Balancing Time and Health Through the Holidays
Balancing Your Time and Your Health During the Holiday Season
The holidays are supposed to be joyful… yet for many of us, they’re also the busiest, most stressful weeks of the year. Between work deadlines, family gatherings, travel, shopping, and endless to-dos, our well-being often slips to the bottom of the list.
As a functional medicine RN and nutritionist, I see this happen every year—especially for women balancing careers, caregiving, hormones, and chronic conditions like diabetes or autoimmune disorders. But here’s the truth:
You don’t have to choose between enjoying the holidays and taking care of yourself. You can have both!
Below are simple, realistic strategies to balance your time and your health so you can enter the new year feeling energized instead of depleted.
1. Start With a “Realistic Yes” List
Instead of saying yes to everything and burning out, take five minutes to list:
What you must do
What you want to do
What you can let go of this year
Give yourself permission to create a season that works for you—not one that drains you.
2. Protect Your Non-Negotiables
During busy seasons, people often skip the very things that help them feel their best—sleep, hydration, blood sugar-friendly meals, and movement.
Pick 2–3 non-negotiables and protect them like appointments:
A 20-minute walk after dinner
Eating protein with every meal
Getting to bed by a consistent time
Taking your supplements
Drinking enough water each day
Small habits matter more than perfection.
3. Plan Meals with Blood Sugar Balance in Mind
Holiday food is delicious—and you should absolutely enjoy it! But you can support your metabolism and energy by building meals with:
Protein first (helps steady glucose)
Healthy fats
Fiber-rich vegetables
Holiday treats mindfully added—not restricted
For clients managing diabetes or hormone imbalance, this simple formula keeps cravings, fatigue, and mood swings in check.
4. Move Your Body in Ways That Reduce Stress
If formal workouts feel impossible this month, focus on movement that supports stress, inflammation, and blood sugar:
Walks after meals
Stretching before bed
Gentle yoga
A 10-minute strength routine at home
Dancing while you cook (yes, it counts!)
Movement doesn’t have to be structured to be effective.
5. Set Boundaries to Protect Your Time
You don’t need to explain or justify your choices. Simple scripts can help:
“I’d love to join, but that night won’t work for me.”
“I’m keeping things simple this year.”
“Thank you for thinking of me—I’ll have to pass this time.”
Healthy boundaries create space for healthy habits.
6. Create Stress-Balancing Moments Each Day
You don’t need an hour-long routine. Try:
5 deep breaths before meals
A quick step outside between tasks
Drinking your coffee without your phone
A gratitude note each morning
Your nervous system responds to consistency, not complexity.
7. Prepare for Travel or Long Days with Simple Tools
Keep a “holiday wellness kit” in your bag or car:
Protein snacks (nuts, jerky, protein bars)
Electrolytes (like MAKE Wellness Hydrated - learn more here)
A water bottle
All natural peptides that support immunity and stress (like MAKE Wellness Calm, and Focus- learn more here)
Being prepared reduces impulsive choices and helps you stay balanced.
8. Give Yourself Grace
Some days will be off. That’s normal. One meal, one skipped workout, or one busy day does not undo your progress.
Instead of “starting over tomorrow,” simply pick up your next habit at the next opportunity. Grace + consistency beats perfection every time.
Final Thoughts
The holiday season doesn’t have to pull you off track. With a few intentional choices—and a little planning—you can enjoy the celebrations and stay connected to your health goals. To help you better stay on track please download my Holiday Wellness Checklist to keep a quick reference on your phone for the strategies outlined.
Remember, your well-being matters year-round. And the more you take care of yourself, the more present and joyful you’ll be with the people you love.
If you want personalized support navigating the holidays, blood sugar balance, hormones, or chronic conditions, I’d love to help.
Book a free discovery call with JLD Wellness and let’s make this your happiest, healthiest season yet.
