Taking Care of Yourself:
Staying Healthy and Unstressed During the Holidays

The holiday season can be a magical time filled with family gatherings, festive decorations, and the joy of giving. However, it’s also a time that can bring a significant amount of stress. From planning holiday meals and shopping for gifts to juggling social obligations and travel, it’s easy to become overwhelmed. Staying healthy… physically, emotionally, and mentally… requires a little extra attention during this busy period. Here are some practical tips to help you maintain your well-being and manage stress, so you can truly enjoy the season.

Prioritize Self-Care

During the holidays, it’s tempting to focus all your energy on others—making sure your family is happy, the house is perfectly decorated, and everyone has the gifts they want. While it’s wonderful to be generous, it’s crucial not to forget about yourself. Self-care is not selfish; it’s necessary.

• Set aside ‘me time’: Even if it’s only 15-20 minutes a day, create a pocket of time where you can decompress. Whether you meditate, take a walk, or enjoy a warm bath, this time to unwind will recharge you.
• Get enough sleep: Sleep is one of the first things that can be sacrificed during a busy schedule, but it’s also one of the most critical components of good health. A well-rested body and mind are better equipped to handle stress. Aim for 7-9 hours of quality sleep each night.

Manage Expectations

We often have an idealized vision of the perfect holiday season. The reality, however, is that things might not always go according to plan, and that’s okay. Keeping your expectations realistic is essential to preventing holiday stress.

• Focus on what’s important: It’s easy to get caught up in the details—whether the dinner table looks Instagram-worthy, or if everyone gets the perfect gift. Instead, focus on the deeper meaning of the holidays: spending time with loved ones and creating cherished memories.
• Say no when needed: Overcommitting is a common cause of holiday stress. If attending every holiday party or hosting multiple gatherings feels overwhelming, it’s okay to politely decline some invitations. Prioritize the events and activities that matter most to you and your family.

Maintain a Healthy Diet

Holiday parties and family dinners often come with an abundance of rich, high-calorie foods. While it’s fine to indulge occasionally, maintaining balance is key to keeping your energy up and your stress levels down.

• Eat mindfully: Try not to use food as a coping mechanism for stress. Instead, eat with intention and enjoy the flavors of the season in moderation.
• Stay hydrated: With cooler weather and festive drinks often high in sugar, it’s easy to forget the importance of water. Staying hydrated keeps your energy up and can help curb excessive hunger. Carry a water bottle with you and drink throughout the day.
• Incorporate healthy options: Even when surrounded by sweets and rich dishes, make room for nutritious foods like fruits, vegetables, and whole grains. These will help keep your immune system strong and your energy levels stable.

Stay Active

Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Even during the busiest of times, incorporating movement into your day can do wonders for your body and mind.

• Find time for exercise: Whether it’s a brisk walk, a yoga session, or a quick workout, try to fit some form of physical activity into your routine. Exercise releases endorphins, which naturally boost your mood and help you better manage stress.
• Make it fun: You don’t have to stick to a strict exercise regimen during the holidays. Get creative with how you stay active… ice skating, dancing, or going for a hike are all festive ways to get your body moving.

Stay Organized

A common source of holiday stress is feeling unprepared or disorganized. To prevent this, take time to plan and keep things manageable.

• Make a holiday to-do list: Write down everything you need to do, from gift shopping to meal planning. Break larger tasks into smaller, more manageable steps, and tackle them one by one.
• Budget for time and money: Overspending or trying to squeeze too much into a limited amount of time can cause unnecessary anxiety. Set realistic budgets for both your finances and your schedule, and stick to them. Planning early also helps reduce the last-minute rush.

Stay Connected, but Set Boundaries

The holidays are a time for reconnecting with family and friends. While these gatherings can bring joy, they can also sometimes create tension.

• Stay connected in meaningful ways: Make time to check in with loved ones, whether in person, over the phone, or via video chat. Quality connections can be a great way to combat loneliness and lift your spirits.
• Set boundaries: If family dynamics are stressful, don’t hesitate to set boundaries around how much time you spend with certain individuals or how involved you become in conversations or events. It’s okay to step away to protect your peace.

Practice Gratitude

Gratitude is a powerful tool for shifting your mindset from stress to joy. During the hustle and bustle of the season, taking a moment each day to reflect on what you’re grateful for can provide perspective and alleviate feelings of overwhelm.

• Keep a gratitude journal: Write down a few things each day that you appreciate, whether it’s a moment of laughter, a delicious meal, or the company of a loved one. Focusing on the positive helps reframe your thoughts and reduces stress.

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and celebration, but they can also bring stress and anxiety if we don’t take care of ourselves. By focusing on self-care, managing expectations, staying organized, and maintaining healthy habits, you can navigate the holiday season with more peace and enjoyment. Take time to nourish your body and mind and remember the true spirit of the holidays is in the connection, love, and gratitude… things that thrive best when you are healthy and unstressed.

This article originally appeared in the Autumn 2024 issue of CHOICES Magazine