The holidays are a whirlwind of joy, chaos, and endless to-dos, especially for moms. Between decorating, baking, and managing family schedules, it’s easy to put your health on the back burner. But what if you could enjoy the season and take care of yourself? These quick, no-nonsense tips will help you thrive—no matter how busy the holidays get!
Jump to Your Holiday Survival Tip!
Tip 1: Prioritize Rest Like a Gift to Yourself
Tip 2: Create a Snack-First Mindset
Tip 3: Sneak in Family Movement
Tip 4: Hydration Is Your Secret Weapon
Tip 5: Set Non-Negotiables for Self-Care
1. Prioritize Rest Like a Gift to Yourself 🎁
Don’t let late-night gift wrapping or holiday parties rob you of sleep. Set a bedtime reminder and treat your rest like an appointment. Your energy is the best present you can give your family! I have my phone turn on Do Not Disturb mode every night around 9:00. I allow phone calls to come through but any other type of notification is silenced until morning. It helps me to shut off. We are in a world of constant notifications and it’s important to just step back from it!
- Pro Tip: Use a white noise machine for better sleep quality.
2. Create a Snack-First Mindset 🍎
Holidays mean cookies, pies, and indulgent meals. Before reaching for the treats, have a nutrient-packed snack to curb overeating. Think apple slices with almond butter or a handful of nuts. I always try to leave out healthy snacks when we are home, especially on weekends. It’s so easy to just walk by the snack cabinets and reach for something instead of going in the fridge and cutting of fruits or veggies. So leaving them out makes it easy to reach for them. I usually put it out on a cute board and refill throughout the day.
- Try This: Keep healthy snacks in a festive container on your counter.
3. Sneak in Family Movement 🚶♀️
Turn holiday traditions into opportunities to move. Walk around your neighborhood to see the lights, have a dance party while decorating, or organize a fun family relay race. I love adding my kids to my workouts. I know it sounds like added stress, and mostly it is haha, but it also encourages them to move more and understand the importance of exercise!
- Fun Idea: Create a “Holiday Fitness Challenge” chart for the whole family.
4. Hydration Is Your Secret Weapon 💧
Busy days mean hydration often takes a back seat. Start your day with a glass of water and carry a festive water bottle to stay on track. If I’m being honest, I am the worst at this! I can easily drink coffee all day but when it comes to water I need to make it more of a priority! Let’s really try and tackle this one together!
- Hack: Add holiday-themed flavors like cranberry or mint to make water fun!
5. Set Non-Negotiables for Self-Care 🕯️
Decide on one or two daily self-care rituals and stick to them. Whether it’s journaling, a quick workout, or enjoying a cup of coffee before the chaos starts, make it your time. I spend 20 minutes every morning reading. I lay in bed and read on my Kindle before my day starts. It’s quiet and dark and really just lets me ease into my day! Find something that will work great for you!
- Example: Block out 10 minutes to stretch and breathe each morning.
Remember, you don’t have to do everything perfectly—progress is what matters! Which tip will you try first? Share it in the comments, or tag me on Instagram to show how you’re staying healthy this holiday season!
