Finding Calm in the Festive Season: Stress & Self-Care

Finding Calm in the Festive Season: Stress & Self-Care

A client once told me, “December is the month I both love and dread.” She adored the sparkle, the family gatherings, the music in the shops—but every year she felt exhausted, anxious about money, guilty about overeating, and a little lonely when the parties ended.

Does that sound familiar?

The festive season can bring joy, but it can also carry stress, isolation, and habits that leave us feeling run down by January. If you live with a long-term condition such as diabetes, hypertension, or anxiety, the pressure of December can feel even heavier. That’s why this month, I want us to talk about how to protect our peace and practice gentle self-care during the holidays.

Why December Feels So Overwhelming

• Food & Drink Everywhere: From mince pies at work to celebratory meals, temptation is constant. Restricting often backfires, leading to overeating.

• Financial Pressure: Gifting, hosting, and travel can leave us anxious about money.

• Loneliness: Not everyone has family or friends nearby, and social media can make isolation feel sharper.

• Unrealistic Expectations: We often want the “perfect” holiday, but perfection isn’t real—connection and rest matter more.

3 Practical Ways to Find Calm

1. Practice Mindful Eating

Instead of labelling festive foods as “good” or “bad,” pause and check in with your body.

• Ask: Am I hungry, or eating because it’s offered?

• Slow down—savour flavours, put down your fork between bites.

• Choose smaller portions of indulgent foods and enjoy them fully.

This approach reduces guilt and supports balance, especially if you’re managing a health condition.

2. Protect Your Boundaries

You don’t have to attend every event or say yes to every request.

• Give yourself permission to rest.

• If family dynamics are stressful, plan ahead—decide how long you’ll stay or when you’ll leave.

• Remember: “No” is a full sentence. Saying no to one thing means saying yes to your wellbeing.

3. Create Pockets of Calm

Amidst the bustle, carve out small moments of peace:

• A 10-minute walk after meals.

• A quiet morning with a cup of tea before the house wakes up.

• A gratitude list before bed—reminding yourself of what went well that day.

These small practices calm your nervous system and recharge your energy.

Why It Matters Beyond December

The habits we nurture now carry us into the new year. When we practice mindful eating, set boundaries, and make space for rest, we protect not just our December wellbeing, but our long-term health.

Instead of starting January feeling depleted, you can begin it with strength, clarity, and hope.

Reflective Questions

• What’s one food or tradition you want to savour slowly this December?

• Where could you set a gentle boundary to protect your peace?

• How might you create 10 minutes of calm each day?

Take a moment to jot these down—they could be the anchor that keeps you steady.

A Gift for Yourself (or Someone You Love)

At Ndu Oma Wellness, we know January can feel like a “reset” month. That’s why we’re opening up coaching slots in January—as gifts for yourself or for someone you care about. Coaching is more than advice; it’s about support, encouragement, and finding practical ways to live well with or without a long-term condition.

This festive season, give the gift of health and peace. Book your January coaching slot today and step into the new year with calm and confidence.