Staying Healthy During the Holidays: A Calm, Conscious Guide

Written By Stephanie M

The holiday season is full of magic…

Twinkling lights, cozy evenings, and the warm scent of cinnamon and pine. But along with the joy comes the stress: late nights, sugar highs, fast food pickups, and a whirlwind of activities. This year, let’s try something a little different. A little gentler. A more intentional path to staying healthy during the holidays .

Here’s my guide to staying healthy (body, mind, and spirit) during the holidays with some simple rituals, practical habits, and ways to bring the whole family along.


Begin With Intention: Set a Calming Atmosphere

One of the easiest, most transformative things you can do is light a candle. (Yes, shameless plug, because I love them 😄.) But truly, a flickering flame does more than look pretty. It signals rest. It signals presence. It invites you to pause.

  • Pick a scent that soothes you - lavender, vanilla, or something woodsy.

  • Create a mini ritual: light your candle before your morning coffee, or in the evening when you’re winding down.

  • Use this moment to breathe deeply, reflect, pray or even meditate for just a few minutes.

This quiet pause becomes your anchor, helping you reset whenever things feel chaotic.


Reduce Stress by Planning (But Not Overdoing It)

Stress often comes from too much, too fast. But with a little planning, you can slow things down - without sacrificing the fun.

  • Make a simple holiday to-do list: Instead of scrambling for last-minute tasks, make a list with reasonable expectations and remember to leave room for things that really matter to you - spending time with family, cooking together, relaxing by the fire.

  • Schedule “me time”, even if it’s just 10 minutes. That could be journaling, stretching, or reading.

  • Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to things (or people) that drain you or don’t bring joy.

By being intentional, you can create space for rest and reduce the overwhelm that often accompanies the season.


Be Mindful About Food

A simple way to support your digestion and energy during holiday meals is to add more fiber into your dishes. Holiday menus are often heavy on sweets and rich foods, and low on the things that help your body feel balanced. A few easy tweaks make a big difference:

  • Add fruit to desserts

  • Include roasted veggies or a big leafy salad at family meals

  • Stir flax or chia into oatmeal or baked goods

  • Choose whole grains when possible

  • Make homemade hot apple cider instead of sugary drinks, etc.

  • Reading ingredient labels: opt for fresh or minimally processed ingredients whenever possible. That way, you know exactly what you’re putting into your body & can avoid toxins wherever possible.

These tiny shifts help keep your blood sugar steady, support gut health, and leave you feeling satisfied, not sluggish. The goal isn’t perfection, it’s awareness and balance.


Create Joyful Traditions That Nourish

Healthy habits don’t have to be boring. In fact, the most sustainable routines are the ones that feel fun.

  • Host a “mindful dessert swap”: Instead of sugary treats, ask guests to bring fruit-based desserts or lightly sweetened goodies.

  • Go for a family walk after dinner - maybe even with your candle lit at home as a cozy endpoint.

  • Set up a self-care station: Place a basket with candles, cozy socks, tea, and a book in a corner of your home. Let it be a little sanctuary.


Give Yourself Grace

Finally (and perhaps most importantly) give yourself grace. The holidays are inherently busy. There will be indulgent meals. There will be late nights. There will be moments when life feels out of control. And that’s okay.

Instead of focusing on restriction, try practicing intuitive eating during the holidays. That means listening to your body’s natural cues: eating when you’re hungry, slowing down during meals, and stopping when you feel comfortably full. This approach reduces guilt, reduces overeating, and brings more joy and mindfulness to your favorite seasonal foods.

  • If you have a less-than-perfect meal or skip your ritual for a day, that’s fine.

  • Remember: this season is about connection, not perfection.

  • Check in with yourself frequently and ask: What do I need right now?

Let kindness (to yourself first) be your holiday mantra.


Closing Thoughts

This holiday season doesn’t have to be a race. It can be a gentle, mindful journey - one where you slow down, savor the moments, and nourish yourself just as much as you nurture others.

Light a non-toxic candle. Gather your family. Add nourishment where you can. Take deep breaths. Let the season be what it is: magical, messy, meaningful.

Wishing you peace, presence, and lots of warm, joyful moments.


Much love,

🤍Stevi

Founder of Stevi Ann Designs


Helpful Resources & Further Reading

Stephanie M
Next

Self-Care Staples You Might Be Overlooking: Cosmetics, Cleaning Products & Your Toxic Load