Your Guide to Healthy Habits for a Happy Holidays

The holiday season is a time for joy, celebration, and connection. But let’s face it—it’s also a season of disrupted routines, endless treats, and packed schedules that can leave us feeling a bit out of balance. Whether it’s the temptation to skip workouts, overindulge in festive foods, or sacrifice sleep to meet all the demands, staying healthy during the holidays can feel like a challenge. 

The good news? Healthy habits don’t have to take a backseat. With a little planning and a lot of kindness toward yourself, it’s possible to enjoy the holidays and feel great while doing it. Let’s explore some simple, realistic ways to promote healthy habits over the festive season. 

1. Keep Moving—But Make It Fun

Staying active doesn’t have to mean sticking to a rigid gym routine during the holidays. Look for fun and festive ways to move your body:

• Go for a walk to admire holiday lights or decorations in your neighbourhood. 

• Try seasonal activities like ice skating, hiking, or a game of backyard cricket. 

• Join a family dance-off to your favourite holiday playlist. 

If you’re short on time, even small bursts of activity count. Ten minutes here and there—whether it’s a quick stretch or a stroll after a big meal—can help keep your energy levels up and your mood lifted. 

2. Enjoy Holiday Treats Mindfully

The holidays are full of delicious foods, and enjoying them is part of the celebration!

Instead of focusing on restriction, aim for mindful indulgence:

• Pay attention to your hunger cues, eat when you’re hungry, and stop when you’re satisfied. 

• Savour each bite, focusing on the flavours and textures. 

• Balance indulgent treats with nutrient-packed meals, like a colourful salad or hearty veggie soup. 

Remember, it’s not about being perfect. A little flexibility and self-compassion go a long way toward maintaining a positive relationship with food. 

3. Prioritise Rest and Relaxation

The hustle and bustle of the season can make it tempting to burn the candle at both ends, but rest is essential for your well-being.  

Protect your energy by prioritising:

• Sleep: Aim for 7–9 hours a night to recharge and keep your immune system strong. 

• Quiet Time: Take moments for yourself to breathe, read, or simply relax away from the noise. 

• Pacing Yourself: Avoid packing your schedule too tightly. Leave room for downtime to avoid feeling overwhelmed. 

Rest isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity. By taking care of yourself, you’ll have more energy to fully enjoy the holiday festivities. 

4. Stay Hydrated

Amid the celebratory drinks and festive treats, it’s easy to forget about water. Staying hydrated is one of the simplest ways to support your energy levels and overall health.

A few tips:

• Start your day with a glass of water. 

• Alternate alcoholic or sugary drinks with water at parties. 

• Carry a reusable water bottle to remind yourself to sip throughout the day. 

Though it is a simple thing, feeling hydrated can make a big difference, especially during a season filled with late nights and indulgent foods. 

5. Create Moments for Mindfulness

The holidays are often fast-paced, but slowing down—even for a few moments—can help you stay grounded.  

Try these simple mindfulness practices:

• Take a Breathing Break: Pause for a minute to take a few deep breaths, especially if you’re feeling stressed. 

• Engage Your Senses: Notice the sights, sounds, and smells around you—whether it’s twinkling lights or the scent of a holiday meal. 

• Gratitude Practice: Reflect on what you’re grateful for this season. It could be as simple as sharing a smile or enjoying a cup of tea. 

Mindfulness doesn’t have to be complicated—it’s about being present and intentional in the moment. If you struggle to find dedicated time, try weaving mindfulness into everyday tasks. Notice the warmth of the water on your hands while washing them, take a deep breath before opening a door, or reflect on a positive thought while taking a moment of quiet on the toilet. These small moments of awareness, scattered throughout your day, can gradually boost your sense of grounding and presence during a busy season. 

6. Connect with Loved Ones

Staying healthy isn’t just about physical habits, it’s about emotional well-being too. The holiday season is a great time to nurture the relationships that mean the most to you: 

• Reach out to a friend or family member you haven’t spoken to in a while. 

• Plan quality time together, like a coffee catch-up or a holiday movie night. 

• Offer support to someone who might be feeling lonely or overwhelmed. 

Connection is a powerful way to boost your mood and remind yourself of what truly matters during this season. While the holidays often bring a sense of obligation to invest in traditional relationships, take time to reflect on the ones that genuinely uplift you and reinforce your sense of self. Prioritising these connections can not only strengthen your emotional foundation but also enhance your ability to navigate relationships that may feel more challenging or draining. 

7. Be Gentle with Yourself

Above all, remember that the holidays are meant to be enjoyed. It’s okay if you don’t stick to every healthy habit perfectly. What matters most is listening to your body and giving yourself grace. 

A skipped workout or an extra serving of dessert doesn’t erase your progress. Health and wellbeing is about balance, and the small choices you make over time add up. By focusing on what feels good and sustainable, you’ll set yourself up for a season of joy and well-being. 

Conclusion: Your Health, Your Way

Promoting healthy habits over the holidays doesn’t mean giving up the things you love, it’s about finding a balance that works for you. From staying active to enjoying treats mindfully, every little effort you make contributes to your overall well-being. 

This holiday season, prioritise what makes you feel good, and remember that wellbeing is about so much more than rules, it’s about feeling your best, physically and mentally, while making the most of the moments that matter. 

What small steps will you take to stay healthy and happy this season? 

Further Reading: 

Tips for balancing work commitments and personal time in the holiday season: https://www.forbes.com/councils/forbeshumanresourcescouncil/2024/11/15/20-ways-to-balance-work-and-personal-time-during-the-holidays/?es_id=096aeb608b 

More tips on maintaining physical fitness during the holidays: https://www.hri.org.au/health/your-health/lifestyle/keeping-up-with-exercise-over-the-holidays 

More tips on maintaining mindfulness this holiday season: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/4-mindful-tips-to-destress-this-holiday-season 

Here’s a 10-minute meditation from Mark Bertin M.D to defuse holiday stress (Meditation starts @2:20): https://open.spotify.com/episode/6igx2DBcGzLetWokQnSDnr