The holidays are a magical time, but they can also bring a whirlwind of activity—from planning meals and buying gifts to attending endless events, not to mention the kids out of school for two full weeks. For busy moms and women juggling it all, staying healthy often takes a backseat. But prioritizing your well-being can make this time far more enjoyable and less stressful.
Here are simple, actionable tips to help you stay healthy and reduce stress during the holidays.
1. Stay Hydrated: Sip Your Way to Calm
When life gets busy, it’s easy to forget to drink water. But dehydration can lead to fatigue, headaches, and irritability—not ideal during the holidays or any time of the year. When our schedule is off or we're traveling it can really throw off our hydration. To keep your intake up, try keeping it top of mind. Say your goal out loud to other family member and/or write it somewhere obvious.
How to Make It Happen:
Carry a reusable water bottle wherever you go.
Set reminders on your phone to take sips throughout the day.
Spice up plain water with festive flavors like slices of orange, cranberry, or a sprig of mint to make hydration feel special.
Try seasonal herbal teas both warm and cold, to mix it up.
If you really struggle with water intake, try adding in flavored sparking water like La Croix, or flavored flat water like Hint. Look for waters with no added sugar or sweeteners, just the "essence".
2. Prioritize Rest: Sleep Is Non-Negotiable
Late-night gift wrapping, holiday movie marathons, and early mornings can wreak havoc on your sleep schedule. Getting enough rest helps you manage stress, think clearly, and maintain energy.
How to Make It Happen:
Set a consistent bedtime and stick to it, even during the busy season. This is easier said than done, which is why I am offering some other tips if this doesn't happen.
Create a calming bedtime routine, such as reading a book or practicing deep breathing.
Limit screen time before bed to improve sleep quality.
Trade wake up time with your partner, other adult, or even older teen in the house- if you are up late with visitors or events, try trading off who will wake up with the children the next day.
Take a nap- if you're getting less sleep at night, try scheduling in a nap during vacation time and don't feel guilty about it!
Limit alcohol consumption. Alcohol is notorious for sleep disruption and lowered sleep quality. Try limiting your amount or the nights in a row in which you partake in alcohol.
Schedule Downtime: Protect Your Peace
The holiday hustle can leave little room for relaxation, but carving out moments of stillness is essential for your mental health.
How to Make It Happen:
Block out "me-time" on your calendar, even if it’s just 15 minutes.
Engage in activities that recharge you, like reading, knitting, meditating, or enjoying a quiet cup of tea.
Say "no" to events or obligations that don’t bring you joy.
4. Move Your Body: Choose Joyful Movement
Exercise is a powerful stress reliever, but during the holidays, it doesn’t have to mean hitting the gym. The last thing you need during this busy week is to add more pressure to your checklist. Give yourself permission to not stick to a rigid routine or work towards your bigger fitness goal this week. Movement that feels good and fits into your schedule is enough to keep your body and mind happy.
How to Make It Happen:
Go for a brisk walk to enjoy holiday lights and fresh air.
Try a short, at-home workout or yoga session.
Dance around the living room with your kids to holiday music.
Remember, every little bit of movement counts.
Why These Tips Work
These strategies address your body’s basic needs for hydration, rest, relaxation, and movement. Meeting these needs helps reduce stress, boost your mood, and give you the energy to fully enjoy the season. By taking care of yourself, you’ll be better able to create the holiday magic you want for your family and loved ones.
Your Health Is the Best Gift
This holiday season, give yourself permission to focus on your well-being. A well-rested, hydrated, and calm you is the best gift you can give to yourself and those you love.
About Kinetic Women’s Wellness: At Kinetic Women’s Wellness, I specialize in empowering women to achieve their fitness and wellness goals through personalized training, nutritional guidance, and holistic well-being strategies. Located in Round Hill, Virginia, my mission is to create a supportive and motivating environment where every woman can thrive.
Connect with Us:
Website: www.kineticwomenswellness.com
Facebook: facebook.com/kineticwomenswellness
Comments