The holidays are a time for connection and celebration, but they can also bring up deep emotions, test our patience, and resurface old dynamics, often leaving us feeling overwhelmed.
While it’s important to enjoy yourself, staying mindful of your health can help you feel your best—physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually.
Here’s how I recommend adopting an 80/20 lifestyle during the holiday season:
🎄 HYDRATE, HYDRATE, HYDRATE
Between the salty foods, sweet treats, and extra glasses of wine, your body needs water to stay balanced. Keep a glass of filtered water nearby and sip on it throughout the day.
🎄 DRINK ALCOHOL IN MODERATION
Savor that holiday cocktail if you want, but don’t overdo it. Alternate with a delicious non-alcoholic beverage, sparkling water with lemon or lime, water, or herbal tea to stay hydrated.
🎄 EAT YOUR GREENS
Pile your plate with veggies and leafy greens whenever you can. They’ll support your digestion, boost your energy, and keep your body feeling good, even if you’re also eating some heavier foods that you don’t normally eat.
🎄 CHEW YOUR FOOD THOROUGHLY
Slow down, chew your food thoroughly, put your fork down in between bites, and savor your meals. Properly chewing your food aids digestion and helps you feel more satisfied, making it much less likely that you’ll overeat.
🎄 MOVE YOUR BODY
Take a brisk walk, stretch, or even dance around to holiday tunes, even if just for 15-30 minutes. Movement doesn’t have to be structured or complicated, but it’ll make a huge difference in how you feel.
🎄 GET DIRECT SUNLIGHT IN NATURE
Bundle up if it’s cold, and take a walk outside in nature. Natural light boosts your mood and helps regulate your circadian rhythm, while fresh air energizes you.
🎄 PRIORITIZE REST
The holidays can be hectic, so make time to rest and recharge on your own. Whether that’s sneaking in a quick afternoon nap or going to bed earlier, your body will thank you. Try to aim for 7-9 hours of sleep per night if you can.
🎄 STEER CLEAR OF ENERGY TAKERS
If you can, set boundaries with people or situations that drain your energy. Protect your peace—it’s one of the best gifts that you can give yourself this season.
🎄 PRACTICE GRATITUDE
Amid the hustle and bustle, take a moment to reflect on what you’re grateful for this holiday season. It can quickly shift your mindset and help you stay grounded in kind, positive, expansive thoughts.
🎄 BREATHE AND BE PRESENT
When things get busy or stressful, pause and take a few deep breaths. Be present with loved ones—it’s the moments, not the meals, that matter the most.
🎄 CONNECT WITH A HIGHER POWER
Whether through prayer, meditation, journaling, breathwork, or quiet reflection, tap into something greater than yourself to find peace and purpose.
🎄 LIVE 80/20, NOT 100/0
Give yourself grace. The holidays aren’t about perfection; they’re about balance. Prioritize your health 80% of the time and enjoy the other 20% guilt-free.
🎄 CURIOUS HOW TO RESET AFTER THE HOLIDAYS?
If you're wondering how to gently reset after the holiday season, take my free Detox Quiz! It’s designed to help you uncover where your body might need a little extra care and love and to find out exactly where to start your cleansing journey based on your body’s current needs.
Take my free Detox Quiz here and set yourself up for a vibrant start to the new year.
Either way, just remember, the holidays are meant to feel joyful—not overwhelming.
You can’t pour from an empty cup.
Take care of yourself, and you’ll be able to soak in all the love, connection, and magic this season has to offer.
What’s your favorite way to stay healthy and balanced during the holidays?
Let me know in the comments.