5 Wellness Tips for Moms This Holiday Season
12-21-2022
Being a mom is hard enough, but during the holidays it can feel downright impossible to keep up with everything. Between cooking, cleaning, shopping, and entertaining, it's easy to let your own health and wellbeing fall by the wayside. But if you want to be able to enjoy the holidays with your family, it's important to take care of yourself first. Here are 5 simple tips to help you stay well this holiday season:
1. Get enough sleep: When you're constantly on the go, it can be tempting to skimp on sleep. Trust me I get it, the night time for moms is our only ME time to watch Tik Tok videos or binge watch our favorite show. But running on empty will only make you more susceptible to illness. Make sure you're getting at least seven hours of sleep each night.
“7 hours, Lesline?! I’m lucky if I get 5. I have too much going on in my head.”
Ok here are a few tips to help you wind down for bed this holiday season:
-Put your phone on Do Not Disturb starting at 8pm. Eliminating notifications will help your brain relax.
-Buy Lavender essential oils and a diffuser. Once you put your phone on DND turn on your diffuser and close your bedroom door. By closing your bedroom door you’re allowing the lavender smell to fully permeate your room while you get the kids and yourself ready for bed.
-Place your phone in another room that is NOT your bedroom.
-Then when you come back to your room it will smell like pure relaxation.
2. Eat healthy: It's easy to indulge in all the holiday sweets and treats, but too much sugar can wreak havoc on your immune system. Balance out the holiday feast with plenty of fruits and vegetables.
I am all about enjoying your life and not depriving you. One way I incorporate fruits and vegetables in my life during the holiday season is doing it FIRST thing in the morning. I also live by the rule of getting at least one vegetable and one fruit in my belly every day.
3. Drink plenty of water: Staying hydrated is essential for good health all year round, but it's especially important during the winter months when cold and flu viruses are circulating. Keep a water bottle with you at all times and drink throughout the day. And make sure you clean this bottle every night! Even though it's just water in your bottle, our mouths contain a lot of bacteria that can get us sick.
Rule of thumb for water intake: drink half your body weight in ounces of water. For example, if you weigh 150 lbs it is suggested to drink 75 ounces of water. If you are choosing to drink alcohol this holiday season make sure you are drinking more than half of your body weight for your water intake. Alcohol is dehydrating.
4. Take breaks: Once the holidays are over, you'll be glad you took some time for yourself. Whether it's getting a massage or taking a long bath, make sure you schedule some time into your busy holiday schedule just for YOU. By taking care of yourself this holiday season, you'll be able to enjoy all the festivities stress-free. One way to incorporate your breaks is by scheduling it in your calendar. Take 10 minutes every day and just be by yourself. Here is a quick meditation that I created that will help you start your day refreshed.
5. Exercise- I know, I know. “Really, Lesline? Where am I supposed to find time to exercise when I have to buy presents, food, etc.”
Moving your body for at least 15 minutes a day can alleviate holiday stress and help you be more responsive versus reactive to that family member that irks you. You know the family member that I’m talking about.
One way I like to incorporate my 15 minutes a day of movement is by dancing with my kids. I’m doing 2 things at once, and as moms we love to multiple task!
I am spending time with my kids AND 2) I'm getting those endorphins flowing. Currently Gracie’s Corner is what my kids love to dance to and boy do we get moving!
If you are still struggling with finding time to move your body, don’t worry. I have a virtual yoga studio that is perfect for you. As a busy mom I know how precious your time is so I have created a studio that fits your schedule. In my virtual yoga studio I have daily yoga videos, journal prompts, meditations, and more to help you feel less stressed this holiday season. You can check it out here.
The holiday season can be overwhelming but remember that YOU get to decide how you respond to every single situation that comes your way. My hopes is that you take at least 1 of these tips this holiday season so that you can truly enjoy your family.
I leave you with this.
Don't be afraid to ask for help from friends and family. Delegate tasks and accept offers of assistance graciously. You are NOT a super woman. That is NOT a badge of honor. So when your mother in law offers to wash the dishes graciously receive this act of service.
Lastly, make sure to schedule in some fun! Whether it's going out with friends or taking a class, make time for activities that bring you joy. Following these tips will help you feel your best during the hectic holiday season. Happy Holidays!
