Tis The Season

Christmas is a time of year I often struggle with. I tend to get caught up in the excitement and chaos, only to find myself underwhelmed and burnt out before the season has even properly begun. This year, I had fully convinced myself that I finally had it all figured out—that I wasn’t going to let the stress of it all get in the way of having a good time.

For many of us, Christmas comes with a huge sense of expectation. Through advertising, social media, and even the pressure of those around us, it can feel like we’re supposed to be having the best time— even if, deep down, that’s not how we’re really feeling. I think Christmas holds so much importance to me because it represents togetherness and family—two values I hold close to my heart.

This is typically the time when goals get pushed aside, routines slip, or the overwhelm becomes too much to keep up with the never-ending to-do list. And while you absolutely don’t have to maintain perfect habits during the festive period, a lot of people find themselves starting January 1st feeling like they’re climbing out of a slump.

Here are a few tips to help you manage those feelings and support yourself as you move through this busy, festive season:

1. Set “good enough” expectations

The festive period doesn’t always allow for perfect consistency. Redefine what realistic looks like for you. Maybe that’s fewer workouts, more rest, or simply keeping some structure to keep you mentally resilient. Lowering the pressure usually leads to better follow-through.

2. Keep non-negotiables simple

Choose 1–3 grounding habits that help you feel balanced, like drinking water before coffee, getting outside for fresh air, or doing a quick morning mobility stretch. Small anchors make a big difference during busy weeks.

3. Be mindful with alcohol, not restrictive

Alcohol flows more freely this time of year, and you don’t have to avoid it to stay on track. Instead you could decide ahead of time which events you want to drink at or set a loose limit that still feels enjoyable. Alternating alcoholic drinks with no alcoholic drinks or water and only choosing drinks you genuinely enjoy rather than drinking just because everyone else is can also help you limit how much you are consuming. This keeps you feeling good without the guilt or the next-day slump.

4. Plan your indulgences, don’t punish them

Festive food is meant to be enjoyed. If you know you’ve got meals or events coming up that are more indulgent, balance the rest of the week with nourishing food, movement, and hydration. Try not to restrict as this could cause you to indulge more than you’d planned.

5. Protect your energy with boundaries

If certain people, plans or events drain you, you’re allowed to say no. You don’t have to attend every event or meet every expectation. A calm, manageable December is far more valuable than a chaotic one.

6. Keep movement flexible

Let go of the idea that every workout needs to be perfect. Walks, shorter sessions, stretching, dancing whilst you clean the house and anything that gets you moving will have an impact. Aim for consistency, focus less on intensity.

7. Prioritise sleep whenever you can

All those late nights can add up pretty quickly. Even shifting your bedtime 20–30 minutes earlier or having a simple wind-down routine can help stabilise mood, appetite, and energy levels.

8. Drop that “I’ll start again in January” mindset

All-or-nothing thinking creates a big crash in December and a harder reset in January. Small, imperfect actions now mean you start the new year feeling steadier and more in control.

9. Celebrate the small wins

Every choice that made you feel good—whether it was going for a walk, hydrating, setting a boundary, or stopping at one glass of wine—counts. Acknowledge those moments and remember those for next time. They add up and compound like interest in the long term.

It’s okay if this time of year feels overwhelming, and it’s okay if your routine looks different right now. December will always be busy, but it doesn’t have to derail you. What matters is that you support yourself in the ways you can, enjoy the moments that matter, and keep showing up for yourself with compassion. When you choose small, sustainable actions and set boundaries that protect your energy, you carry your momentum straight into the new year. The festive season can be joyful and grounded—you don’t have to choose.

If you’re ready to start the new year feeling strong, supported, and in control, I’d love to help. Join The ENTI Theory and let’s build healthy habits that actually fit your lifestyle—during the festive season and beyond. Click to learn more and get started.

festive season wellness | Christmas stress | holiday health tips | staying on track during the holidays | fitness during December | mindful festive season | managing expectations | holiday self-care | Christmas overwhelm | healthy habits | wellbeing tips | New Year reset