The holiday season can be an exciting time filled with celebrations and cherished moments with loved ones, but it can also accompany extra stress and responsibilities. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle, but don’t forget to make space for YOU this season. Shifting your mindset to prioritize what truly matters and nurture your well-being can help you have a holiday that fills you rather than drains you. On this month’s Let’s Chat, the true. team gathers to share 12 tips to have a healthy and balanced holiday!
The holiday season can be a demanding time when the default is to focus on others. But remember, you deserve care, too! Think about what truly helps you feel refreshed. Is it a long bath, a night out with friends, a cozy movie night, or going for a walk? Schedule time for yourself, whether it’s 30 minutes of a self-care focused activity or an evening with loved ones. Recharging is essential to showing up as your best self.
It’s okay to say “no” to events or obligations. Protect your energy by prioritizing what truly matters to you. Start by understanding your limits and priorities—this will help you communicate your boundaries clearly to loved ones. While it’s natural to want to keep everyone happy or avoid hurting feelings, saying “no” is a realistic and healthy choice. It may feel challenging at first, but with practice, setting boundaries becomes easier.
Make it simple; you can’t do it all between work, family, and additional holiday commitments. Allow yourself to take shortcuts–grab a box of cookies instead of baking from scratch, choose simpler decorations, or scale back your gift list this year. If you can’t find a shortcut, say no, pass it off, and spread the responsibilities of this season with others. Sometimes less is more; by simplifying things, you can manage your stress more effectively and have time to focus on things that bring you joy. So give yourself some grace because less stress equals more joy.
Don’t skip meals to “save calories” for a big dinner—it might seem logical before a holiday party, but it often backfires. Skipping meals can lead to fatigue, intense cravings, and overeating later. When we go all day without eating, we’re more likely to make less mindful choices, which can lead to more calories than you thought at the end of the night. To stay in control and feel your best, focus on balanced meals throughout the day. If you know there will be sweet treats later, try starting with a lower-carb, high-protein breakfast and a lunch rich in protein and healthy fats. This will help regulate blood sugar spikes and energize you so you can enjoy treats without overdoing it.
The holidays are busy, and as a result, your exercise and movement may fall on the priority list. If you are struggling to find time in your schedule, remember your workout routine doesn’t have to be perfect. Reflect on how your body feels and focus on movement that feels good, whether it’s yoga, a quick walk, or dancing to holiday tunes. Even 10-15 minutes can help you reset and recharge.
Rest is vital to maintain your overall wellness and protect against the effects of exhaustion and stress. To prevent burnout throughout a busy day, give yourself short breaks to rest or take a quick power nap. Your goal should be 7-8 hours of quality sleep per night. If you’re struggling to fall asleep, start by preparing your body before bed—reflect on what you’re thankful for, practice deep breathing, and calm your mind. If the first time didn’t do the trick, get out of bed and repeat the process. When overwhelming thoughts take over, keep your eyes open for a moment. Focus on the fact that you’re in bed, the lights are off, and it’s time to sleep. This can help ground your mind and prevent you from picturing the thoughts that otherwise may keep you up when your eyes are closed.
Shift your focus to meaningful, heartfelt gifts rather than the cost of an item. Think about intention. How do you want people to feel after all the presents are open? After the celebration is over? If you want people to feel seen, heard, and loved, focus on giving with the intention. By practicing mindful giving this season, you can release guilt and stress from overspending and focus on making cherished memories.
Emotions can run high during the holiday season. Whether they are positive or negative, they can be very intense. Acknowledge and accept your feelings. Emotions can lose their intensity when you name and sit with them. The holidays may also bring heavy emotions like grief from the loss of a loved one or a significant life change. If stress or sadness creeps in, try talking to someone you trust or journaling your emotions. Remember to be kind to yourself—it’s okay not to feel “merry” all the time. A full range of emotions makes us authentic humans able to connect with others and share our experiences.
A season of busyness doesn’t mean you should neglect time to rest and relax. Your body needs that time to recharge both your physical and mental health so you can be your best self. Block off quiet moments in your calendar for recovery, reflection, or connection with loved ones. This time looks different for everyone. You might choose to share it with a partner or set it aside intentionally as time just for yourself. And remember to treat these like any other important commitment.
While it may seem easier to keep your head down and get through the holidays, it is crucial to ask for help for the sake of your wellness. Lean on your support system, whether it’s family, friends, or a holiday group chat, don’t be afraid to reach out. Whatever may be weighing on you this holiday season, if you are struggling to cope, remember that connection can be a powerful tool. Women who cope well do these three things:
Reflect on joy during this season. Make time for the little things that make you happy, like watching your favorite holiday movie or taking a walk in the snow. By practicing gratitude and finding the positives in the little and difficult things, you can find the hidden joy. When you shift your mindset daily, you’re not just improving your mood for that moment but also nurturing your overall mental wellness for the long term.
The holidays don’t have to be perfect to be meaningful. Let go of unrealistic expectations and enjoy the season for what it is. Focus on what truly matters—your well-being, joy, and the connections that bring you happiness.
Don’t put a pause on your health or goals just because the holidays are here. Make this holiday season meaningful by filling it with loved ones, taking time for yourself, and remembering what you are most grateful for this year. At true., our team is filled with incredible women providers who, like you, are navigating the holiday responsibilities. We understand the challenges, and that’s why we encourage you to prioritize yourself this season—because you deserve it.
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