Doesn’t it seem like it was just yesterday you were dragging your toes through the warm sand and watching the sun dip into the ocean? Now the ground feels frozen, we’re all bundled up, and the pace has sped up so quickly it’s hard to stop spinning.
We are catapulted from the lazy days of August into school events, family obligations, Friendsgivings, Thanksgiving, and before we know it….holiday parties. It all piles on quickly: work, chauffeuring, hosting, traveling, shopping, giving, helping. And the constant pressure to take care of everyone else often makes it feel impossible to take care of ourselves.
So, what’s the secret to staying grounded and maintaining your own self-care and healthy habits during this whirlwind season?
It’s much easier now that my girls are grown, but I vividly remember those years when I tried to be everything to everybody—running on fumes, wishing for a few extra hours in the day. Hindsight is 20/20, and now that I’m on the other side of the raising-a-family whirlwind, I can see how little time I gave to myself.
The struggle to prioritize your own well-being is an age-old issue. I’ve learned that the best way to get through this season is to put on your own oxygen mask first. For me, that means protecting my routine as much as possible. Before I start checking off my ever-growing to-do list, I start my day with a workout at the gym, followed by a quick meditation in the sauna. The quiet moments of meditation allow me to be intentional about everything that lies ahead and set myself up for success…even as the world spins around me.
Time is so precious…making mindful choices is a game-changer.
Mindful Choices to Carry You Through the Holidays
I think mindful eating is one of the hardest choices at this time of year. It’s just so easy to fall into the trap of grabbing fast food or unhealthy snacks, especially when you’re always on the go, and sugary treats are tempting us everywhere. My solution is simple: preparation. It’s so important to have healthy meals and to-go options on hand ahead of time. Try incorporating simple habits like batch cooking, carrying fruit and nuts, and choosing premade options like my YEU snack line to make staying on track both easy and realistic.
I also give myself plenty of grace and follow the 80/20 rule. No shame or guilt for enjoying treats but always making sure those are made from whole foods and good ingredients. Avoiding store-bought packaged as food-like substances full of preservatives, unhealthy oils, and other things that we don’t recognize is key.
When cooking for the holidays, I always try to clean up a recipe the best I can. I do have so many, but my favorite substitution is roasting sweet potatoes and Brussels sprouts instead of the old sweet potato casserole filled with butter and cream. You get a vibrant roasted dish with the same flavors but without all the added fat and calories. If you want to try for yourself, here’s the recipe:
Looking Ahead with Intention
One minute we’re knee-deep in celebrations and indulgences, the next, we’re looking at a fresh calendar. To start the new year right and with solid intentions, I always create a vision board in December and look at it every day to stay connected to what I really want. That way, I’m more thoughtful about what I’m eating, what I’m doing, and what I’m saying yes (and no) to.
And here’s the truth: nothing feels worse than gaining 5 pounds in November and December and then fighting it off in January. Instead of “undoing†the season, I’d rather have a little balance during an unbalanced time.
When you take care of yourself in the chaos, you’re not only surviving the holiday season…you’re gifting yourself the life you want to create.
Happy holidays and cheers to a healthy New Year!
