Do you feel more run-down and stressed during this time of year than any other?
It’s no surprise why. Between fall and winter holidays, we’re often running around with little downtime, filling our schedules with “once-a-year” events that make it hard to say no. Plus, if you’re hosting or cooking, that adds a whole extra layer of stress.
And let’s not forget all the rich foods and festive drinks! While they bring a lot of joy, indulging in too many treats, fried foods, and sugary or alcoholic drinks just adds to the feeling of being worn out and tired. Don’t get me wrong—I regularly partake in the good tasting stuff (and alcohol), but having too many back-to-back indulgences really takes a toll on my body.
It’s really no wonder it’s tough to feel motivated to focus on health and wellness in a season filled with so many commitments. January can feel like a breath of fresh air by comparison!
But here’s the deal: staying healthy doesn’t have to mean overhauling your routine or making huge changes. Small, consistent actions can make a world of difference. If you’re aiming for lasting changes, starting with these small, achievable steps is key
Some small actions you can focus on:
Drinking water. A great goal is to try and increase your intake by 10-20 oz. When that gets easy, increase a 10-20 oz more until you are at roughly half your body weight (lbs) in ounces. Ie I’m 200 lbs so aim for at least 100 oz daily. If you don’t know your weight, that’s ok! Just aim for an increase.
Getting in some steps. 10,000 is great, but if you are averaging 3000 a day, increasing to 4000 to 5000 is plenty to start! If you don’t use a step tracker, try getting up and moving around more during the day.
Eat a meal that has at least half a plate of veggies. Your body will love the fiber to balance out all the holiday foods!
Say no to a commitment you are dreading. This is a big one for keeping your stress level in check. Remember, it’s ok to say not to things so that you can have some downtime!
When I stopped trying to change everything at once and incorporated little habits like the ones above, I was finally able to create lasting habits. It was a game-changer for my happiness and balance, and it helped me stop “waiting until January” to focus on my health. I realized that even in the busiest seasons, I could make small choices that kept me feeling good.
That’s why I created something new I’m really excited about: “Healthy Hacks for the Holidays.”
Starting December 2 and running through December 31, I’ll be sending a free daily email packed with simple, practical tips for staying healthy in small, achievable ways. These emails are quick reads, offering ideas that are easy to put into action—reminding you that health doesn’t require perfection, just small steps that add up. Again, totally FREE, I just really want to help you spend December feeling good.
If this sounds helpful, you can sign up for here.
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