Your guide to a healthier holiday season
The most wonderful time of the year can also be one of the busiest. These simple strategies can help you manage stress and support your well-being all season long.
Between family gatherings, seasonal treats, and time-honored traditions, there's a lot to enjoy this time of year. And while the holidays can look a little different for everyone, one thing stays the same: taking care of yourself matters.
Fortunately, supporting your well-being doesn't require a major lifestyle overhaul. A few simple habits can help you stay balanced and make the most of the season.
Try mindfulness meditation
If you're looking for a simple way to slow down this season, mindfulness meditation may be worth a try. Research from Johns Hopkins Medicine and the Mayo Clinic suggests that mindfulness practices may help ease stress and anxiety while encouraging you to focus on the present moment.
It can be helpful to carve out a few quiet moments for yourself. Rather than worrying about what's next on your to-do list, mindfulness encourages you to pay attention to what's happening right now.
You don't need special equipment or a dedicated meditation space to get started. You can practice mindfulness almost anywhere. Try focusing on your breathing while waiting in line, taking a few moments to notice your surroundings during a walk, or simply pausing to check in with yourself throughout the day.
If you're new to meditation, start small. Even a few minutes can provide an opportunity to pause and refocus. Guided meditation sessions can be a simple way to ease into the practice, and the Calm Health app offers a variety of options to help you get started.
Take time to recharge
The holiday season can be exciting, but it can also be exhausting.
Between work commitments, family activities, and social events, it's easy to move from one obligation to the next without giving yourself a chance to catch your breath. That's why it's important to carve out moments for yourself.
That doesn't have to mean blocking off an entire afternoon. A short walk, a favorite playlist, a few pages of a book, or a quiet cup of tea can all provide an opportunity to step away from your to-do list for a while. Checking in with yourself and making space for activities you enjoy can be especially important during a busy holiday season, notes UC Davis Health.
It's also okay to say no. If a commitment feels more stressful than enjoyable, give yourself permission to decline an invitation or simplify your plans. Protecting your well-being can make it easier to focus on the events and traditions that matter most.
Say Goodbye To Dinnertime Stress
Make time for movement
Sometimes, the best way to clear your mind is to get your body moving. Exercise can help relieve stress, improve mood, and boost energy levels, according to the Mayo Clinic. That’s because physical activity can increase the production of endorphins, chemicals in the brain that help boost mood.
And you don't need a long workout to experience those benefits. If your schedule feels packed, look for opportunities to add movement throughout your day. A quick walk around the neighborhood, a few minutes of stretching, taking the stairs instead of the elevator, or going for a walk after a meal can all help you fit more activity into your routine. You can even turn time with family and friends into an opportunity to move, whether that's dancing to your favorite songs or taking an active outing together.
The bottom line: When the season starts moving a little too fast, give yourself permission to slow it down. A few intentional moments throughout the day can help you feel more present, energized, and ready to enjoy what this time of year is really about.
See our sources:
Mindfulness meditation: Johns Hopkins Medicine and Mayo Clinic
Managing your mental health during the holidays: UC Davis Health
Exercise and stress: Mayo Clinic
