There’s a particular kind of January morning many of us recognise. You wake up feeling a little heavy, not ill, just… sluggish. The kettle feels like the day’s first sensible decision, and the festive season’s “just one more” has somehow turned into eating lots of rich food, later nights, and a schedule that’s slipped sideways.
If that sounds familiar, you’re not alone. The festive season is brilliant, but it can be a lot for your body. The good news: you don’t need a dramatic “detox” or a punishing reset. What usually works best is simple consistency: hydration, light movement, balanced meals, and a supplement routine you can actually stick to.
This post shares a realistic “lighter mornings” plan... plus where Milk Thistle fits in as a gentle, popular herbal option for everyday wellbeing.
Quick takeaways
- A “lighter morning” is usually built from: water + protein + fibre + some fruit + daylight + movement
- Keep it simple for 7 - 14 days post-festive: repeatable, healthy meals and earlier nights beat extremes
- Milk thistle is a plant used for centuries; its key compound, silymarin, found in the seeds, helps support the liver by acting as an antioxidant.
- Woods Health Milk Thistle provides 100 mg milk thistle seed powder per tablet, is sustainably harvested, and taken once daily with food
- If you take prescribed medication or have a medical condition, check with your GP/pharmacist before starting new supplements
Why mornings can feel “heavier” after Christmas
A festive season lifestyle tends to stack small things in the same direction:
- Richer meals and bigger portions
- Less fibre and fewer vegetables
- More alcohol and/or sugary treats
- Later nights and disrupted sleep
- Less daylight exposure and movement (hello, UK winter)
Even if you’ve enjoyed yourself and feel fine overall, it’s common to notice lower energy, puffiness, cravings, or less digestive comfort. This routine aims to return your body to its usual rhythm.
What is milk thistle?
Milk thistle (Silybum marianum) is a plant from the daisy family. It’s native to parts of Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, and it’s been used for centuries in herbal traditions.
The best-known naturally occurring compound group in milk thistle seeds is called silymarin, which is why many milk thistle products reference the seed.
Woods Health Milk Thistle highlights:
- Milk Thistle seed powder: 100 mg per daily dose in 1 tablet
- Take 1 tablet daily with food
- Sustainably harvested
View the product here: https://www.woodshealth.com/milk-thistle.html
The “Lighter Mornings” routine (which could be a 7 - 14 day reset)
Step 1: Start your day with a glass of water to increase your fluid intake. This is less about “cleansing” and more about rehydration after sleep, especially if you’ve had alcohol the night before.
Step 2: Build breakfast around protein + fibre and fruit
Aim for a breakfast that steadies you until lunch, including a protein (such as eggs, yoghurt, nut butter or beans), fibre (such as wholegrain toast, oats porridge or bircher muesli) and some fruit (such as berries, a banana or fruit salad).
Step 3: Try to get 15–20 minutes of daylight
In the UK winter, daylight can be scarce, so it helps to catch it early.
Step 4: Move gently after meals
A short walk after lunch or dinner is one of the most underrated “reset” habits. It’s practical, free, and doesn’t require gym motivation and can support your daily rhythm.
Step 5: Keep evenings lighter:
When mornings feel heavy, changing your evening routine may help:
- Have your evening meal 2–3 hours before bed, where possible
- Choose a lighter dinner
- Reduce “snack grazing” while watching TV
- Aim for a consistent bedtime for a week
Where does Milk Thistle fit into a festive-season routine?
Your liver already does its job 24/7. It's a vital organ, as it helps all metabolic processes in the body, produces energy, creates bile that helps break down fat, helps control blood sugar levels, and converts specific nutrients as part of normal metabolism. Research has shown that Milk Thistle can benefit the liver in various ways, including as an antioxidant.
So, after a season of indulging, a supplement like milk thistle can sit alongside your wellbeing lifestyle and dietary changes as part of a steady routine, not as a quick fix.
FAQs:
What is silymarin?
Silymarin is the name commonly used for a group of naturally occurring compounds found mainly in milk thistle seeds, which is why seed-based products are so popular.
How long should I take milk thistle for?
Many people use herbal supplements as part of a consistent routine for a few weeks before deciding whether it’s a good fit. Consistency matters more than “on and off” dosing.
Can I take milk thistle with my medication?
If you are taking prescribed medication or have a medical condition, Woods Health advises consulting your doctor before taking food supplements.
References:
Abenavoli, L., et al. (2010) Milk thistle in liver diseases: past, present, future. Phytotherapy Research, 24(10), p1423-1432.
Gillessen, A., et al. (2020) Silymarin as Supportive Treatment in Liver Diseases: A Narrative Review. Advances in Therapy, 37, p1279-1301.
Institute for Quality and Efficiency in Health Care (2006) In brief: How does the liver work? Informed Health. Link: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK279393/
Feher, J. and Lengyel, G. (2012) Silymarin in the Prevention and Treatment of Liver Diseases, Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology, 13(1), p210-217.
