Tips to maintain balance and well-being during the holiday season

Set realistic expectations for yourself – Let go of unrealistic expectations and don’t hold yourself to an unreachable level of perfection . Focus on what is meaningful and what matters to you.  Simplifying your plans over the holiday period can reduce pressure and help you to stay more present.   

Learn to say no – Sometimes you may need to push back on commitments or responsibilities  to protect your time and energy. Saying no to certain activities can help you to retain balance and not overextend yourself during an already busy time of the year.  

Stick to your routines – Retaining elements of your daily routine can help you to maintain stability and normality.  Sudden changes to your schedule can impact on your mood and sticking to some daily activities can help to keep you grounded.     

Delegate and ask for help – Reach out for support if you need it. This might mean asking a friend or family member for help or seeking assistance from a mental health professional. 

Be mindful with food and drink – End of year functions can be associated with overindulging and although it’s ok to treat yourself it’s best to be mindful about what you are eating. Eating and drinking in moderation can support digestion, energy levels and helps to maintain balance. 

Prioritise rest and sleep -Quality sleep and rest is important for both physical and mental balance. Try to maintain a consistent sleep schedule where possible and allow yourself plenty of rest time, particularly when you have busy social or work commitments.  

Make time for movement and exercise – Incorporating moderate exercise into your day, such as walking or stretching can help to relieve tension and support mental clarity without adding too much extra responsibility to your schedule 

Maintain social connections – Positive social interactions with friends, family or support networks can reduce stress and provide an opportunity to talk through any challenges that you are having.  You can organise a coffee or high tea catch-up with a friend, schedule a walk in the park or just spend time with someone that can listen and help to put things into perspective.    

Take time out to relax – During the busy holiday season making time to intentionally slow down is essential for both mental and physical well-being. Even short periods of relaxation such as quiet breathing, gentle stretching, meditation, or simply stepping away from screens can help calm the nervous system and release built-up tension. By prioritising moments of rest, you give yourself the opportunity to recharge and maintain a greater sense of balance throughout the day.

Focus on balance, not perfection – Maintaining balance at the end of the year is about finding a daily rhythm that is realistic, flexible and sustainable. The end of the work year and the onset of the holiday season is busy and unexpected challenges may occur. Focusing on balance reduces pressure, supports resilience and creates  a more sustainable outlook.