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10 Ways to Embrace Balance and Joy This Holiday Season: For Moms in Midlife

November 19, 2024

My mission is to empower moms to transform
from confusion about healthy eating and lifestyle, exhaustion, and stress,
to renewed energy, vibrant well-being and confidently making lasting, positive changes for a healthier, happier, more fulfilling life.

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The holidays are often described as “the most wonderful time of the year,” but for many moms, this season brings a whirlwind of expectations, responsibilities, and stress. Between managing family traditions, planning gatherings, and trying to make everything magical, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.

But what if this year could be different?

What if you could navigate the season with balance, joy, and energy – making time for your well-being while still creating lasting memories with your loved ones? This post is here to guide you with practical, empowering tips to help you prioritize yourself, embrace the holidays mindfully, and truly enjoy the season.

True meaning of the holidays

Rediscovering the Joy of the Holidays

Holidays often bring to mind images of connection, gratitude, and celebration. Yet, somewhere between the shopping lists and jam-packed calendars, many of us lose sight of that deeper meaning.

This year, let’s flip the script. Instead of striving for perfection, focus on what truly matters to you and your family. By simplifying your approach and creating space for moments that replenish your energy, you can enjoy a lighter, more meaningful holiday season – one that leaves you feeling fulfilled rather than frazzled.

10 Ways to Embrace Balance and Joy This Holiday Season

Drawing on the 6 Pillars of Health – Sleep, Eat, Relax, Move, Connect, and Thrive – these tips will help you maintain your well-being while savoring the magic of the season.

Prioritize restful sleep

1. Prioritize Restful Sleep

(Pillar: Sleep)

Sleep is the foundation of physical and emotional resilience, especially during busy times. Protecting your rest helps regulate your hormones, stabilize your mood, and recharge your energy. For moms in perimenopause or menopause, quality sleep becomes even more crucial as hormonal shifts can make it harder to achieve restorative rest.

  • Plan evening events thoughtfully: Aim for earlier gatherings to avoid cutting into your sleep schedule.
  • Stick to a consistent wake-up time: This keeps your body’s rhythm in check, reducing fatigue.
  • Create a calming evening routine: Try a warm bath, soothing tea, or reading to wind down.

Pro Tip: If stress or night sweats disrupt your sleep, consider natural remedies like magnesium or mindfulness exercises to ease into rest.

Nourish your body mindfully

2. Nourish Your Body Mindfully

(Pillar: Eat)

Holiday treats are part of the fun, but they can leave you feeling sluggish if overdone. Balancing indulgence with nutrient-dense meals will help you sustain energy and mood throughout the season.

  • Focus on whole foods at home: Lean proteins, vegetables, and whole grains should be staples.
  • Prep ahead for events: A protein-rich breakfast sets a balanced tone for the day.
  • Be selective at gatherings: Choose dishes you truly love and savor every bite.

Mindful eating allows you to enjoy holiday favorites without feeling deprived or overindulgent. Remember, your body thrives when it’s fueled with love and balance.

Try intermittent fasting

3. Try Intermittent Fasting

(Pillar: Eat)

Intermittent fasting can help reset your body after indulgences and promote hormone balance. For women navigating midlife, fasting gives your body time to rest and rejuvenate, which is especially helpful during a season of extra indulgence.

  • Enhance natural detox: Short fasting windows give your digestive system a break.
  • Support hormone balance: Fasting can help stabilize energy and reduce stress on the body.
  • Adjust to your schedule: Choose fasting periods that work with your lifestyle to avoid added stress.

Pro Tip: Stay hydrated during fasting periods with herbal teas or infused water to support energy and digestion.

Schedule daily downtime

4. Schedule Daily Downtime

(Pillar: Relax)

Between social commitments and family obligations, downtime often takes a backseat. This year, intentionally carve out time to relax and recharge.

  • Limit obligations: Say “yes” to fewer events and create space for self-care.
  • Tailor self-care to your needs: Whether it’s meditation, journaling, or sitting with a good book, prioritize what makes you feel rested.
  • Honor your cycle’s rhythm: During the later part of your cycle or when menopause fatigue sets in, plan quieter days to restore balance.

Downtime isn’t just a luxury; it’s a necessity for maintaining your physical and emotional well-being.

Move gently every day

5. Move Gently Every Day

(Pillar: Move)

Exercise doesn’t need to be intense to be effective. Gentle movement can lower stress hormones and boost your mood, helping you feel grounded amidst holiday demands.

  • Walk it out: A brisk walk after meals or a morning stroll in nature works wonders.
  • Listen to your body: On low-energy days, opt for yoga, Pilates, or stretching.

Movement isn’t just about staying active; it’s a powerful way to manage stress and enhance both physical and mental resilience.

Create meaningful connections

6. Create Meaningful Connections

(Pillar: Connect)

Holidays bring many opportunities for socializing, but not all gatherings provide the chance for true connection.

  • Seek smaller, intimate gatherings: These often feel more fulfilling than large, busy events.
  • Make time for one-on-one moments: A coffee date with a friend or a quiet evening with family can be incredibly restorative.

Meaningful connections nourish emotional well-being and remind you of what the season is truly about.

Simplify gift giving

7. Simplify Gift-Giving

(Pillar: Connect)

Gift-giving doesn’t need to drain your energy or wallet. When you start planning early, it allows you to personalize gifts meaningfully.

  • Make it personal: Think about each recipient’s interests or needs.
  • Consider handmade gifts: Crafting something yourself adds a heartfelt touch.

Simplifying your approach to gift-giving frees up mental space for what truly matters – being present with your loved ones.

Host thoughtful gatherings

8. Host Thoughtful Gatherings

(Pillar: Connect)

Hosting can feel overwhelming, but a few thoughtful touches can create a warm, inviting space without the need for perfection.

  • Prioritize healthy options: Offer a mix of foods, including fresh vegetables, whole grains, and lean proteins.
  • Set up a cozy environment: Simple touches like candles, greenery, or music go a long way.

Focus on creating memories rather than worrying about every detail. Guests will remember how they felt, not how your table was set.

Let go of perfectionism

9. Let Go of Perfectionism

(Pillar: Thrive)

Perfectionism often creeps in during the holidays, but this year, let go of the need to make everything “just right.”

  • Adopt the 80% rule: Whether it’s gift shopping, hosting, or decorating, aim for “good enough.”
  • Focus on what matters: The laughter and love shared are far more important than flawless execution.

By releasing perfectionism, you open yourself up to experiencing the true joy of the season.

Drop the guilt

10. Drop the Guilt

(Pillar: Thrive)

It’s easy to fall into a cycle of guilt during the holidays, especially when indulging. Instead, allow yourself to enjoy the treats that are meaningful to you without guilt.

  • Ditch the scale: Focus on how you feel, not the numbers.
  • Balance indulgence: After a treat-filled day, enjoy nutrient-dense meals or a gentle fast to recalibrate.

Pro Tip: Remember, food is just one part of the season. Savor the experiences and connections that truly make the holidays special.

A time of joy, connection, and renewal.

Conclusion: This Holiday Season, Choose Joy

The holidays are meant to be a time of joy, connection, and renewal – not stress or burnout. By embracing these 10 strategies rooted in the 6 Pillars of Health, you’ll be better equipped to prioritize your well-being and create meaningful moments with your loved ones.

As a mom in midlife, especially if you’re experiencing the shifts of perimenopause or menopause, taking care of yourself isn’t selfish – it’s essential. When you prioritize your happiness, everyone benefits.

If you want to dive deeper into 5 of the Pillars of Health, you can read about Eat, Move and Relax pillars of health in my blog post Pillars of Health Part 1. To read about Connect and Sleep pillars of health, check out my blog post Pillars of Health Part 2.

If you’d like personalized support to thrive during the holidays, consider scheduling a free Insight Session with me. Together, we’ll create a plan to help you enjoy the season with confidence and balance.

This year, give yourself the gift of joy, self-care, and connection – you deserve it!

YOU have the power to take the steps to mindfully transform your wellness on your personal journey.

The content provided in this post is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read in this post.

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Mindfully transform your wellness on your personal journey

San Diego, CA