10 Tips for Tackling the Holidays
It’s hard to believe the holiday season is already upon us! If you’re anything like us, you probably have beautiful visions of how you want this time of year to feel – the cozy moments, the shared laughter, and the joy of making memories with loved ones. But as each season seems to get busier than the last, it’s all too easy to feel swept along by the rush, missing out on the magic you’d hoped for. That’s why we’ve put together 10 mindful tips to help you savor every moment and bring the season’s joy to life for you and your family.
Choose Your Vibe. How do you want the season to feel? Cozy and calm with lots of reading, holiday movies, and hot chocolate under a warm blanket? Or maybe full of adventure with your family going and seeing everything that’s available? Take a moment to envision the experience you want to feel, and let that guide your season.
Put Joy on Your Calendar. Once you’ve chosen your ideal vibe, put the things in your calendar that will allow you to experience this time of year in exactly that way. Put you and your family’s joy first, fitting everything else in around it. And remember, it’s okay to say no to events or obligations that don’t align with the peaceful, happy season you want to create. This is supposed to be a magical time of the year, and if it’s not for you, it’s important to set boundaries to help you feel in alignment.
Give Yourself Grace. The holidays only happen once a year. Give yourself grace when you decide to enjoy Aunt Rita’s famous pumpkin pie. This is a season for savoring – not stressing over indulgences. A little treat now and then can be part of the joy, and avoiding negative self-talk will support both your mental and physical well-being.
Plan for Dietary Needs. If you have dietary restrictions, be sure to bring a healthy dish to gatherings that fits your needs, or have a small snack before heading out. Smoothies can be a great option here, keeping you satisfied and ready to enjoy the event.
Balance Your Plate for Blood Sugar Stability. To feel your best while enjoying holiday meals, try this eating order: fiber-rich veggies and fruits first, then protein, followed by healthy fats, and save sugars and starches for last. This approach can help balance blood sugar and avoid energy crashes.
Don’t Skip Meals. Do not skip meals to “save” calories for the big feast. This could backfire, leaving you overly hungry and more likely to overeat. Instead, stick to a balanced breakfast on big meal days to keep your energy and hunger in check.
Keep Moving. Exercise is a powerful way to combat holiday stress. Stick to your workout routine as best you can, and enjoy a gentle walk after bigger meals to help with digestion and blood sugar levels.
Manage Stress. Create time each day for your favorite stress-relief practice. Whether it’s breathwork, meditation, yoga, or any other ways you de-stress, be sure to include these frequently throughout the season. You can even join us for our November and December Sound Healing & Reiki Meditation events. These are sure to leave you feeling relaxed and refreshed.
Prioritize Sleep. Sleep is vital for daily recovery and helps keep hunger hormones balanced, so you’re not reaching for extra treats the next day. Protect your rest as part of your wellness plan this season.
Find Your Community. We understand that this time of the year can feel very lonely for some. Whether it’s your family, your friends, or us here at The Union, making sure you spend time with people throughout the season who will help bring joy can make all the difference.
We hope you all have a holiday season that is filled with love, joy, and lots of magic!
