Christmas Is Stressful Enough – Why Looking After Yourself Matters More Than Ever
The Christmas period can be overwhelming. Here’s a reminder to slow down, stay mindful and look after your health without adding pressure.
Robb Sheridan
12/20/20251 min read
Christmas is often sold as the most joyful time of year, but for many people, it can feel anything but. Busy diaries, family expectations, financial pressure and disrupted routines can quickly turn December into a stressful blur.
When life feels hectic, looking after yourself is often the first thing to slip. Workouts stop, sleep suffers, and food choices become rushed or reactive. This is completely normal, and it doesn’t mean you’ve failed or lost discipline.
The key at this time of year isn’t doing more. It’s doing enough.
Staying active doesn’t need to mean intense workouts or rigid plans. Gentle movement, short sessions, or simply getting outside for a walk can help clear your head and reduce stress. Movement should support your wellbeing, not add another task to an already long list.
Mindfulness plays a big role, too. Taking a few moments to slow down, breathe and reset can make a real difference. This might be a quiet walk, a stretch at home, or just switching off from screens for a short while. These small pauses help calm the nervous system and bring some balance back to busy days.
Food is another area where pressure can build. Christmas doesn’t need to be all or nothing. Enjoying festive meals and social occasions is part of the season, and there’s no need for guilt. Focusing on regular meals, staying hydrated and tuning into how food makes you feel is far more helpful than strict rules.
Rest is just as important. Late nights and packed schedules are common in December, so prioritising sleep where you can will help with energy, mood and resilience. Even small improvements can make a noticeable difference.
Most importantly, be kind to yourself. This time of year is about connection, reflection and enjoyment, not perfection. Looking after your mental and physical health now sets you up far better for the new year ahead.
You don’t need to push harder in December. Sometimes, the most productive thing you can do is slow down and take care of yourself.