How to Thrive During the Holidays: Three Simple Tips
The holidays bring a mix of joy and stress for everyone. While much of the chaos we experience is external, the toll it takes—both physically and mentally—is very real. You might not have control over your great aunt adding olives to the stuffing or the odd plus-one your cousin always brings, but you can take steps to make the holidays more enjoyable for you and your loved ones.
Here are three simple ways to set yourself and your family up for success this holiday season.
1. Have a Plan
The moods of your guests or whether the meat is cooked perfectly might be out of your control, but what is in your control is knowing what helps you clear your head. Create a 20-minute reset plan. This can even be divided into two 10-minute increments. Choose an activity that works whether you’re traveling or at home—something that helps you recharge and can be done in 20 minutes or less.
If you have kids, prepare them in advance. Discuss activities they enjoy that help them regulate their emotions. Set the expectation that they will take a break during the day. This doesn’t have to be complicated—playing with a favorite toy, sitting quietly, playing a quick game outside, or any other activity that gives their minds and bodies a chance to reset can work wonders.
2. Move Your Body
Whether you’re a fitness enthusiast or someone who thinks about being more active, the holidays are the perfect time to prioritize movement. This doesn’t have to mean intense workouts—simply go for a walk, throw a ball around, or find a local rec center or gym you can visit. Involve your kids or take some time for yourself, but make movement a family affair whenever possible.
According to the Harvard Medical Journal, just 10–15 minutes of exercise daily can reduce stress as effectively as medication in many cases. So, while we’re not suggesting stopping any prescribed treatments, even a little movement can go a long way toward reducing holiday stress.
3. Enjoy ALL the Food
It’s common to hear people say during the holidays, “There goes all the progress I made this year,” or “I’ll have to work this off later.” Let’s stop that narrative. You’re hearing it here first: Enjoy ALL the food.
Eat the pie, savor the stuffing, and don’t skip the sweet potatoes. Holiday meals should be a time to laugh, connect, and unwind from the chaos. Even if you don’t love who you’re with, you can still love what’s on your plate.
To enjoy the food without overthinking, follow a few simple tips:
- Eat the good food first. Start with something simple like a sandwich, fruit, or protein. This will reduce the amount you crave sweets and snacks.
- Save the liquid calories. While everyone enjoys festive drinks, they can quickly add up. Space out higher-calorie beverages like coffee drinks, punch, or alcohol with water, unsweetened tea, or other no-calorie options to balance things out.
- Start with protein at every meal. Even small amounts of protein can help you stay full longer and reduce cravings.
A Final Word
No matter how long you’ve been part of the Strong community, we want to help you succeed this holiday season. We’re here to support you, whether you’re thriving or struggling. If you need help planning your holidays or implementing tools like these, please reach out.
Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays from your Strong team!
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