You know Christmas is coming and it’s going to be busy, so accept it and don’t fight it. Before it arrives, plan to get ahead of as many personal and business things as you can.

The things that aren’t done now will only add pressure during a time when you’ll be preoccupied by pending work and an abundance of socialising. There’s a danger you might not be operating at your best and as the season takes its toll, it’s best to avoid having too many different things to do.

1. A little exercise For a couple of weeks at least you won’t be able to observe your usual eating, drinking and exercise habits. Accept it and come up with a seasonal plan containing shorter workouts that may be less challenging but that will keep your fitness ticking over. You may even wish to have an alternative strategy for this period, comprising some yoga or relaxation sessions that keep you working out while helping you to balance and recharge.
2. Sleep deprivation You’re bound to get less sleep during this period, but aim to find some sort of routine with regular bed and waking times. It’s fine to be out late but do try to put an end point on each event you attend. Getting to bed at different times every night will leave you feeling worse than jet lagged, while some sort of routine will keep you almost sane.
3. If you’re going to drink Let’s be honest, most of us will be drinking more than usual, so discover your perfect hangover strategy and use it. Drink water when you wake up and eat something like wholegrain toast and jam for energy. If you need coffee to get you going, make sure you drink water as well. Keep water on your desk and in your meeting rooms. Eggs are great hangover cures, so eat them if you really need a quick fix.
4. Looking beautiful Often you see the impact of the festive season on people’s faces as the toxins take their toll. Avoid this with hydration and plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables.
5. Feeding the monster Prevention is always better than cure, so eating and drinking well during the days will ensure that your nights out don’t cause you too much damage. Make sure you get your five-a-day by installing a fruit bowl on your desk and stocking up on energy snacks such as nuts and seeds. If you have lunchtime events to attend, decide in advance how you will approach them. Choose how much will be acceptable to eat and drink knowing what you need to achieve in the afternoon. There will be some events where you just want to relax and let go, and that’s fine. It’s the letting go at every event, even when you don’t want to, that causes most people to arrive at Christmas feeling pickled and worn out.
6. Don’t be beaten down by the festive season Stretch regularly at your desk, adopt good posture and take frequent breaks to refocus and recharge the batteries.
   Surviving the festive season, just like any other fitness, performance or business challenge, is about solid preparation and planning and then following through on what you know will work for you. Be flexible, as there may be impromptu events and opportunities that you want to enjoy, but stick with your overall plan and you’ll arrive in January feeling energetic and fired up.

Jeff Archer is managing director of The Tonic and can be contacted via www.the-tonic.com

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