The holidays tend to come with a lot of extras. Sweet treats may be more plentiful, you may spend more money than usual, and evenings with friends can stretch later into the night. These are just a few of the indulgences of the season—things you may eat, buy, or do more of because they’re part of what makes this time special.
With so much to enjoy, it’s easy to say yes to a little more than you planned. Over the season, those extras can add up and leave you feeling worn out or stressed. These tips can help you find balance so you can celebrate while also caring for your physical and mental well-being.
Enjoy your favorite holiday foods
From a favorite family recipe to treats shared by friends, food is often part of what makes the holidays special. With so many choices, it can be easy to eat more than you intended. Making a few thoughtful choices can help you enjoy the foods you love without eating more than you intended.
- Choose the foods you look forward to. You don’t have to try every dish just because it’s there.
- Start with a smaller serving. Eat slowly and notice how full you feel before deciding whether you’d like more.
- Pair holiday favorites with vegetables and protein. Have a more balanced meal by enjoying stuffing or mashed potatoes alongside vegetables and turkey or beans.
- Don’t skip meals to save room for all the holiday food. Have breakfast and, if the holiday meal is later in the day, make time for lunch or a snack.
Sharing and enjoying food can be a meaningful part of celebrating. Find a balance that works for you so you can enjoy it while being mindful of your health, too.
Give without spending more than you planned
Buying something special can feel rewarding. But feeling pressure to find the perfect gift or catch a sale can make it tempting to keep shopping. Before buying, take a moment to check your plans and your budget.
- Set a holiday budget and track your spending. Include costs beyond just the gifts themselves, like shipping, cards, and wrapping and trimmings.
- Check your budget before buying extras. If you’ve already bought someone a gift, check whether another would put you over your spending limit. You can save the idea for another occasion.
- Pause before buying an unplanned gift. Give yourself time to consider whether it’s right for the person and fits within your budget.
How much you spend doesn’t measure how much you care about someone. Staying within your budget can help you give without adding financial stress.
Set limits around alcohol
Holiday gatherings may bring more occasions to drink. If you choose to enjoy alcohol, keep moderation and safety in mind.
- Pace yourself. Alternate alcoholic drinks with water and pause before deciding whether to have another.
- Arrange a safe ride. Choose a driver who won’t drink or use a taxi or rideshare. Don’t drive after drinking alcohol.
- You don’t have to drink because others are. A simple “No, thanks” is enough.
The goal is to enjoy the occasion and feel good about your choices.
Leave room to rest
When celebrations and holiday preparations fill your days, it can be harder to find time to unwind. Even a gathering you’ve looked forward to can leave you ready for a quiet evening afterward. Making time for rest can help you enjoy your plans without getting worn out.
- Plan when you’ll head home. If you want to stay longer at a gathering, opt for just another 30 minutes rather than leaving your departure open-ended.
- Keep some evenings free. When your days are busy, having an evening without plans gives you time to unwind without having to head out again.
- Start holiday-related tasks early. Do a little each day to make the work manageable and leave time to rest.
Remember, you don’t have to fill every hour to make the holidays meaningful.
Keep movement in your plans
When holiday plans change your usual schedule, it can be harder to fit in exercise. Planning ahead can help you make room for movement, even if your routine looks different during the season.
- Set aside time to be active. Look at your holiday plans and choose times that work for you. A shorter workout may fit better on a busy day.
- Have another option. If you can’t get to your usual class or workout, try exercising at home.
- Incorporate movement into your holiday fun. Being active can be part of celebrating together! Dance to holiday music, play an active game, or walk around the neighborhood to see the festive decorations.
Making time for movement can help you feel good during a busy season. It’s one way to care for yourself while enjoying the celebrations.
Notice when you’re taking on too much
It’s easy to take on extra tasks when you want the holidays to be special for everyone. But if you’re feeling short-tempered or starting to dread plans you’d normally enjoy, consider what you could change to make things more manageable.
- Ask for specific help. Let others know exactly what would be helpful, like bringing a side dish or handling cleanup, so they know how to pitch in.
- Simplify stressful plans. Choose an easier meal to prepare or put up fewer decorations to give yourself less to do.
- Be clear about your limits. Offer to handle one task rather than the whole event.
You deserve to enjoy the occasion, too. You don’t have to do everything yourself or get every detail right.
Having balance doesn’t require perfection. Simply notice when the extras become too much and adjust along the way. Taking care of yourself is part of enjoying the season, too!
