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Finding Balance and Energy Throughout the Holiday Season
- Abby | Nourish From Within Health Coaching
- Nov 14
- 3 min read
The holiday season brings connection, celebration, and a welcome break from routine. It can also bring busier schedules, disrupted sleep, and more stimulation than usual. These shifts naturally affect the body’s stress response, which is why being intentional with how you support yourself can make a huge difference.
Stress itself isn’t the enemy. There’s positive stress, like excitement, anticipation, or new opportunities, and then there’s the kind that pushes your body into high alert. Your body can’t always tell the difference, and when small daily stressors pile up, your system can stay activated longer than it needs to. That’s when energy dips, mood shifts, and burnout start to creep in.
These simple practices help your body move out of “fight or flight” and back into balance, so you can feel grounded and enjoy this season fully.
1. Begin Your Mornings With Intention
How you start your morning sets the tone for how your body handles stress the rest of the day. A calm start helps regulate cortisol and keeps your nervous system from jumping straight into alert mode.
Try choosing one grounding habit:
Drink warm water or lemon water before coffee
Do a few minutes of stretching or a slow walk to wake up your muscles
Take five deep breaths before opening your phone or email
These small cues signal safety to your body, making it easier to stay centered even on busy days.
2. Eat Nourishing, Seasonal, Foods
Nutrient-dense foods give your body what it needs to maintain steady energy and support immune health during colder months. Winter produce like squash, citrus, apples, kale, Brussels sprouts, and pomegranate deliver vitamins, antioxidants, and fiber that keep blood sugar stable and your gut microbiome happy.
A few easy ways to weave these in:
Make a big pot of soup on Sunday to reheat through the week
Add a handful of greens to warm bowls or scrambled eggs
Keep cut fruit or roasted vegetables ready in the fridge
When your meals feel grounding and colorful, your body is better equipped to handle the stressors that come your way.
3. Choose Beverages That Support You
Your drinks influence both your energy and your mood. If caffeine tends to spike your stress response, try swapping one cup for matcha or green tea. They contain L-theanine, which supports calm focus without the jitters.
In the evenings, herbal teas such as ginger, chamomile, or peppermint help your digestion wind down and support a more restful night.
A simple hydration reminder: keep a water bottle nearby and take a few sips whenever you transition between tasks. Being even slightly dehydrated can increase fatigue and make everyday stress feel amplified.
4. Keep Movement Enjoyable and Consistent
Movement helps lower stress hormones, relax tight muscles, and release feel-good neurotransmitters that support mood and sleep. It doesn’t have to be long or intense to be effective.
A few ideas that work well during busy months:
A 10-minute walk in the sunlight
A stretch break between tasks
A gentle yoga flow
Movement that brings joy, not pressure
Think of movement as a reset button for your mind and body. Consistency is what matters most.
5. Create Mini Moments of Calm Throughout the Day
Small pauses help shift your body from “fight or flight” back into “rest and digest,” which is essential for long-term resilience. Even two minutes of slow breathing activates the vagus nerve and signals your body to relax.
Try adding one or two of these micro-moments:
Light a candle while you tidy up the kitchen
Take a breath break before you shift from work to home mode
Step outside for fresh air between tasks
Pause and relax your shoulders whenever you remember
These little resets prevent stress from accumulating and support a more grounded, peaceful holiday season.
Taking small steps to support your body during the holiday season can make all the difference in how you feel — calmer, more energized, and more present. When you build in moments of nourishment, movement, and rest, your body can shift out of stress mode and into a place where you can really enjoy the season. These practices don’t have to be perfect or complicated. Just a few mindful choices each day can help you stay grounded, healthy, and connected to what truly matters.
