Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

’Tis the season for indulgence. That is, until you’re flat on the sofa, regretting that extra glass of Baileys and clutching a painfully full tummy that feels seconds away from bursting through your festive, fleece pyjamas.

But if you’re battling the post-Christmas sludge, shoppers say this supplement can banish the bloat fast.

The Balance My Gut powder from Selfish Supps is £29 at Boots and works as a daily biotic blend of micro-blues and phyto-greens, turbo-charged with sea moss, blue spirulina and chlorella.

Sea moss is loved for its gut-soothing, fibre-rich goodness, while blue spirulina is known for being anti-inflammatory, and chlorella is packed with antioxidants to help support digestion and overall gut health.

Selfish Supps 240g Blueberry Bliss Flavour

This do-it-all micro-blue and phyto-greens powder is packed with nutrient-rich ingredients to support your wellness goals.

Boosted with sea moss, blue spirulina, and chlorella, it delivers a powerful blend of superfoods in a refreshing blueberry flavour.

Perfect for adding a daily dose of vitality to your routine, this energising formula helps you feel your best from the inside out.

Buy Now for £29

It comes in a blueberry flavour that customers say delivers a deliciously sweet hit without any artificial sweeteners. Just mix it with water, or whatever you’re drinking, and for best results, take it ahead of your meal to give your digestion the extra support it needs.

‘My bloating has vanished in a really short space of time,’ Julie said in her review. ‘And it’s really tasty either on its own or in a smoothie. Recommend!’

Will insisted that the difference was huge after just weeks of taking the supplement, explaining: ‘I’ve struggled with that sluggish, ‘heavy’ feeling for ages, especially after big meals. I decided to try Balance My Gut based on a friend’s recommendation here in Australia. I’ve been taking it daily for about three weeks now, and the difference is massive.’

He added: ‘I feel genuinely less bloated and much lighter throughout the day. It’s become a non-negotiable part of my morning routine, and it’s definitely helping me feel more balanced and energetic.’

Francesca also said the results were rapid, insisting she’d been flooded with positive comments about her glowing skin too.

‘I’ve been taking this daily for a couple of weeks now and I’m really impressed so far! I noticed a difference after just a few uses – less bloating and everything feels more balanced. I’ve also been getting extra comments in work about my glowing skin, which I think is linked to using this product. It actually tastes good too, which was a nice surprise. Super easy to take and feels like it’s really working. Definitely planning to keep using it.’

So why not take the plunge? Judging from the reviews, your tummy will certainly thank you for it!

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: 11 of the best skincare products to get you through the festive season

MORE: Our shopping expert tested the under £6 eyebrow hack for ‘thicker, darker brows’

MORE: Keep your home warm on a budget with this stylish £8 hack from Dunelm

See the best royal fashion photos of 2025 chosen by a fashion writer: Princess Beatrice, Meghan Markle, Zara Tindall, and more.

Princess Anne exuded sophistication in fringed knee-high boots while attending a church service at Sandringham following a display of ‘unity’ with Queen Camilla at the royal Christmas – details.

Over the past week, celebrity deaths seem to have dominated headlines.

From Brigitte Bardot to Chris Rea, it may feel like every second notification that pops up on your phone right now brings yet another morbid announcement.

But this isn’t a new phenomenon for 2025, nor is it restricted to famous names; death rates spike across the board around this time of year.

According to the Office for National Statistics (ONS), fatalities peak in January and December, with these two months accounting for almost 20% of the annual total.

The most recent figures available show that 1,269 people died each day in September 2016 on average, compared to 1,487 and 1,588 in December and January respectively. All in, there were over 10,000 fewer deaths in September than either of these months.

Why do death rates rise around Christmas and New Year?

While part of the increase in ‘excess mortality’ during winter may be down to colder weather, the ONS claims this is a seasonal issue affecting ‘mainly elderly people and those who already have serious health problems.’

Dr Suzanne Wylie, GP and medical adviser for IQdoctor, is among the many professionals who witness an ‘observable increase in deaths’ around Christmas and New Year.

Typically, this is due to cardiovascular disease, respiratory illness such as pneumonia and flu, complications of chronic conditions like COPD and heart failure, and infections.

Beyond specific causes of death, though, Dr Wylie tells Metro it’s often a case of ‘several risk factors coinciding at once’, adding: ‘Christmas can be a time of joy, but it also highlights existing vulnerabilities, both medical and social, which can sadly contribute to poorer outcomes for some patients.’

Healthcare access

One big issue at play here is a shift in healthcare access and uptake during the festive period.

‘Healthcare services are under increased pressure, with reduced access to routine GP appointments and some community services scaled back, which can delay assessment and treatment,’ says Dr Wylie.

‘Patients themselves may also be more reluctant to seek medical help over the festive period, not wanting to “make a fuss” or disrupt family plans.’

Certain demographics are particularly vulnerable without support; especially older adults, those living alone or with multiple long-term conditions.

‘Frail patients can deteriorate quickly if they develop an infection, become dehydrated, or experience a fall,’ Dr Wylie adds.

Festive excess

Changes to our eating, drinking and sleeping habits are another reason we see increased fatalities around Christmas and New Year.

Dr Wylie notes: ‘Dietary excess, increased alcohol consumption, disrupted sleep and missed medications, can all exacerbate underlying health conditions, particularly in those with heart disease or diabetes.’

According to one study, heart attacks peak around Christmas Eve, which researchers argue is likely due to people engaging in ‘potentially stressful social interactions and provocative behaviours they would not normally expose themselves to.’

As a result, ‘twixmas’ (between December 26 and January 1) is often a busy time in hospitals and doctors’ surgeries, with healthcare workers tackling ‘a surge of acute presentations that may have been brewing for some time’ and ‘admissions related to falls, alcohol-related harm, and exacerbations of chronic disease.’

Winter weather

Even when people avoid overindulging, certain illnesses – which can prove fatal when someone is in poor health – are more common in winter.

‘Cold weather places additional strain on the body, increasing blood pressure and the risk of heart attacks and strokes, while respiratory viruses circulate more readily when people spend more time indoors,’ Dr Wylie says.

People with chronic respiratory disease are at greatest risk when it comes to winter viruses, while those with cardiovascular disease are likely to be worst affected by a drop in temperature.

Mental ill health

While (contrary to popular belief) December has the lowest reported suicide rate of any month, numbers often surge after Christmas, which has been blamed on a ‘rebound effect’ as the festive season ends. 

Especially for people experiencing social isolation, homelessness, or significant mental health difficulties, Dr Wylie highlights that ‘Christmas can intensify feelings of loneliness, depression and distress.’

And as New Year approaches, researchers argue many deal with ‘unmet expectations’ of social connection and support during the holidays, leading to ‘frustration and disappointment which may trigger suicidal reactions’.

The ‘holding on’ phenomenon

‘Many clinicians notice that patients – particularly those with a terminal illness – sometimes “hold on” until after Christmas, seemingly determined to reach the milestone of the festive period with their family,’ says Dr Wylie.

In this year’s Gone Fishing Christmas special, Bob Mortimer shared a similar story about his beloved late father-in-law who passed awayfollowing a long battle with serious illness — just moments after the family told him they loved him on a visit to the hospital on Christmas Day 2024.

Although there’s no scientific evidence that people can time their death, many healthcare professionals tell of people who defied the odds to survive a major holiday or significant event, only to die immediately thereafter.

On a Reddit thread discussing this phenomenon, hospice nurse Infactinfarctinfart wrote: ‘I’ve seen patients wait for weddings, births, visitors etc, and I’ve discussed it with hospice providers who have witnessed the same thing.

‘One provider told me that they think it has to do with the autonomic nervous system: their adrenaline is keeping them going. Once the anticipation is over, their body can relax and let go.

‘This is why it’s important for loved ones to give the dying person “permission” to pass. They’re too scared to let go or too scared to leave loved ones who still “need” them.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Ania Hough woke up on Christmas morning to find her son Jamie had a headache, so she suggested a walk to get some fresh air. Then he began struggling to lift his leg.

‘He woke up jumping on the bed, and opened presents,’ Ania recalls.

‘We went downstairs, and he said he had a headache, so I gave him some medicine.

‘I thought the fresh air might help, so we put our boots on and headed out for a Christmas morning walk.’

But eight-year-old Jamie’s headache didn’t go away, and he started to complain about his jaw hurting near his ear, which had never happened before.

‘As we started walking back, he started to drag his leg,’ she adds. ‘I told him to stop being silly and to walk properly, but he told me he was.’

It was in that moment Ania knew something was seriously wrong, and the next day, December 26, 2023, Jamie would undergo a gruelling 12-hour surgery to remove a cancerous brain tumour.

Her son’s headaches had been the first warning sign, and the mum-of-two is now encouraging parents to push for scans if their child has Jamie’s symptoms.

The first time Jamie, now 10, complained of a headache was in October 2023, and it made him sick.

Initially, Ania, 42, thought he’d picked up a school sickness bug, but after calling 111 she took him to A&E at Maidstone Hospital in Kent.

She claims her son wasn’t offered tests or scans, and his symptoms were put down to dehydration from the stomach bug.

‘His headaches got worse and more often, they were daily,’ Ania, from Staplehurst, Kent, explains.

She took Jamie to a GP where she claims she was told he was suffering from migraines. So, over the next two months, Ania gave him Calpol to ease his pain while they waited for a hospital referral letter from a neurologist, which she claims never arrived.

When Christmas day came, and Jamie couldn’t walk properly, she took matters into her own hands.

‘As we walked to the car, he threw up and then dozed off on the way to A&E,’ she says. When they arrived at the hospital, Jamie finally got his CT scan, which revealed abnormal brain activity.

He was quickly transferred to King’s College Hospital in London to undergo brain surgery on Boxing Day.

Biopsy results showed he had a 6cm by 5cm cancerous brain tumour called choroid plexus carcinoma – a high-grade, fast-growing brain tumour that mostly grows in one-year-olds. The first symptom of this cancer is pressure headaches that usually occur in the morning.

‘It was a bit of a Christmas miracle they did the CT scan,’ Ania says. ‘When we ended up being transferred to another hospital, the neurosurgeon said it was a matter of hours [to be able to save him].

‘If Jamie hadn’t gotten there when he did, they wouldn’t have been able to help him, as the tumour was creating massive pressure in his brain.

‘It was swelling, and there was a cyst growing out of it – it would have caused too much damage.’

Ania admits it’s the ‘scariest Christmas they’ve ever had’, but she’s ‘grateful’ she took her family out on that walk that morning.

It meant doctors caught his cancer just in time, and Jamie underwent a second 12-hour operation on his brain to have the rest of the tumour removed on January 12, 2024.

He also had two other surgeries to have a drain and then a shunt fitted to help drain excess fluid from his brain, before being discharged from the hospital.

He then underwent 30 sessions of proton beam therapy and six rounds of chemotherapy, finishing the last treatment on September 29, 2024, before getting the official all-clear in November.

The family have celebrated two Christmases since, and Ania has been able to watch her son continue to write letters to Santa.

Now she wants other parents to advocate for their children if they are experiencing daily headaches and get them checked out.

‘As a parent, if your child is suffering from headaches, push for a CT or some kind of scan,’ Ania says. ‘I’m grateful Jamie is good, and I’m grateful for the junior doctor [who helped him], but I’m aware the outcome could have been very different.

‘I think the hospital messed up with Jamie and should have done more on our first visit. It wouldn’t have saved him from the diagnosis of cancer but the tumour was growing, and they could have caught it earlier.

‘If they had, maybe he would have only had one surgery instead of four and wouldn’t have ended up with a shunt.’

A Maidstone and Tunbridge Wells NHS trust spokesperson says: ‘We are very pleased to hear Jamie is doing well following treatment. While we can’t discuss individual cases, patient safety and high-quality care are always our top priorities.

‘Our clinicians look carefully at a patient’s symptoms and decide whether tests are needed, and which ones will provide the clearest answers. CT scans aren’t always undertaken straight away because we have to balance the benefits with the risks of radiation.

‘If anyone has worries about their care, we encourage them to get in touch so our teams can review their treatment and offer support.’

Ania praises the Lennox Children’s Cancer Fund for the continuous support they have shown her family through Jamie’s cancer journey and after treatment, but ultimately, her choices as a mother on Christmas Day saved his life.

‘It was hard to go on the walk that day with him,’ she says. ‘But it was meant to be the way it was, and I’m grateful we decided to do it.’

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

The post-Christmas lull – also known as Twixmas – is something of a no man’s land.

With the exception of New Year’s Eve, the continuation of family arguments, and the near-constant snacking on cheese, chocolate, and anything left over from the big day, the festivities are largely over. And so, there’s a huge gap in the calendar until normality resumes on January 5.

If you work a job that permits time off for this week, you might spend it wrapped up with a book, catching up on TV, or even finding quiet moments to decompress alone. But the overwhelmingly implied instruction is to do nothing at all – and for people with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), that can be challenging.

I was diagnosed with ADHD in November 2021, at the age of 23. A neurological condition that fits under the neurodiversity umbrella, ADHD is a developmental impairment of the brain’s executive functions that can cause struggles with impulse control, focus, organisation, emotional regulation, and various other symptoms.

My relationship with Twixmas is complicated. By the end of the year, I’m usually running on very little steam and in desperate need of a proper break. I’m burned out and in need of breathing space, but accomplishing that with a brain that is often characterised by both mental and physical restlessness is always an uphill struggle.

I always feel pressured to really soak up the nothingness that Twixmas can provide. And yet, every single year, I begin January often as burned out and exhausted as I began, simply because I couldn’t get my brain to quieten, even if I have managed to take a break from work.

I’m not alone. Nikki was diagnosed with both ADHD and autism in her mid-40s, and she also finds the festive period challenging.

‘I find the change in my routine increases my anxiety, making it even harder to embrace the festivities,’ she tells Metro.

‘Before my diagnosis, I used to end up tearful over Christmas, overstimulated and overwhelmed, and desperate to find some quiet time.’

Her diagnosis has empowered her to channel experiences that work for her during Twixmas, and so from now on, she’ll be focusing on activities she enjoys – like jewellery-making and sewing – rather than implementing a complete shut-down.

Similarly, James finds his brain is still buzzing with thoughts and plans during Twixmas.

He says: ‘My brain’s always on the go. It’s like having a bunch of open tabs, and even when I try to close a few, there’s always one or two that refuse to shut down.

‘What I’ve come to appreciate, though, is the small victories. Maybe I can’t switch off entirely, but I’ve learned to find joy in those quiet moments.

‘Whether it’s reading a book for 10 minutes without getting distracted or simply savouring a cup of tea without my thoughts racing, those moments count.’ 

So, why might people with ADHD find it difficult to unwind during Twixmas?

Kate Moryoussef, host of the ADHD Women’s Wellbeing Podcast, notes that people with ADHD might find the downtime that comes with this time of year ‘dysregulating.’

She explains: ‘Sometimes, even though we’re on the cusp of burnout, we’re used to living with this perpetual state of our nervous system just being on.

‘When we’re told that we need just to do nothing and our routine goes out the window, it can feel discombobulating and a bit dysregulating.

‘It’s hard for us when we haven’t got that dopamine, when we aren’t in and out of our meetings, driving to work and having time to decompress from family life,’ she adds, noting that having a house overflowing with guests and potentially some family members who might be triggering, comprises an extra layer of difficulty.

Importantly, people with ADHD might approach the festive season in a different way than most. Some of us might choose not to have any plans (particularly during the post-Christmas lull) at all.

‘The festive period can trigger intense experiences of Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria and comparisons to others,’ Leanne Maskell, an ADHD coach and the founder of ADHD Works, suggests.

‘This can also result in excessive masking as we may feel pressure to present “acceptable” versions of ourselves to others,’ she adds, noting that this aspect might be heightened amid intermittent nationwide shortages of certain ADHD medications that have left thousands struggling.

‘Carve out time for decompression’

So, how can people with ADHD unwind over the Christmas break? Firstly, ensure you schedule time for yourself.

‘Make sure that you carve time out for decompression,’ Kate suggests. ‘Watch where you’re dopamine seeking, perhaps with alcohol, and be as self-aware and intentional as you can.’

For Peter Shankman, entrepreneur and author of Faster Than Normal: Turbocharge Your Focus, Productivity, and Success with the Secrets of the ADHD Brain, taking a break from technology is fundamental.

‘Forgetting” about my tech means leaving the phone and the laptop in the other room when I’m doing something with my daughter or family. If it’s not there, I don’t feel the need to look at it every twenty seconds. Simple, but it works,’ he shares.

Likewise, he makes sure to prioritise exercise – and either gets on his Peloton or goes for a run every morning. This is one routine he makes sure to keep amid all the upheaval that comes with Twixmas, and it allows him to gather as much dopamine as possible.

‘When I don’t work out, I’m not as “present,” and I fall back into my usual “sit in front of my computer and work non-stop” mode,’ he explains.

‘So making sure I exercise allows my brain to come up with different ways to be present, whether for a holiday event, or even just a movie on a random Tuesday during the two weeks my ten-year-old daughter has off.’

Recognising your own emotions and showing some self-compassion can also go a long way.

‘Communicating with others about how you’re feeling can also be especially helpful to have someone to ask for help and support throughout this period. It can also be very validating to connect with other neurodivergent people and realise that you are not alone,’ Leanne adds.

Ultimately, navigating the post-Christmas lull as a neurodivergent person should be about doing what works best for you.

‘Even though society tells us that it needs to be one way, we need to do what works for us and what feels good to us,’ Kate concludes.

‘If that is taking yourself off for a walk or a drive, then that’s okay. If you’ve had a day where the end of it, it just feels like you’re climbing the walls and you’ve not had a breather, what can you change the next day? What can you put in place as a prevention and how can you ask for help?’

This Twixmas, let’s understand that rest isn’t a one-size-fits-all concept. The blueprint of ‘rest and relaxation’ that is part and parcel of the post-Christmas lull doesn’t work for everyone, particularly not for neurodivergent people.

So, let’s reclaim it – and reinvent it into whatever we’d like it, and need it, to be.

This article was originally published on December 27, 2023.

Do you have a story to share?

Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.

Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more

Christmas has come and gone as quickly as it always does, which means it’s now on to the next event, New Year’s Eve.

There can be a lot of stress around what to do and where to go, however, one plan that will never let you down is a chic dinner party or gathering with your nearest and dearest.

When it comes to hosting, the stress can suddenly build. Not only do you have to think about food and drink, but you’ve also go to think of decorations and how you’ll dress the space.

You don’t have to splash out loads of money on this. You can find great, simple pieces for affordable prices that will immediately dress up the space and have you looking like the hostess with the mostess.

Thankfully Dunelm is here to save the day with their new in items that will make hosting duties a lot easier, and gain you multiple compliments. Whether you’re on the hunt for serving plates, new glassware, or fragrances for the home, the retailer has it all and more.

Best of Metro Deals

Get exclusive discounts with Metro Deals – save on getaways and spa days. Powered by Wowcher

Bannatyne Spa
Spa day for two with treatments, lunch & prosecco — save up to 57% off.

Get deal now

Other deals

Mystery Escape
Hotel stay with return flights from as low as £92pp — save on worldwide holiday packages.

Get deal now

Beach Retreat (Lanzarote)
4* Lanzarote beach holiday with flights — save up to 58%.

Get deal now

UK Getaway
4* Radisson Blu Durham stay with breakfast, spa access & late checkout — save 60% off.

Get deal now

Drive Supercars
 3–12 lap supercar driving experiences from £16.99 — save up to 65%. 

Get deal now

Shop The Best Hosting Items From Dunelm:

Caso IceChef Compact Ice Cube Maker

When it comes to hosting, you never want to run out of ice for your guests. Remove that worry by keeping the good times (and cold drinks) flowing with this sleek little ice maker that’s ready to churn out cubes on demand.

This nifty little machine makes fresh cubes in as little as 6 minutes whenever you need them so no drink needs to go warm.

Buy Now for £120

Sofia Drinks Trolley

Have surfaces empty and clean to keep them looking nice and tidy by putting the drink offerings on a snazzy trolley. Add a statement feature to the space with this Art Deco style option that will add a touch of elegance to the room.

It comes with two shelves so you can store your bottles and glassware away whilst leaving the top available to get drinks flowing.

Buy Now for £69

RCR Crystal Set of 6 Timeless Flutes

Cheers to the new year in effortless style with this set of six champagne flutes perfect for popping open prosecco, champagne or your favourite fizzy tipple.

Classic and elegant in design with clever detailing, they look great on the table but are tough enough for everyday use – and yes, they’re dishwasher safe too.

Buy Now for £38

Sophie Robinson Beaded Table Runner

You don’t need to remove the traces of Christmas, so keep the festive fun going with a playful table runner from interior designer Sophie Robinson.

The cracker-inpsired design is around a meter long and features a decorative hand beaded pattern that instantly adds charm, fun and extra sparkle to your celebrations – because there’s no such thing as too much sparkle on New Year’s.

Buy Now for £45

Farberware Bamboo Snack Serving Board

Take your New Year’s Eve spread up a level without the fuss with a bamboo snack serving board that is perfect for laying out all the nibbles – think the ultimate charcuterie platter with cheeses, dips, olives, crackers and meat.

Snap on the accompanying lid to keep all of your hard work fresh for longer so you can ring in 2026 with minimal stress.

Buy Now

Eleanor Bowmer Electric Coast Pack of 4 Icon Napkins

Add a pop of personality to your tablescape with this set of four quirky printed napkins from Eleanor Bowmer’s Electric Coast collection.

Each one features a hand-drawn symbol including a palm tree, lips, an eye, and the sun, that adds a punchy energetic upgrade to your party spread. Made from 100% cotton and machine-washable, they’re perfect for wiping up cocktail spills or stacking beside plates.

Buy Now for £28

Dance Velvet Rectangle Cushion

Give your party space an instant style upgrade with this plush velvet cushion with a jazzy print.

Soft to the touch and bold on personality, it’s ideal for making sofas and floor seating extra cosy as guests mingle and countdown to midnight. All you need to do is create the perfect playlist to accompany it.

Buy Now for £24

Mimosa & Cardamom Diffuser

Set the celebratory mood before guest arrive and the glasses start clinking with this Mimosa & Cardamom diffuser. Bright, zesty notes of mimosa meet warm spice for a scent that feels fresh and festive.

Pop it by the front door or living room to welcome guests with good vibes and great scents.

Buy Now for £20

Hestia Pebble Shaped Wax Melt Burner

A wax melt burner is a brilliant addition to the bathroom to keep for any unwanted odours overtaking.

Simply pop a tealight candle inside and choose an oil of your choice to fill the top bowl to continuously diffuse the space with it’s gorgeous aromas.

The sculpturall stone design allows it to easily blend into the background.

Buy Now for £10

Disco Fever Embroidered Framed Wall Art

Turn the volume up and get the party started with a piece of framed wall art that sets the tone for the evening.

With bold embroidery and a playful disco theme, it’s the perfect backdrop for your New Year’s Eve photos and adds instant fun to any room.

Buy Now for £30

Hestia Tall Gold Ribbon Candlestick Holder

Upgrade plain, boring candlestick holders with these dazzling decorative bow alternatives.

Slim, elegant and shimmering, it brings warm candlelight and a hint of glam to your NYE dinner or drinks corner – no fairy lights required.

Simply pair with taper candles and you’re ready for party time.

Buy Now for £12

Follow Metro across our social channels, on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Share your views in the comments below

MORE: Keep your home warm on a budget with this stylish £8 hack from Dunelm

MORE: Customers are raving about this Dunelm heated tool that costs 18p and gets your clothes dry in an hour

MORE: Dunelm are selling this clever winter must-have to dry your clothes fast that’s under £3

Three in 10 seeing not being able to cook as a ‘dealbreaker’ when considering whether they would date someone

The Duchess of Edinburgh oozed luxury in sumptuous knee-high boots and her largest hat of the season as she joined Prince Edward and King Charles at a church service at Sandringham on Sunday – photos.

Queen Mary of Denmark was a scene-stealer in knee-high Prada boots for a festive family outing to the Christmas Eve service at Copenhagen Cathedral, with her husband, King Frederik, and their four children, Prince Christian, Princess Isabella, Princess Josephine, and Prince Vincent.