How to have a Healthy Holiday Season
The holiday season is meant to be a time of joy, celebration, and connection, but it can also bring stress, unhealthy habits, and overwhelming demands. With a little mindfulness and preparation, you can navigate the festivities while maintaining your well-being.
My mom is Italian, and holidays (with lots of food!) have always been very important to her. I remember when I was growing up there was so much preparation and expectation for each holiday. All the dads and kids would go play softball at the local school and the moms would work tirelessly in the kitchen.
Fast forward many years and now I am the one doing most of the preparation, cooking, gift shopping and wrapping. I love the holiday season, but it can be overwhelming, especially when I set high standards for myself. These past few years I have been making a conscious effort to simplify and slow down so I can really enjoy the season without the added exhaustion.
Here are some ideas on how to have a healthy, happy, and stress-free holiday season:
Set Realistic Expectations
One of the biggest stressors during the holidays is the pressure to make everything perfect. Accept that things may not go exactly as planned, and that’s okay! Focus on enjoying the moment rather than striving for perfection. Simplifying your plans and prioritizing what matters most to you will alleviate much of the pressure.
Tip: Make a list of your top 3 holiday priorities, whether it’s spending time with family, practicing self-care, or giving back. Let go of the rest.
Prioritize Self-Care:
It’s easy to forget about self-care when you’re juggling holiday responsibilities. But taking time for yourself is crucial to managing stress and staying healthy. Whether it’s getting enough sleep, enjoying quiet time, or engaging in activities that bring you joy, self-care should be a non-negotiable part of your holiday routine.
Tip: Schedule self-care activities like you would schedule any other holiday event. Even 15 minutes of “me time” can make a big difference.
Stay Active:
Physical activity helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and keep your body energized. Even with a busy holiday schedule, try to incorporate movement into your day. Whether it’s a brisk walk, yoga, or a fun family activity, keeping active will help you stay grounded.
Tip: Turn family gatherings into opportunities for movement, like going for a walk after a meal or
playing a fun group sport.
Mind Your Nutrition
Holiday meals often come with indulgent treats, and that’s perfectly fine! The key is to enjoy them mindfully while also balancing your plate with healthy options. Make sure you’re still getting plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins to keep your energy levels stable and support your immune system.
Tip: Before holiday parties, eat a small, healthy snack to prevent overeating. When at the event, fill your plate with nutrient-dense options first, then savor your favorite holiday treats without overindulging.
Plan Ahead for Stressful Situations
Family dynamics, financial strain, and packed schedules can add to holiday stress. Anticipating potential triggers and having a plan to cope can help you stay calm. Whether it’s setting boundaries with loved ones, creating a budget, or learning to say “no” when needed, a proactive approach can reduce anxiety.
Tip: Practice deep breathing, meditation, or journaling to manage stress. When challenges arise, these tools can help you stay centered and respond thoughtfully rather than react emotionally. Sometimes just talking a short pause before reacting can make all the difference in the world.
Stay Connected to Your Well-Being
It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle of the holidays and forget about your mental and emotional well-being. Make time for reflection, gratitude, and meaningful connections. Whether it’s having heartfelt conversations with loved ones or taking a few moments each day to reflect on what you’re thankful for, these practices can deepen your sense of joy and contentment.
Tip: Keep a holiday gratitude journal and write down three things you’re grateful for each day.
This simple practice can shift your focus from stress to appreciation.
Enlist Help
Enlisting help from others during the holidays can ease the burden and make the season more enjoyable for everyone. Instead of trying to do everything yourself, delegate tasks to family or friends—whether it is helping with meal prep, decorating, or planning events. Involving others not only lightens your load but also creates a shared sense of responsibility and teamwork.
Tip: When asking for help, be specific. Instead of saying, & “I need help with dinner”; “Could
you bring a dessert or set the table”; Clear, direct requests make it easier for people to step in.
Maintain Balance
The key to a healthy holiday season is balance. Allow yourself to indulge and enjoy, but also set limits to avoid burnout. Know when to step back and recharge, and remember that you don’t have to do everything.
Tip: Set boundaries around your time and energy. It’s okay to say no to events or tasks that don’t align with your priorities or well-being.
Conclusion
The holidays don’t have to be a time of stress and unhealthy habits. By setting realistic expectations, prioritizing self-care, staying active, and finding balance, you can enjoy a joyful and stress-free season that nourishes both your body and mind. Remember, the best way to spread holiday cheer is by taking care of yourself first!
Please share your thoughts and experience about these two important questions.
What holiday is most important to you and why?
What is one thing you can do to make the holiday season more enjoyable?
