A 5-Step Guide to Enjoy a Healthy Holiday Season

You’ve probably heard a lot of advice about staying present during a healthy holiday season – slowing down, savoring the moments, and trying not to get swept up in the rush. And honestly? I’m a huge believer in all of that. Being in the moment is one of the most powerful ways to lower stress, anchor yourself, and feel connected to what actually matters.

But there’s one big exception I make this time of year, and it has nothing to do with strict routines, willpower, or “staying on track.”
It’s this:

If you want to enjoy a genuinely healthy holiday season, physically, emotionally, and mentally, it helps to think ahead just a little.

Now, before your brain jumps to diet culture messaging, let me be clear: this is not about weight, restriction, or “undoing” anything you’ve eaten. Those ideas can sap the joy out of the season and create pressure where none is needed.

This is about something very different: your well-being.

Why Healthy Holidays Aren’t About Weight

Every year, without fail, I hear from people who feel off-kilter by the time January arrives. They’re not upset about how they look; they’re frustrated by how they feel.
They describe things like:

• Feeling scattered or overwhelmed
• Losing their routines and struggling to find momentum again
• Forgetting to take care of themselves because they’re busy caring for everyone else
• Being more stressed, overstimulated, or exhausted than they expected
• Feeling disconnected from their body’s signals, like hunger, fullness, energy, and rest
• Not sleeping as well
• Getting dehydrated because they’re rushing from event to event
• Realizing they haven’t had a moment of quiet in weeks

These are not “willpower problems.” They’re human problems and they’re incredibly common during a season that tends to demand a lot from us.

A healthy holiday season is about making sure you don’t lose yourself in the chaos.

It’s about protecting your energy.
It’s about honoring your needs.
It’s about staying grounded when everything around you is ramping up.
It’s about nurturing your mental, physical, and emotional well-being in small but meaningful ways.

A truly healthy holiday season is one where you feel supported, centered, and able to enjoy the things that matter most — not one where you’re policing yourself or feeling guilty for celebrating.

Why Looking Ahead Helps

We often think being present means going with the flow, but sometimes the best way to be present is to set ourselves up with a little structure.

Think of it this way:
You plan holiday gatherings to create meaningful memories.
You make a list before you shop so you don’t forget anything.
You schedule travel so you don’t miss flights or family events.

Your well-being deserves the same intentional care.

When you take 5–10 minutes to think about what you need during the holiday season, you’re not being rigid — you’re being supportive. You’re giving yourself a foundation that helps you stay in the moment without feeling stretched too thin.

A Two-Minute Check-In for Your Healthy Holidays

Here’s a simple reflection that can help you move through December with more calm and less stress:

What can I realistically commit to for myself this season?

Not perfectly.
Not every day.
Not forever.

Just realistically.

Here are some ideas that support your total well-being:

1. Movement that feels good

This isn’t about burning calories — it’s about boosting your mood, easing tension, and helping you feel more grounded in your body.

Maybe that means:

• Three 30-minute movement sessions each week
• A short walk after dinner on days that feel hectic
• A gentle stretch session on mornings when you feel tight
• Dance breaks while wrapping gifts
• A visit to a yoga class that makes you feel cared for

[RELATED: CHECK OUT MY 12 DAYS OF FITMAS CHALLENGE]

2. Simple, nourishing food choices

Holiday meals are meant to be enjoyed.
At the same time, your body might feel better when you make sure there’s some balance, too.

Realistic options may include:

• Doing a short meal prep session once or twice a week
• Keeping your favorite easy foods on hand
• Adding a vegetable or fruit to most meals for the sake of how it makes you feel
• Eating your holiday treats slowly and with intention, choosing the ones you truly love

3. Quality sleep

Sleep is the unsung hero of the holiday season. When you’re well-rested:

• You’re more patient
• You handle stress better
• Your cravings feel more stable
• Your mood stays consistent
• Your body and brain recover more fully

Setting a goal of 7–8 hours of sleep most nights is a powerful part of a healthy holiday routine.

4. Hydration

It sounds simple, but staying hydrated makes a huge difference in your energy, digestion, skin, and mood. With packed schedules, hydration tends to get overlooked — so making it a mindful choice helps.

5. Boundaries and rest

A healthy holiday season isn’t only physical — it’s emotional.

Ask yourself:

• Do I need quiet time some days?
• Do I need to say “no” to a few events to protect my energy?
• Do I need rest that doesn’t involve my phone?
• Do I need a break from loud, busy environments?
• Do I need moments to decompress between gatherings?

Boundaries aren’t selfish. They’re the reason you’ll still have energy left for the things you want to do.

Scheduling Your Commitments Makes a Difference

Once you identify what feels realistic and supportive for you, write it down.
Put it in your planner or calendar.
Treat your needs like they matter, because they do.

Your commitments can be tiny.
They can be flexible.
They can be imperfect.

What matters is that they show up in your week in some form.

These micro-habits help anchor your healthy holidays.

How You’ll Feel When You Nurture Yourself Through the Season

When you make space for your well-being, even in small ways, you’ll likely notice changes such as:

• More energy
• Better sleep
• Clearer thinking
• More stable moods
• Less stress
• More enjoyment of your traditions
• A stronger sense of control during a busy season
• Feeling more present at gatherings
• A smoother transition into the new year

It’s not the size of your commitment that matters.
It’s the consistency and the compassion you bring to it.

Accountability Helps… and You Deserve Support!

If you want to increase the odds that you’ll follow through on your intentions, tell someone. Accountability isn’t about pressure , it’s about encouragement. It reminds you that you’re not doing this alone.

A supportive friend, partner, or community can help you stay grounded and motivated through the holidays.

You deserve that kind of support.

You Deserve a Healthy, Joyful Holiday Season

Healthy holidays aren’t about restriction.
They’re not about avoiding food.
They’re not about staying “on track.”

They are about balance, presence, and energy.
About moving, resting, eating, and celebrating in ways that support your whole well-being.
About protecting your peace so you can enjoy the moments that matter most.

So take a breath.
Choose one or two gentle commitments.
And step into this season feeling empowered, supported, and centered.

Wishing you the happiest, calmest, and most healthy holiday season!