That's the big day done and dusted.

OK, we still have New Year’s Eve ahead, but if you're feeling the effects of your over indulgence, you don't need to look far for remedies. Treat your over-stuffed body and over-stretched mind to some well earned respite.

It all seemed such a good idea at the time, when you thought you could plan, prepare and produce the perfect Christmas day for the whole family, including parents, partners and the odd waif and stray.  And you actually made quite a good job of it, aided by copious amounts of falling down water and artery-busting festive delicacies.  And it did all go rather well if you just gloss over the incident with the dog and the mother in law's false teeth.

However now, as you contemplate the mountain of empty bottles and the final two hard centres left in the Quality Street tin, it is apparent that it's time to bid farewell to the festive season for another year and try and offer up some recompense to your bruised and abused mind and body.

Probably best to start with the mind... which may then be able to convince the body it is capable.  Croydon Buddhist Centre is at the heart of a friendly community of Buddhists living throughout south London and surrounding areas, and welcomes newcomers to try out its many activities.  Offering several meditation classes, lunchtime and evenings, throughout the week for both newcomers and those already familiar with Buddhism and meditation, the classes concentrate on getting to know your own mind, and developing your positive attributes.  All classes are run on a drop in basis so there is no need to book. 

Once you have persuaded your mind that getting up off the sofa is not tantamount to scaling Everest, you'll be ready to have some fun and get yourself moving again at the Popdance Classes held regularly at the Scream Centre in Croydon.  Have some grown up fun learning dance routines to music from the 80's 90's and Noughties in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.  With drop in classes for over 18's, this is your chance to enjoy a little bit of grown up (or not, some may say!) fun with easy to follow moves, no pressure and an emphasis on having fun. Nobody cares what size you are, how good you are and how many left feet you have (actually, if it’s three you might get the odd curious glance!) and getting that little bit of exercise without realising it is just an added bonus!

If that sounds just a little bit too energetic for you, how about some Beginner’s Pilates?  Held at Laleham Lea School in Purley and starting on the 3rd January 2012, Pilates is a beginner-friendly fitness system suitable for all ages and levels of fitness, designed to improve physical strength, flexibility, and posture, and enhance mental wellbeing. In addition to the beginner’s classes there is Pilates for Legs, Bums and Tums, and new courses are due to be added in the future.

Get yourself started now and those inevitable New Year's Resolutions won't seem half as daunting!