This December is busy, joyful, and a little chaotic — which is exactly why taking care of yourself matters most. Coach Delicia is sharing ten simple self-care strategies that protect your peace, boost your energy, and help you actually enjoy the holidays instead of just surviving them.
December is officially here, and the holiday season is in full swing! I love the twinkle lights, the festive music, and all the warm, cozy feelings, especially here in Colorado. But let’s be real, this month is also a marathon of to-do lists, crowded malls, endless parties, and maybe a little too much stress. We spend so much time running around buying gifts for everyone else that we completely forget the most important person in the whole equation: ourselves.
This year, I’m issuing a mandatory holiday rule: we are gifting ourselves wellness. Your health journey is more than just tracking points; it’s about managing your stress and energy so you can actually enjoy the good stuff. If you run yourself ragged, your willpower goes out the window, and those healthy habits we worked so hard to build vanish faster than a sugar cookie on Christmas Eve.
Personally, since my baby is expected next month, I’m absolutely gifting myself a prenatal massage this December. It’s a non-negotiable hour of peace before the chaos, and trust me, you deserve a similar non-negotiable moment too.
Here are 10 straightforward, Healthi-approved self-care ideas to prioritize this month:
Grab your calendar right now and block out 30 minutes three times a week that is non-negotiable me-time. This isn’t for errands or cleaning, it’s for sitting, resting, reading, or staring out the window. If someone asks for that time, you say, “Sorry, I have an appointment.” The appointment is with your sanity.
You don’t have to go to every party, bake every cookie, or volunteer for every task. Saying “no” to something you don’t actually want to do is saying “yes” to your peace. Protect your boundaries and save energy for what truly matters.
The holidays bring out the “perfect” versions of everyone’s life online, which can trigger comparison and stress. Choose a time (like 8 PM) when scrolling stops. Use that time for something calming, like journaling or reading a real book.
The holidays often make us focus on what we don’t have or what still needs to get done. Take one minute each morning to write down three things you are genuinely grateful for. This simple shift is proven to reduce stress and boost mood.
Cold weather makes hydration easy to forget, but dehydration mimics hunger and fatigue. Keep a large water bottle with you and sip all day. Add winter citrus or cranberries to make it festive.
You don’t need hour-long gym sessions. Think of your workout as a stress reliever. Commit to 15–20 minutes a day, like a brisk walk to look at holiday lights, yoga while your coffee brews, or a few extra stair runs. Consistency wins every time!
Before any party or gathering, eat a protein snack (Greek yogurt, apple with peanut butter, or a handful of nuts). Showing up starving is the fastest way to derail your plan. This buffer helps you make mindful choices.
Sleep repairs your body, manages stress hormones, and resets appetite signals. Aim for a consistent bedtime. If you’re up late wrapping presents, plan an earlier bedtime the next day. Sleep is non-negotiable for your immune system and willpower.
Instead of spending hours baking complicated cookies, suggest a simple walk with a friend or a cozy board game night at home. Authentic moments fuel your heart far more than elaborate activities.
The best way to feel good is to do good. It doesn’t need to be a huge gesture. Buy coffee for the person behind you, leave a kind note for a coworker, or donate canned goods. These small acts bring joy back into the season.
This December, remember that the most valuable thing you have is your peace of mind and your health. The holidays are meant to be joyful, not exhausting. You cannot pour from an empty cup. Instead of running yourself into the ground trying to make everything perfect for everyone else, prioritize those non-negotiable moments for yourself, whether it’s a quiet cup of coffee before the kids wake up, that 15-minute stress-relieving walk, or, in my case, that amazing prenatal massage.
Your Healthi journey doesn’t stop just because the calendar changed. By focusing on these simple self-care strategies, you’re not just surviving the holidays, you’re building resilience and setting yourself up for a strong start to the new year.
Go ahead and check off those gifts for everyone else, but make sure the top item on your list is you. You deserve it.
December 5, 2025
