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A NOTE FROM MICHELLE TUTT, APRN
The holiday season often comes with a whirlwind of activities—shopping, cooking, decorating, and attending endless events. It’s easy to get caught up in the hustle and bustle, leaving us overwhelmed and disconnected from what truly matters: togetherness. As a nurse practitioner, I’ve seen firsthand how stress can affect physical and emotional health. That’s why I’m passionate about encouraging our patients to slow down, prioritize their well-being, and cherish meaningful moments with loved ones.
Here’s your guide to enjoying a more relaxed and fulfilling holiday season while nurturing your health and relationships.
1. Set Realistic Expectations
The pressure to create a picture-perfect holiday can lead to unnecessary stress. Instead, focus on what’s truly important. Ask yourself:
- What traditions bring joy to you and your family?
- Which activities feel more like obligations than enjoyable experiences?
By prioritizing what matters most, you can simplify your schedule and create space for meaningful connections.
Tip: Write your last minute holiday to-do list and categorize items as “essential” and “optional.” Let go of tasks that don’t add value to your celebrations so you can make time to relax and be more present.
2. Make Health a Priority
The holidays are notorious for indulgent eating, late nights, and increased stress. While it’s important to enjoy the season’s treats, maintaining a healthy routine will help you feel your best.
- Stay Active: Incorporate light physical activities like family walks, stretching, or yoga.
- Eat Mindfully: Balance indulgent meals with nutrient-dense options. I know this can be challenging. Consider reaching for hydrating foods like fruits and vegetables.
- Stay Hydrated: Dehydration can increase fatigue and stress. Keep a water bottle or glass of water nearby to remind you to keep hydrated throughout the day before grabbing that sweet treat or fried snack.
- Sleep Well: Get your sleep! Sleep is so important, and even more so this time of year. Prioritize 7-8 hours of sleep to support immunity and energy.
Did You Know? Serenity Wellness and Family Practice offers IV hydration therapy to help you recover from holiday stress and indulgences. It’s a quick, effective way to feel rejuvenated and ready to enjoy the season.
3. Plan Quality Time Together
In today’s fast-paced world, uninterrupted time with loved ones is a precious gift. Plan activities that foster connection:
- Game Night: Take a break from the preparations and dust off that favorite old board games for an evening of laughter.
- Cooking Together: Put all those many hands in the home to work, but do it together! Gather everyone in the kitchen to help prepare that delicious holiday meals or to bake cookies as a family.
- Outdoor Adventures: Step away from the wrapping of gifts, cooking in the kitchen and put the screens down. Instead, take a few minutes to get outside and take in some fresh air. Take a walk around your neighborhood to admire holiday lights or enjoy nature or head to most festive parts of our town and enjoy all the decorations.
- Story Sharing: Take a walk down memory lane by sharing some of your favorite holiday memories — a funny gift you received, that one time grandpa said that funny thing or sweet memory that warms your heart when you think of it.
Idea: Schedule a no-phone evening where everyone disconnects from devices and engages fully with one another.
4. Practice Gratitude
Gratitude can shift your focus from what’s stressful to what’s meaningful. This season, try incorporating gratitude into your daily routine:
- Start or end the day by listing three things you’re thankful for.
- Encourage family members to share one thing they appreciate during meals.
- Write thank-you notes or messages to people who’ve positively impacted your life.
Health Connection: Research shows that practicing gratitude can lower stress and improve mental well-being.
5. Manage Stress With Self-Care
Taking time for yourself is essential to staying balanced during the holidays. Self-care isn’t selfish (I want you to read that again.); it’s a necessary part of maintaining your health and energy.
- Take Breaks: Schedule quiet moments, even if it is just 5 minutes, to read, meditate, or enjoy a cup of tea.
- Pamper Yourself: Consider treating yourself to a wellness service like a massage or IV hydration therapy.
- Say No: It’s okay to decline invitations or delegate tasks to avoid overcommitment.
Serenity Wellness services: Our clinic offers treatments like IV hydration, hormone therapy and medical weight loss programs to help you feel your best year-round. Don’t hesitate to schedule an appointment if you need support during this busy season.
6. Create New Traditions
Traditions don’t have to be grand to be meaningful. Simplifying your holiday rituals can make them more enjoyable:
- Crafting Together: Create handmade ornaments or holiday cards.
- Volunteer as a Family: Giving back can bring a deeper sense of connection and gratitude.
- Holiday Movie Marathon: Snuggle up with blankets and watch classics.
Pro Tip: New traditions can be as simple as setting aside time for a weekly family walk or writing a letter to a loved one each year.
7. Practice Mindful Gift-Giving
Gifts don’t have to be expensive to be meaningful. Consider:
- Experience Gifts: Plan a future outing, like a family picnic or a museum visit.
- Handmade Items: Knit a scarf, bake treats, or create photo albums.
- Acts of Service: Offer to babysit, cook a meal, or help with errands.
Idea: Set up a family Secret Santa or white elephant exchange to simplify gift-giving.
8. Reconnect With Nature
Nature has a calming effect on the mind and body. And though the weather this time of year might make it less desirable to be outside, spending time outdoors truly can give you a reset your body needs. Being outside is known to help:
- Reduce stress
- Boost your mood
- Foster deeper connections through shared experiences
Activity Idea: Dependent upon where you live, here are a few activities we suggest making time for — go hiking, build a snowman, go for walk in your neighborhood or enjoy a picnic in the park.
9. Reflect on the Year
Before the season ends, take time to reflect on the year’s blessings and lessons. This can be a solo activity or something you share with loved ones.
- Create a gratitude jar where everyone writes what they’re thankful for.
- Discuss goals and dreams for the upcoming year as a family.
- Write down highlights from the year and create a scrapbook or journal.
10. Seek Support When Needed
I understand that the holidays can be emotionally challenging for some. For some, it’s not a time a year that sparks joy. If you or a loved one is feeling overwhelmed, don’t hesitate to seek help. Help can come in so many forms, but just know, you are not alone in this feeling. Whether it’s talking to a friend, scheduling a therapy session, or visiting a trusted healthcare provider, support is available.
Enjoy This Holiday Season
This holiday season, give yourself the gift of (and permission to) slowing down and savoring moments of togetherness. By prioritizing health, self-care, and meaningful connections, you can create a season filled with more joy, peace, and cherished memories.
If you’re ready to prioritize your well-being, schedule an appointment with Serenity Wellness and Family Practice today. Call us at (386) 873-4560 or visit our website to learn more about our services.
Wishing you a healthy, happy, and heartwarming holiday season!
