6 Ways to Be Kind to Your Body this Festive Season
The festive season is regarded as a time to connect, celebrate, and pause. Yet, it’s also a season that can strain our relationship with our bodies. Whether we have a calendar full of gatherings, are busy making it a magical time for others, or are working through to Christmas (or all of these), it can be easy to lose touch with our own needs.
How can we navigate this time with greater body-respect and kindness, especially when faced with challenges such as endless to-do lists, colder weather, and the usual noise of diet culture putting the pressure on to look at our best?
In this blog, I offer six ways to honour your body this season, so you can maintain the energy you need to embrace and enjoy the experience - and reach the other side feeling balanced and nourished, rather than depleted:
1. PRIORITISE REST OVER HUSTLE
In the frenzy of holiday demands, it can be tempting to squeeze in every last task and deprioritise basic self-care in the process. Rest can feel indulgent - but in reality it is essential and it is productive. Protecting your sleep and carving out small moments of calm can help reset your nervous system and replenish your energy reserves.
Consider what recharges your body batteries best and, given your schedule, when would be the most opportune and beneficial times for self-care. Some ideas include starting your day with a short meditation, or by savouring a cup of herbal tea; taking short breaks during the day to step aside for some fresh air, do some deep belly breaths, or stroke a pet; or pampering yourself in an evening by taking a hot bath or reading a book.
2. SET BOUNDARIES WITH OTHERS
Do you know when and how to say no? It is natural to want to please others during the festive season - it’s part of the joy. However, your energy needs respecting too, and recognising your own limits and enforcing your boundaries is an essential part of this.
If your body starts to feels weary, take a moment to check in with yourself. Refocus on the activities that are essential and bring you the most pleasure, and gently (simply, honestly and kindly) decline the rest.
3. Fuel Yourself with Steady Energy Foods
Instead of skipping meals, or focusing on what you "shouldn’t" eat, try to eat regularly and prioritise foods that nourish and sustain your body.
Focus on satisfying meals and snacks rich in proteins, complex carbohydrates and fats to help keep your energy balanced and give your body and immune system the support it needs to fulfil the demands of the season.
4. EMBRACE SHORT WALKS OUTSIDE
The weather may be erratic or dreary, but even a short walk in the fresh air can still do wonders for your energy. Don’t fall into the trap of think short walks aren’t ‘worth it’. Wrap up, get out and move your body with intention to help release endorphins, clear mental fatigue, and enhance overall wellbeing.
5. Hydrate Like It Matters
Sipping water throughout the day is one of the simplest and most effective ways to support your body during the festive season. Add some variety by infusing your water with lemon, mint, or cucumber slices to keep it refreshing, or go for hot water with fresh ginger or a cinnamon stick.
6. Choose BODY Compassion Over Criticism
The festive season can magnify cultural and social pressures around body image. If you are dealing with dieting chat or feeling the pressure to ‘look good’ in front of old friends or family, you may notice self-critical thoughts creeping in.
Take take a step back and reflect: “What does my body need from me right now?” Instead of focusing on appearance, try to replace self-judgement with gratitude - for your body’s ability to hug a loved one this Christmas, to carry you through a busy day, or enjoy the sensation of a warm drink. Self-compassion can help you release tension caused by unrealistic expectations and bring you back to what really matters - how your body feels, not how it looks.
By weaving in small, regular acts of kindness towards your body, you can make a huge difference to your energy and experience of the festive season. Let self-care and self-compassion be your guides - your body will thank you for it.
Take a nourishing step forward today
Are worries about food, weight, or overeating draining your time, energy, and peace of mind? Are you struggling with low mood, food cravings, poor gut health or digestive challenges?
Old mindsets and habits can be hard to shift on your own. If you are looking to reset your eating patterns, make peace with your body, and reclaim your energy, I can help you.
Please check out my private programmes here, or book an exploratory chat to find out more.
