Holiday Survival Guide: Because We’re All One Cookie Away From a Nap
December 12, 2025
Written by Sally Larrington-Brown
It’s that magical time of year when:
Our calendars look like Tetris gone wrong
Sleep is a faint memory
Every dessert suddenly has your name on it
And you can’t remember the last time you drank water that wasn’t disguised as hot cocoa
So here it is, your Holiday Wellness Guide to staying energized, happy, and only slightly sticky from peppermint bark. Buckle up.
1. Sleep: The Gift You Actually Want
Let’s be honest, Santa gets more sleep than you do in December, and he works one night a year.
But seriously, getting enough sleep is basically a cheat code for your brain, your mood, your digestion, and your ability to tolerate Aunt Linda’s stories.
Try not to swap your bedtime for “just one more holiday movie”… we’ve all been there.
2. Move Your Body (Even If It’s Just to Escape the Buffet)
Five minute post meal walks are trending. Yes, FIVE minutes.
That’s shorter than the time you spend debating which dessert to try first.
This tiny bit of movement boosts your energy, helps with digestion, and gives you a legit excuse to step away when someone starts talking politics at the dinner table.
3. Eat Mindfully . . . But Not Miserably
No one wants to read a wellness email that says “just avoid treats.”
No. This is not that same message.
Go ahead, enjoy the gingerbread, the stuffing, the mystery casserole that only appears once a year.
But do yourself (and your digestion) a favour:
Start meals with veggies or lean protein
Slow down
Actually taste your food
Hide from people who say, “I’m being good this year”
Balance ≠ deprivation.
4. Water: The Holiday MVP
Your body: “We need water.”
You: “How about eggnog?”
Hydration is your secret weapon for energy, mood, digestion, and avoiding the “why did I eat that much?” spiral.
Try swapping every second holiday drink for water. No one will notice . . . everyone is too busy looking for the charger they lost three days ago.
5. Stress Less (Or At Least Panic More Gracefully)
Remember:
• You don’t have to attend every event.
• You don’t have to bake everything from scratch.
• You don’t have to say yes to every invite.
• You do need 10 minutes of peace before you melt into the couch like a human marshmallow.
Try a quick walk, breathwork, meditation . . . or just lock yourself in the bathroom for a moment of silence. No judgment.
6. The Real Secret? Give Yourself a Break.
The holidays are messy and beautiful. You’re juggling work, family, social events, late nights, and extra treats, all while pretending to be a functioning human.
You’re doing amazing. So laugh, breathe, hydrate, move a little, eat what you love, and be kind to yourself. You deserve joy, energy, balance and yes, the cookie too. :)
