EARLY winter and the Christmas period are the most unhealthy time of the year.

Well, that’s according to the research carried out recently of over 2,000 UK adults.

Forty-six per cent of us watch more television; I’m guessing Strictly, X Factor and I’m A Celebrity have something to do with that.

Forty per cent say they generally go out less and a third walk less. And up to 20 per cent of us admit to winter comfort eating.

There are also a significant number who say their mood changes for the worse in the winter; from my own mood I’d say I was definitely one of these. Dark mornings and early nights don’t do anything for me.

With all this in mind, it’s even more important that we try not to slip into this malaise. I hear it all the time, “I’ll get back on it in January”.

Although this is a good attitude in some respects I feel it can put a bit too much pressure on yourself. January 1 arrives, there are still some goodies in the house, the kids aren’t back at school, decorations are still up so you think: “I’ll start next week”.

Next week becomes February and before you know it spring is upon us and you’re still wearing your “winter coat”.

Much better to start now, start developing those good habits you keep saying you will, such as eating a healthy breakfast (EVERYONE should be eating breakfast), cutting down on the treats and looking at increasing, or at the very least maintaining, your activity levels.

I’ve written before about how exercise is a great mood lifter, possibly the best anti-depressant there is available. At this time of year, when the weather and the dark nights are getting to us all, I think it vitally important that we continue and increase our activity levels.

Late last week I’d had one of those days that we all have now and again, if it could go wrong it did. The weather was horrid and I’d not seen any daylight. The last thing I wanted to do was go to the gym.

However, I’d arranged to meet a friend to train with her so I had to go. After it I felt fantastic and forgot the puncture I’d had that morning and had to change in the rain.

What I’m saying really is that you should carry on, or restart, with all the good habits you have, the exercise regime you are following, cutting out the mid-week treats that you might have.

Don’t wait till January to get back into it or start because all the research suggests that this is the worst time to start. Have a great time at Christmas and over the festive period but don’t neglect all your good habits and the progress you have made.

If you need tips or advice on avoiding overindulging or how to get started please get in touch with us.

• Matthew McArdle”s previous Fighting Fit articles are available by visiting keighleynews.co.uk, clicking on What’s On then Out & About.