Hanukkah. Christmas. Kwanzaa. Winter is a time of many wonderful celebrations throughout the world. Regardless of which ones you observe, it can also be a stressful time of the year.

Some of us may experience loneliness and isolation. Others may be grieving for a loved one more intensely during the holiday season. Or maybe you’re dreading being around family members who don’t respect your lifestyle, parenting, or boundaries.

Whatever the reasons, the holidays can be as difficult as they are joyful.

The 12 Days of Healthy Living Explained

That’s why this holiday season, I want you to take a bit of time to nourish your mind, body, and soul a little each day for at least twelve days in a row.

This year, I want you to reimagine “The 12 Days of Christmas.” Be your own true love and give yourself the gift of self-care. When it seems most impossible, that’s often when we need it the most.

Try to practice at least one of these healthy living tips every day for twelve days. Of course, any habit requires regular practice to take hold and truly be effective. The idea here is to get used to carving out some time to prioritize yourself, too, this holiday season.

Note:
You don’t have to go in order. Also, feel free to repeat the practices that resonate with you. I’m not trying to add to your holiday to-do list. Do the best you can, and do what works for you. Hopefully, it will feel right to keep going long after twelve days and the holidays are over.

Day 1: The Gift of Embracing JOMO!

Do you overbook yourself because you suffer from FOMO (fear of missing out)? Try reveling in JOMO instead.

JOMO: Joy of Missing Out

Our day-to-day lives are filled with other people trying to push their agendas on us: advertisements, telemarketers, social media. The holidays are even more so. Kids have a ton of activities at school, you may have a pile of invitations, and you may have people wanting invitations from you. Get quiet and choose what YOU want your holiday season to look like. Under schedule when possible.

Day 2: The Gift of Being Thrilled With Good Enough

A lot of our stress can be self-imposed perfectionism. We’re well-intended, but nobody wins if we go off the deep end because an ornament is out of place. Our loved ones care way more about spending time with us than how many hours we spend in the kitchen. So what if the ham is a bit overcooked or Santa got chocolates and milk instead of cookies? Try pausing to choose your responses to inevitable hiccups.

Is this one worth freaking out? Or is everything good enough?

Day 3: The Gift of Sticking With a Balanced Diet

Being a stickler about your diet over the holidays can turn you into a Scrooge, but letting your healthy eating habits fall to the wayside can have negative effects too. Poor nutrition can affect your mood, rest, self-esteem, and energy levels. Try thinking about these factors, too, instead of just worrying about weight gain. For example, it might help to balance out an evening of partying with eating light and healthy earlier in the day. You deserve the best of both worlds: feeling your best and enjoying the treats of the season.

Day 4: The Gift of Getting Physical

Don’t beat yourself up if your workouts suffer around this time of the year. There are a million things to do! I get it. Just remember you don’t have to choose between your usual routine and nothing. There is middle ground. Go for a walk with the family. Do a short, effective YouTube workout like this 10-minute-a-day series.

Let’s even count sex here! After all, it is time to be merry! 😉

Day 5: The Gift of Going Easy on Yourself

Expect to eat a latke or skip that workout for a party. Enjoy it! Just get back on track when there’s no real reason to deviate from your plan. This is not a normal time of the year, and even when holidays are great, they can be disruptive. Give yourself the same grace you’d give any loved one.

Day 6: The Gift of Remembering That Mocktails Can Be Merry Too

Having company over and attending holiday parties can mean added pressure to drink alcohol. People usually just want you to sip on something as a way of connecting with you. Chances are nobody really cares what’s in your glass. There are amazing mocktails available these days. Create your own or opt for trying one if you get the chance!

Day 7: The Gift of Abolishing Should

I should be happy.
I should be able to buy my kids everything they want.

Stop shoulding on yourself!

The holidays are sold to us as a perfect time for perfectly manicured people. The reality is much different for most of us. We have limited time, money, and resources. Not to mention, uncomfortable feelings may arise unexpectedly when you think you should be feeling joyous.

Pause to remind yourself that all of your feelings are acceptable and valid. Also, remember that you are enough, and whatever you can do is enough too. 💓

Day 8: The Gift of Prioritizing Yourself

Do you know you need time to meditate? Sleep in? Watch your favorite show? Then do those things!

I must have my alone time in order to be okay. (It’s best for everyone in the long run.) Don’t sacrifice your mental health over the holidays. You don’t have to do anything crazy, but carve out a few minutes (or whatever you need) for yourself each day. Being here is a great start. I’m proud of you!

Day 9: The Gift of Scheduling Sleep

With presents to wrap, parties to attend, and relatives visiting, who has time to sleep? You do! But, you’ve got to make it a priority. In my sleep hygiene blog post, I give ten ways to improve your sleep routine. If your rest tends to get out of whack over the holidays, I hope those tips will help you stay on track. Sleep is one of the most overlooked aspects of our overall health.

Day 10: The Gift of Mindfulness

While holidays can be beautiful, they can also be tense and anxiety-inducing. Leaves on a Stream is a simple little practice that can help with overthinking. If you’re having a hard time feeling cheerful and loving, loving-kindness meditation can help shift your outlook, especially when practiced consistently.

Just a few minutes of regular mindfulness practice can help you stay present instead of dwelling on the past or worrying about the future.

Day 11: The Gift of Practicing Gratitude

In addition to meditation, gratitude is another simple, science-backed practice that can rewire your brain in the best ways. Your gratitude practice can be as easy as reflecting on three things you’re grateful for as soon as you wake up in the morning. I also highly recommend The Little Book of Gratitude by Dr. Robert A. Emmons. Try shifting your focus to all that is going right in your world.

Day 12: The Gift of Setting Boundaries

I may or may not have saved the most important practice for last. Our attention is pulled in so many directions far more over the holidays than most times of the year. Sometimes, people place unfair expectations on us even if they don’t mean to. Saying no takes practice, but it’s important if something is not a good fit for you. Two good telltale signs are instant anxiety or resentment.

Although it’s hard to believe, the new year is approaching fast. Now is the perfect time to think about the changes we want to make in our lives. Need some more ideas? My new e-book gives 12 more tips for your health: mind, body, and soul, of course.

May you prioritize yourself, too, this holiday season. You deserve it.

❤️ GG

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