The holiday season can be a high-stress time for many of us. Added family obligations, mounting work deadlines, and the financial implications of gift-giving can take a toll on our mental and physical health, while detracting from the joy the season brings.
As we work through our holiday to-do lists, caring for our own health & wellness needs often drop to the bottom of the list. Setting aside our personal needs is a shared experience: a 2023 survey from the American Heart Association found that nearly 80% of Americans overlook their own health needs during the holiday season, when creating a magical & meaningful season for families and loved ones becomes our central focus. 63% of survey respondents even reported the holiday season as more stressful than tax season!
We’ve put together a list of key tips to help you thrive, not just survive, this holiday season. Incorporating these small self-care practices into the business of the holiday season can help you feel energized, refreshed, and focused on what really matters this time of year.
Caring for yourself is essential for your overall health & wellbeing. In the midst of the holiday season, carve out dedicated time to self-care practices. Doing so can help you feel rejuvenated, boost your mood, improve mental and physical health, and set you up for success as we enter the new year ahead.
1. Add color to your plate. Don’t subtract.
Enjoying holiday foods with family, friends, and loved ones is part of what makes the season so special. Listen to your body’s needs, and indulge in these special treats sensibly so that you do not feel deprived or restricted. Whenever possible, add colorful fruits and vegetables to your plate. Making a charcuterie board? Add walnuts and blueberries for a powerful dose of antioxidants. Chips and dip? Add a few slices of cucumbers or peppers to increase your fiber intake.
Remember to enjoy the season without guilt. Rely on the same healthful eating & activity routines you embrace year-round to remain consistent throughout the holiday season, while continuing to reap the health benefits of these foundational principles of healthy living.
2. Sneak in some time to pamper yourself.
It’s the season of giving, and giving to yourself is no exception! If you’ve been eyeing a certain small indulgence all year, set a realistic budget and give yourself permission to indulge (within reason!). Allowing ourselves small treats from time to time can boost feelings of overall wellness.
If you’re looking for a suggestion, Hydrafacials are a great way to pamper yourself! Hydrafacials are suitable for all skin types and can instantly leave your skin feeling hydrated, refreshed, and glowing!
3. Mind your alcohol.
Alcohol overindulgence is common during the holiday season. If you choose to drink alcohol, set a limit on your consumption and stay in control. Moderate drinking for women is defined as having one drink or less per day (1 standard alcoholic drink is 5 ounces of wine, 12 ounces of regular beer, or 1.5 ounces of liquor or distilled spirits). Task a friend or family member as being your accountability partner if you need additional support.
If you choose not to drink alcohol, mocktails are also a great choice and can be loaded with nutrient-dense ingredients – like berries, citrus fruits, cinnamon, nutmeg – to pack additional health benefits into your holiday mocktail.
4. Turn on ‘Do Not Disturb’.
Designate undisturbed time with loved ones. Mute notifications on your phone to ensure your focus centers on creating special memories with the important people in your life. Set your phone aside entirely for a certain time period, if needed.
5. Give back!
We all know the old saying, “The more you give, the more you receive”. While it may seem counterintuitive to self-care, the act of giving during the holiday season can have powerful health effects such as improved mood, reduced stress, and a renewed sense of purpose.
Before the end of the year, commit to 1 giving practice you wouldn’t typically embrace. Suggestions include sending a holiday card to reconnect with someone you’ve lost touch with over the year, covering a morning cup of coffee for a loved one with a digital gift card, donating to a charitable cause of your choice, or volunteering your time at a local food bank or holiday food drive.
Sources
New Survey: 79% of survey respondents overlook their health needs during the holidays; find the holidays more stressful than tax season. American Heart Association. December 18, 2023. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://newsroom.heart.org/news/new-survey-79-of-survey-respondents-overlook-their-health-needs-during-the-holidays-find-the-holidays-more-stressful-than-tax-season
Alcohol Use. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. May 15, 2024. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://www.cdc.gov/alcohol/about-alcohol-use/moderate-alcohol-use.html
The Health Benefits of Giving and Donating During the Holiday Season. Erlanger Health System. October 27, 2023. Accessed November 21, 2024. https://blog.erlanger.org/2023/10/27/the-health-benefits-of-giving-and-donating/
The medical content in this article has been reviewed for accuracy by Karla Loken, DO, OBGYN, FACOOG.