problem usually is time,'' she says. ''I advise people to try to look at the month as a whole, and schedule in as much day-to-day exercise as they can. Realistically, it's often too difficult to schedule in gym time. So take the pressure off yourself and instead get a pedometer.''

She believes people should aim to walk around 10,000 steps a day, or to build up gradually by increasing the number of daily steps by around ten per cent a day.

''It's actually easier to be more active than normal at this time of year because all the shopping and partying gives us plenty of opportunities for walking and dancing.''

HER TIP: Exercise early in the morning - you'll never do it in the evening - with a 15 minute stretching and deep breathing routine to boost energy.

STAY IN SHAPE

Joanna advises: ''All that food is tempting, so try to eat moderately whenever you can from November until the holiday. If you are just a little careful wherever possible, you will avoid all the agony of having to diet seriously in January.''

She's found people have a tendency to ''stuff and starve'' in the festive season, increasing their chances of gaining weight.

''Being consistent is an important part of my approach - this way, your body tends not to go into overdrive and gain a lot of extra weight if you do occasionally overindulge.''

HER TIP: If you're tired and stressed, blood sugar levels will dip and make you more inclined to have sugary snacks. Alcohol also makes you more likely to want high-fat or sugar-laden food.

Try to overestimate the time you need for seasonal preparations, and ensure there are plenty of healthy snacks like fruit around so you can easily curb hunger pangs.

MORNING AFTER RESCUE

Few of us escape a night out without that morning after feeling. Headache, nausea or dizziness are all linked to excessive amounts of alcohol and can leave you feeling dehydrated.

Boots Pharmacist Maeve O'Connell advises: ''Aim to have an alcohol-free day every third day to let your system recover. When you're out partying, have water or non-fizzy soft drinks between each alcoholic drink. This limits the amount of alcohol you drink, and keeps you hydrated.''

Boots Energy Boost, £7.99, contains B vitamins to help your body release energy from food and also the stimulants caffeine and taurine, as well as vitamin B12 to help your body form red blood cells and maintain your nervous system.

TICKLISH TUMS

Christmas treats are wonderful but they can be heavy, leading to indigestion, heartburn and a sluggish digestive system.

Dr Deborah McManners, author of The Holistic Doctor (Piatkus Books, £12.99) says: ''A perfect pick-me-up is vegetable juice. Too much sugar or erratic eating will play havoc with energy levels.

''Follow a light diet that focuses on nutrient-rich and natural fish, vegetables and rice and nourish your body. Try to avoid a heavy diet and ensure you have enough sleep.''

Cynara Artichoke promotes bile production, which breaks down fatty foods and alcohol to help to minimise the effects of overindulgence.

Cynara Artichoke is available from Boots and costs £9.95 for 30 capsules.

LEGS AND FEET FIRST AID

Blisters and tired feet are an unwanted result of squeezing into those irresistible but impractical pointy stilettos.

Boots has come up with a few lifesavers for tired and overexerted party feet. The Boots Total Pampering Ultimate Foot Care Regime, £8.99, contains Instant Revival Foot Fizz.

Soothe and cool tired legs with Tired Leg Gel, with morello cherry and iced mint, by Montagne Jeunesse. It's available from Boots, Superdrug and supermarkets, priced 99p or less.

STRESS BUSTER

Stress may be reduced naturally by taking herbal remedies. Research has shown that Valerian has positive effects and also improves sleep.

Super Strength Lichtwer Pharma Herbal Valerian, reputedly four times stronger than other traditional herbal products, cost £4.99 from Boots, Superdrug, Lloyds and Moss chemists.

DON'T FORGET TO DETOX

Vital micro-nutrients can be lost as a result of overindulgence and a hectic lifestyle, putting the body out of balance.

Cellfood Concentrate delivers oxygen, minerals, enzymes and amino acids at the deepest cellular level, supercharging the body.

David McCollum, Certified Naturopathic Physician explains: ''Cellfood's primary benefit comes from its blend of nutrients, trace minerals, enzymes and amino acids. When taken regularly, Cellfood can significantly enhance detoxification.''

It costs £19.99 for a 30ml bottle, and is available from 0870 240 8272/www.heavenearth.co.uk

PAMPER YOURSELF

If you are anything like Bridget Jones you may end up tired, emotional and sorry for yourself during those frantic weeks before the big day.

Treat yourself to a night in to pamper and indulge. Set the mood by lighting candles such as a Julien Macdonald Exotic Flower Candle, £15, from Boots, place your tired and swollen feet into the Boots Foot Spa, £25, or have a long soak in a hot bath.

AVOID COLDS

Burning the candle at both ends means you're more likely to pick up germs. If you succumb to colds, vitamin C can reduce the length of the illness - take 1,000mg a day.

Echinacea boosts immunity and can lessen a cold's severity. Never take it for longer than two weeks as this will diminish its effectiveness.

MENTAL HEALTH

Joanna says: ''Be happy and enjoy the moment, and don't expect too much of yourself. We live our lives so fast that we tend not to be able to enjoy the here and now.''

She believes structuring the day to include time for fitness will not only make you feel more in control of your life but will also be an investment for the next year.

* People with pre-existing medical conditions and pregnant women are advised to contact their doctor before taking any herbal supplement.

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