Stay Healthy This Holiday: 5 Quick Tips for a Stress-Free Season

The holiday season brings a mix of joy, celebration, and —let’s be honest — a fair amount of stress. Between travel, family gatherings, busy schedules, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy for your health to take a back seat. A little preparation can go a long way in keeping both your body and mind steady during the busiest time of year.

Here are five simple, practical ways to stay healthy and grounded this holiday season.

1. Keep Your Routine (Even a Light Version)

It’s tempting to let all structure disappear during the holidays, but your body thrives on consistency. You don’t need a perfect routine, just a realistic one.

Try this:

Take a short morning walk

Keep bedtime within an hour of your usual time

Drink a glass of water before coffee

Eat one balanced meal a day, no matter what

Small stabilizing habits help your energy stay steady when the rest of your schedule isn’t.

2. Eat Mindfully — Not Perfectly

Holiday food is meant to be enjoyed. The goal isn’t restriction, it’s staying aware so you don’t end the season feeling sluggish or overwhelmed.

Mindful eating tips:

Pause before loading your plate and ask, “What do I actually want?”

Fill half your plate with something nourishing, then add your favorites

Slow down during meals so you can notice when you’re full

Stay hydrated to help prevent overeating

Mindfulness helps you enjoy holiday meals without discomfort later.

3. Take Mini Breaks to Reset Your Stress Levels

Between social events, travel, and family dynamics, stress can build up quickly. Brief pauses throughout the day help your nervous system recalibrate.

Reset ideas:

Step outside for two minutes of quiet

Stretch your shoulders and neck

Do a few slow, deep breaths

Put your phone down and drink water without multitasking

These small breaks help your body shift from “go-go-go” mode back into calm.

4. Protect Your Mental Health (And Ask for Support When You Need It)

The holidays are emotionally loaded — even in the best circumstances. It’s completely normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, or drained.

If stress starts to feel heavy, talking to someone can get back to center. LASO Connect provides easy access to virtual mental health support, making it simple to check in with a professional without rearranging your entire day. It’s a helpful option when you want guidance, reassurance, or someone to help you process holiday stress.

5. Rest Before You Burn Out

The holiday rush can trick you into pushing through exhaustion, but rest is essential for your immune system and overall well-being.

Helpful reminders:

Give yourself at least one “quiet night in” each week

Avoid overscheduling

Leave gatherings when you feel your energy dropping

Try a 20-minute nap instead of powering through fatigue

Rest isn’t laziness — it’s maintenance.

Final Thought

The holidays don’t have to come at the cost of your health. With a little mindfulness and a few supportive habits, you can enjoy the season feeling calmer, clearer, and more energized. Whether you’re navigating big family gatherings or carving out peaceful moments at home, caring for your well-being will help you make the most of the weeks ahead.