How to Thrive Through the Holidays: Tips for Staying Balanced
How to Enjoy the Holidays Without Losing Your Routine, Your Energy, or Your Progress
Written By: Roxane Shymkiw
Let’s Begin…
The holidays are a time of joy, laughter, and connection, but they can also bring stress, fatigue, and feelings of overwhelm when trying to manage full schedules and expectations. With indulgent foods and disrupted routines, it can feel challenging to keep up the healthy habits you have built. But thriving through the holidays is entirely possible with a few simple, supportive strategies to help keep you grounded, nourished, and feeling your best.
Here are some practical ways to fully enjoy the holiday season and stay balanced along the way.
Start the day with one healthy intention.
This will help you focus on one manageable goal and reduce the feelings of overwhelm.
Stay hydrated and focus on drinking plenty of water.
Thirst can often be mistaken for hunger, so try taking a few sips of water before reaching for something to eat.
Dehydration also increases cravings and fatigue.
Start your mornings with a big glass of water and pair alcoholic drinks with water to stay ahead of dehydration.
Don’t “save room” for a big meal.
By eating a nutritious, satisfying snack that contains protein, fat, and fibre a couple of hours before the meal, you won’t be sitting down overly hungry and eating more than you need.
Think moderation.
It doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can indulge in holiday comfort foods if you remember to take smaller portions.
When it comes to sweets, take one bite and then put your fork down. If in 5 minutes you still feel like having more, eat another bite. Sometimes the brain just needs that first bite.
Holiday gatherings are distracting and can lead to unintentional overeating. Remembering to slow down and savour each bite will give the brain a chance to catch up with the signals from your stomach.
Take a 5-10 minute self-care break. Every single day.
There are 1440 minutes in a day. No matter how busy you are, you deserve and can afford to set aside 5-10 minutes just for yourself.
Sit, take a few deep breaths, and let your mind focus on three things you are grateful for in that moment.
This small act of gratitude and mindfulness helps to rewire your brain towards calm and connection.
Move your body with intention.
Movement of any type is beneficial.
Try a short morning stretch routine, a walk after meals, or dancing in the kitchen while cooking.
Celebrate one win at the end of the day.
By choosing to acknowledge one win each day, it helps to retrain the brain to notice what is going well.
This shifts your perspective from pressure to progress and helps you feel more grounded and capable during the busy and stressful moments.
It reinforces your healthy habits and helps you build confidence and self-trust.
Prioritize sleep and stick to your schedule.
Even if you were up late the night before, ringing in holiday cheer, get up at your regular time. Your circadian rhythm is guided by your wake-up time, and keeping to a regular pattern will help support metabolism and mental wellness.
Food is more than just fuel. It’s part of our traditions, celebrations, and the way that we connect with the people we care about. So, this holiday season, try thinking about overall balance rather than striving for perfection every day. Enjoy your favourite holiday treat in moderation and let go of the guilt. Instead of simply trying to “get through” the holidays, try noticing the meaningful ways you’re showing up for yourself each day. With a few supportive habits in place, you can enjoy the season fully without the worry of losing the progress you’ve made. Nurture yourself, restore calm, and focus on what truly matters.
If you’re ready to feel more balanced, energized, and confident in your nutrition through the holidays and beyond—reach out! At No Shoes Nutrition, we support individuals and groups on their journey to thriving with ease and intention. Let this be your healthiest, most enjoyable season yet!
