A Strength Mindset: How to Support Your Body Through the Festive Season
Christmas is a time of celebration, family, and indulgence. For many of us, especially in midlife, it can also bring fatigue, stress and a sense of being pulled in a thousand directions. Between family and work (plus those never ending social commitments!), festive preparations and travel, it’s easy to let routines slip and feel disconnected from your body. Now is the time to be mindful of your body by setting small achievable goals to support your mind and body through the festive fatigue.
Amid the hustle and bustle that December brings, prioritising your body’s needs – getting outside, nourishing foods, protecting your nervous system, and ensuring quality sleep – can make all the difference. Being mindful of how these elements can affect us will allow you to enjoy the festive season fully, keeping your body strong and your mind calm.
The Power of a Daily Walk
Getting outside first thing in the morning is one of the most powerful yet simple habits you can build. Circadian rhythm plays a vital role in sleep quality, hormone balance, digestion, and overall energy levels. Just 15-30 minutes of gentle cardio and daily steps, ideally outdoors in natural light, can set your mind and body up for a calmer, more positive day. I walk my dogs every day, a short walk can make such a difference. Make walking a priority this festive season!
Nourishing Your Body
Delicious meals and treats are all part of the festive fun! For women in midlife, changes in metabolism, digestion, and hormone balance mean that rich or heavy meals can sometimes leave you feeling sluggish. Supporting your digestion doesn’t mean restriction (treat yourself to chocolate!). It’s about simple strategies that help your body feel balanced and energised.
Protein and Fibre
- Protein will keep you feeling full, stabilise blood sugar and support muscle repair & growth.
- Fibre rich foods like vegetables and whole grains support the gut – keep a bowl of nuts and fruits close by to avoid snacking on foods that are likely to be heavier (swap the cheese for almonds).
Hydrate
- Take note of your daily water intake! Foods in the festive season can be high in salt which draws water from your body – drinking water helps your body process sodium
- Peppermint, green, or chamomile herbal teas are great for digestion and reduce bloating after large meals (something to remember all year round)
Support Your Nervous System
Stress can lead to a hyperactive nervous system which can leave us feeling tired and irritable. (Remember that alcohol too can worsen anxiety/stress symptoms and disrupt your sleep) Keeping your nervous system in check during the festive period will improve your mood, it also will support digestion and sleep.
Tips to keep your nervous system balanced:
- Gentle breath awareness – If you feel anxiety rise, sit calmly for 2-5 minutes and practice breathwork. This will signal your body to relax, lowering heart rate and reducing cortisol levels
- Move with intention: Gentle strength and mobility exercises calm nervous system responses, it also eases bloating after heavy meals. If you have the time, take a yoga class (check out Amber’s brilliant 30 minute yoga sessions on the Caroline’s Circuits platform)
Prioritise Sleep
I can’t emphasise enough how important a good night’s sleep is especially in midlife and during this period! Prioritising my sleep really is a non-negotiable for me – I use Dreem Distillery products alongside my ARTAH Essential Magnesium which support my sleep routine.
- Keep a consistent bedtime through the festive period (I appreciate this is not always possible!) and wake up before everyone else – set aside 5 minutes just for you
- Again, it’s not about restriction – it’s about prioritising. Avoid alcohol and soft drinks past a certain time to support your sleep and movement in the day will help your sleep patterns too
- Set a bedtime ritual – gentle stretching beforehand, less screen time, a relaxing bath, a warm drink (milk and vanilla essence is great)
Final thoughts
Christmas can be busy and even a little overwhelming – it can also be a time to practice listening to your body, protecting your energy, and nurturing your nervous system. You absolutely can enjoy all of the festivities and still feel energised, balanced and on top form. This season, choose presence over perfection – create an environment that works for you and supports you in feeling your best.
As always, any questions please do get in touch.
Caroline x
