Staying Balanced During the Holiday Season with The Pillars.
The holiday season is a time of joy, connection, and celebration - but let’s face it, it can also be overwhelming. Between social gatherings, family demands, and the pressure to create the "perfect" holiday, it’s easy to feel pulled in a dozen directions.
The good news? The pillars can help you navigate this busy time with balance and calm. Here’s how to use them as your guide during the holiday season -
Sleep: Prioritise Rest in the Hustle
With late-night events, early mornings, and packed schedules, sleep often takes a backseat during the holidays. But rest is essential for managing stress and staying energised.
Tips for Holiday Sleep Balance:
Stick to a Routine: Even if bedtime shifts, try to maintain consistent wake-up times.
Power Nap Strategically: A quick 20-minute nap can recharge you without disrupting your sleep schedule.
Wind Down After Events: Late nights out? Create a calming bedtime ritual to help you wind down, like reading or listening to soothing music.
Mind: Manage Holiday Stress with Mindfulness
The holidays can come with emotional ups and downs - from joy and nostalgia to stress and overwhelm. Mindfulness can help you stay present and grounded through it all.
Mindful Practices for the Season:
Take a Breathing Break: Pause for a few deep breaths whenever you feel overwhelmed. I actually get up early before everyone else to give myself a bit of time with myself in the morning.
Set Boundaries: It’s okay to say no to events or activities that don’t serve your well-being or if you just need a night for yourself.
Gratitude Check-In: Amid the busyness, take a moment to reflect on the things you’re grateful for this season.
Body: Keep Moving, Even in Small Ways
Between travel, indulgent meals, and busy schedules, movement might not feel like a priority. But staying active, even in small ways, can help you feel energised and reduce stress.
Easy Movement Tips:
Incorporate Movement into Social Time: Suggest a walk with friends or family instead of sitting around all day. However if you’re like me (an introvert) you might want to take that walk on your own. If you’re not and no one else wants to - don’t be afraid to talk that walk on your own. I am also that person tho that will take a kettle bell and some bands to where I’m going to be for an amount of time, so I can keep training.
Stretch Daily: A few minutes of stretching can relieve tension from long days of standing, cooking, or traveling. Personally I like to take my yoga mat and do some stretch and yoga to give myself that time, but most locations there’ll be a yoga class somewhere, or youtube stretch tutorials or yoga classes online for free.
Dance It Out: Turn up the holiday tunes and dance while decorating or cooking - it’s fun and uplifting!
Fuel: Nourish Yourself Through the Celebrations
Holiday treats and indulgent meals are part of the joy, but balance is key to feeling your best.
Fueling Tips for the Holidays:
Stay Hydrated: Drink water throughout the day (at least one drink with electrolytes), especially before and after social gatherings.
Enjoy Indulgences Mindfully: Savour your favourite treats without guilt, but balance them with nourishing meals.
Snack Smart: Keep healthy snacks (ideally protein based & veggies) on hand to maintain steady energy levels during busy days.
These are all suggestions and you don’t have to live by them as rules, it is important to relax and enjoy the holidays - I am someone who enjoys balance and we know consistency isn’t perfection. Enjoy yourself, but keep in mind, not every day has to be indulgent, nor every meal. Slipping in healthy choices, regular movement, hydration and good sleep will help maintain some balance, keep your pillars solid and allow you to feel good and not get to the end of the holidays carrying guilt - if that is something you usually experience.
If you want support through the holidays and want to start working now - contact me and we can get your free consult booked in and see how we can get you started. I will be checking in with my clients this holiday as they require.