Surviving (and Enjoying) the Holidays: Realistic Ways to Protect Your Health and Sanity

Here we go again, that time of year with family gatherings, cheerful moments, delicious treats, and those can’t-miss sales at your favorite store.

But let’s be honest here, for many people, these ‘happy times’ also bring a fair share of stress. Stress from crowded stores, financial strain from extra spending, weight gain from overindulgence, and holiday travel chaos. It’s no wonder this season can feel more overwhelming than joyful.

On top of that, we tend to squeeze even more into our already busy schedules, leaving little room for both physical and mental self-care. It is ironic, really…because during stressful times, taking care of yourself isn’t a luxury, it’s a necessity.

The holidays are about giving, but like the old saying goes “you can’t fill someone else’s cup if your cup is empty”. If you are starting to notice your own cup running low, don’t worry. There are simple, practical ways to protect your health – both mental and physical – while still enjoying the holidays.

Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season:

1. Eat healthy when you can: Let’s be real, no one is skipping the holiday cookies or peppermint mochas completely, nor should you. But balance is key here. Beyond helping curb a little holiday weight gain, healthy eating has also been linked to managing anxiety and depression.

If you know you have a big dinner or dessert-heavy event coming up, try to eat lighter and more nutrient-dense meals earlier in the day. Or if your usual coffee order suddenly comes topped with whipped cream and extra syrup, try alternating between high and low sugar versions, or simply order a smaller size. Little adjustments add up in a big way.

2. Rethink your approach to gifting: If money feels tight this season, focus on personal, heartfelt over expensive. The holidays are not about competition, so this is not the time to try to “keep up with the Joneses”. Small, thoughtful gifts often carry more weight than something pricey that ends up collecting dust.

It is also worth taking a fresh look at your budget. See if there is anything you can temporarily cut back on to ease the extra cost of the season. A little financial breathing room can go a long way towards reducing stress.

3. Find ways to unwind: When stress starts to rise, pause and ask yourself: What actually helps me relax? It doesn’t have to be elaborate, expensive or time consuming. Maybe it is a cozy movie night with family, journaling, drawing, reading or a walk in the cool air. And yes, a hot bubble bath absolutely counts (and if you want to share it…hey, that works too).

The goal is to carve out moments that refill your cup, even if it is just a few minutes at a time.

4. Move your body—no matter how small the effort: Exercise isn’t just about fitness…it is an effective tool for maintaining mental health. When your schedule gets hectic, formal workouts tend to be pushed to the back. So instead of giving up that entire time, look for small ways to stay active: park farther away at the store, take the stairs, stretch before bed, etc.

Even a short walk can help lower tension and boost your mood. Plus, that extra minute or two before entering a crowded store, can be the perfect time to practice some deep breathing.

Now these are only a few tips to get you started. Everyone’s life looks a little different, so take an honest look at your lifestyle and see where you can make small changes that support you. Maybe it’s saying no to one event so you can rest, setting a spending limit before shopping, or simply drinking more water (yes, that again).

The point is: don’t forget yourself this season!

So give yourself permission to slow down, breath, and refill your cup.

Stay curious, stay sane.

If you found this information useful, please check out my podcast or follow me on Facebook. Any topics you would like to cover? Email me at Renee@bodyandmindstrong.com.(I will NOT use your email for any type of mailer list or spam!!)