🎄 Staying Healthy (and Sane) During the Holidays

While I may still think I’m in my 30s — and often act like it — my body feels every bit of 50+. The holidays, wonderful as they are, can feel especially exhausting. So how do we keep ourselves healthy and happy during this busy season?

Let’s start with the basics: sleep. I’m not a great sleeper anyway, but getting rest — whether it’s a full night, a nap, or just lying down with your eyes closed pretending to meditate — can be a gamechanger. Especially when the season tries to run us ragged.

🌙 Prioritize Rest

Sleep as self-care: Think of it as the ultimate holiday upgrade — better than any gadget under the tree. Even a 20‑minute nap can turn you from Grinch to glitter.

Ritualize bedtime: Herbal tea, a book, or writing tomorrow’s to‑do list — basically tricking your brain into thinking you’re a responsible adult.

Be gentle with yourself: If sleep doesn’t come easily, rest still counts. Bonus points if you convince your family you’re wrapping presents and you are really just curled up reading a good blog.

🥗 Nourish Your Body

Balanced meals: Anchor your day with protein and fiber so you don’t crash face‑first into the cookie tray.

Hydration matters: Water is the unsung hero of the holidays. Champagne is festive, but hydration is survival.

Mindful indulgence: Eat the fudge. Slowly. With joy. Pretend you’re in a Hallmark movie montage.

🚶‍♀️ Move with Intention

Micro‑movements: Stretch while the cookies bake, walk after dinner, or dance to Mariah Carey like nobody’s watching (except your dogs, who will judge).

Gentle exercise: Yoga or tai chi can be grounding — and let’s be honest, it’s also a socially acceptable way to lie on the floor.

Wrapping presents: when you’re wrapping presents at this age, do yourself a favor: sit at a table. Because if you sit on the floor, you’re going to need a forklift to pick yourself up and a handful of ibuprofen for the aches and pains. Save your back, save your knees, and wrap with wisdom.

💖 Protect Your Energy

Say no gracefully: “I’d love to, but my couch has already RSVP’d yes.”

Create quiet rituals: Journaling, prayer, or just sitting with your dogs — they’re excellent listeners and don’t interrupt with unsolicited holiday advice.

Lean on connection: Delegate tasks. Remember, even Santa doesn’t do it alone — he’s got elves.

🎄 Anchor in Joy

Focus on meaning: Traditions like your Christmas card ritual or pumpkin chunking remind you why the season matters more than the shopping list.

Celebrate small wins: A nap taken, a laugh shared, a pie that didn’t burn — these are victories worth toasting.

Give yourself grace: The holidays aren’t about perfection; they’re about presence. And maybe presents, too, but mostly presence.

✨ The holidays will always be busy, but they don’t have to leave us depleted. With a little rest, nourishment, movement, and humor, we can show up for the season with more joy — and maybe even a little glitter.