This time of year is supposed to be all about joy and cheer, celebrating the season with friends and family. But the reality is, it can often be stressful and hard to maintain balance during the busyness of the holidays. Whether you have lots of family commitments, are juggling end of year work deadlines, or are feeling the financial strain that can often come along with gifts and holiday events, we can often fall into bad habits to try to regain our equilibrium. Some of my best tips for surviving the holidays, and even THRIVING throughout this season, are to slow down, go back to the basics, and do alllllll the things that you know serve you well and keep you feeling your best.
Here are my top tips for thriving this holiday season…
- Self Care – This one is KEY to feeling your best, despite any stresses that might pop up over the next few weeks. Take time to do the things that help you stay balanced and relaxed. Some of my favorites include taking a hot bath, diving into a good book, using my favorite eye patches, and prioritizing my nighttime skincare routine. These all help me slow down and do something that feels luxurious for myself.
- Movement – This one might sound obvious but it is truly one of the first things to fall off our plate when we are busy. And strangely enough, it’s one of the things that gives us that immediate boost of endorphins that we might be lacking if we are already running on empty and feeling stressed. Take time to move your body and get your heart rate up, even if it’s just a quick walk or try a 5-10 min workout from my 30 day ab guide Crush Your Core. You won’t regret it!
- Fuel your body – Don’t get me wrong, you can (and should!) definitely indulge in some delicious holiday treats this time of year. But try your best to maintain some balance with your nutrition. If the majority of your meals are healthy and balanced, those occasional treats at holiday parties and work gatherings are no big deal. Tip: I like to drink a green drink daily and also have a protein shake before going to an event so I avoid “snacking” and wait for the more balanced meal 😉
- Ask for help – If you are feeling overwhelmed, it is oh-so-important to ask for help. We can’t do it all, so let your friends, family, and partner know if you need them to take some things off your plate. They won’t know you need help if you don’t let them know you are struggling.
- Stick to a budget – It is easy to get caught up in the season of giving, especially when we are constantly being peppered with deals. If you haven’t already, create a budget that is realistic for you and your family and make sure you stick to it!
- Prioritize quiet time – I know everyone’s lives look slightly different, and if you have little ones at home it might be easier said than done, but try to give yourself a break to yourself a few times a week (minimum!). Enjoy the peace and quiet, allow yourself to properly decompress from the noise and chaos (my favorite is to read my kindle). You will be much better for it once you return back to your daily life if you take a few moments for yourself to establish that balanced mental state.
- Sprinkle in some acts of kindness – I always find this time of year to be so magical, but the reality is that it isn’t the case for many of our neighbors and coworkers. So, I encourage you to find a few small ways to give back this holiday season. (spoiler alert: it will actually boost your own serotonin and dopamine (the happiness hormones!).