A Healthy Holiday: 8 Tips For Taking Care of Yourself This Time of Year

I’m proud to partner with MinuteClinic as part of their Healthy Holiday campaign. As part of my involvement, I have received sponsorship from MinuteClinic for my posts and activities, but all opinions expressed are purely my own.

As moms, it is so easy to feel the weight of the world on your shoulders this time of year. From the tradition planning, to the cooking, to the shopping and the entertaining—many of the holiday’s most important tasks fall onto our to-do lists. As a teenager, then young adult, the holidays meant bouncing from place to place, eating my weight in home baked sweets from relatives, and following along in the traditions of my family. Now the tables have turned. We are creating our own traditions. We are planning our own holidays. And by golly I am going to make sure I can enjoy them!

Yesterday I shared a few secrets to a stress-free holiday, but today I thought it would be helpful to share a few tips on making sure momma’s energy tank is 100% filled for the upcoming festivities. Here are 8 things I am planning on doing to make sure I am healthy this holiday season.

Indulge in Moderation

From pies to chocolates, Peppermint Frappuccino’s to thanksgiving meals—calorie-filled goodness is everywhere this time of year. It’s nearly impossible to say no. Give yourself some grace. Enjoy a few bites. I am allowing myself two Peppermint Mocha Frappuccino this year. Although I would love one every afternoon, they are far more enjoyable and special in moderation.

Make Time for Exercise

Between the actual holidays and all of the events that go along with the celebrations, exercise seems to fall to the bottom of my list of priorities. In reality, this is probably the most important time for me to keep active. Since I am taking a brief hiatus from my regular evening bootcamps, we’ve been trying to do some sort of activity to keep us moving and our stress levels at bay. Walks around the neighborhood to look at lights, playing together on the jungle gym at the park, or just chasing each other in the backyard—find a way to keep moving this holiday season.

Schedule in Relaxation Time

It is so easy for self-care to be the last thing on your mind with holidays at every corner. Make it a priority. Schedule a pedicure or a haircut. Leave a pajama day on your calendar and just hang out at home in your pajamas all day with your family. The balance between a busy schedule and enough time to relax is a tough one. The deeper I’ve gotten into motherhood, the more I’ve realized how vital it is to actually schedule empty days on the calendar.

Prep Your Body for Travel

Whether you are taking a road trip or an international trip to celebrate the season, prep your body for traveling.  Did you know you are more likely to become ill when you are traveling than when you are at home? If you’re traveling internationally, make sure you schedule a pre-travel assessment to make sure you have all of the vaccinations and prescriptions you may need. If you’re taking a road trip, pack plenty of water and healthy snacks. Take stretch breaks. If you’re prone to motion sickness (like my hubby), plan ahead so you aren’t miserable. MinuteClinic's are trained to help with a treatment plan for this. Don’t let the travel add to your stress this season.

Throw Expectations Out the Door

The one secret to exceeding your expectations is lowering them. Whether you’re trying to wrangle a toddler for a holiday family photo (I’ve been there), cook your first full blown Thanksgiving dinner, or finish your holiday shopping before Christmas eve, make sure the goals you are setting for yourself are reasonable and you will not be disappointed. I’d love a smiling picture of Brody on our holiday card this year, but come photo day he was anything but smiling. I decided that having a picture of the three of us together on a holiday card this year is enough to make me happy.

Nap as Needed

I’ll be honest, I am usually not a napper. I like catching up on things around the house when Brody is snoozing. But this time of year, I’m letting myself nap if I am exhausted. I know myself and I know that the limited sleep that sometimes comes with this season can make me moody. So if we’re going to have a late night or an extra early morning, you may catch me napping right alongside of Brody.

Keep the Germs at Bay

The quickest way to put a damper in your holiday plans is getting sick. Tis the season of germs. With people traveling, flu season lingering, and friends mingling—it is hard to make it through the month without catching something. I have already been to the doctor once this season, and that is enough for me! If you have not gotten a flu shot, make sure that is on your to-do list. And if you feel like you are coming down with something, get checked-out quickly. We live right across the street from a MinuteClinic and the practitioners there have helped us battle the flu, rashes, you name it. Thankfully they're open 7 days a week and you don't have to have an appointment. The simplest tip of all? Wash your hands as much as possible this time of year.

Count Your Blessings

Above all, count your blessings. Do not compare your holidays to those of others. Do not be hard on yourself if you don’t cross off that entire winter bucket list. Be grateful for the little moments this season. Enjoy the time with your little ones for next Christmas they will be an entire year older. Make some memories, share some laughs, take care of yourself, and give thanks for the blessings you have been given.