‘Keep Calm and ‘Christmas’ On!

🎄

The festive season is fast approaching - how did that happen?
It’s the time of year for fun, friends, family, happy memories, food, drinks, and celebration. Sounds great… right?

Or maybe you’re already feeling the pressure: never-ending to-do lists, shopping, prepping, cleaning, school plays, school fairs, school concerts, family staying (= even more cooking/cleaning/shopping).

Late nights, routine out the window, chaos — OVERWHELM.

On top of your already busy life, you might be thinking:
“How am I supposed to keep up with healthy eating and exercise? My sleep will be all over the place. My stress levels are rising just thinking about it. I’ll just start again in January…”

But it doesn’t have to be like this.

Here are 5 tips to help you stay calm, in control, and able to enjoy the season — with all the joy it brings.

1. Mealtimes: Eat Satiating Meals

Start your day with a well-balanced, protein- and fibre-rich breakfast to keep you full and fuelled.

Try:

• Greek yoghurt with granola, seeds, and berries

• Scrambled eggs & spinach on wholemeal toast

• Overnight oats with yoghurt, fruit & seeds

When you’re well-satisfied by meals, you’re far less likely to graze on Christmas treats.
Still enjoy the treats — but have them as part of a meal, not as extras.

2. Movement: Adapt, Don’t Abandon

If your usual routine isn’t possible, do something smaller — but do something.

• Swap the gym for a home HIIT YouTube workout (great when staying with relatives).

• Walk with guests after meals — reduces blood sugar spikes and boosts mood.

• Deliver Christmas cards on foot or by bike with the kids.

• Join a local Santa Dash as a family — fun, active, and memory-making!

Small bursts of movement go a long way over Christmas.

3. Ease Stress: Ask For Help

You don’t need to carry the whole season alone.

• Get the kids involved with cleaning: dusting, hoovering, stripping beds — Christmas music on full blast! (Bonus: it counts as NEAT activity.)

• Hosting a party? Ask guests to bring a dish — and request a couple of healthier options.
  Tip: keep red or green cabbage and carrots in the fridge — they make an easy slaw that lasts all week.

• Say “No” when you need to. You don’t have to attend everything.

4. Sleep: Protect Your Rest

• Aim to stick to your usual sleep/wake times.

• Pack a sleep mask if staying away from home.

• Avoid heavy meals too close to bedtime — if you’re hosting, you set the schedule!

Good sleep = better energy, choices, mood and resilience.

5. Re-Write Traditions

You’re in charge. You can create Christmas traditions that align with what you want.

• Swap a late Christmas Eve dinner for an early tea followed by carols and a gentle walk.

• Switch the Boxing Day pub trip to a family walk in nature.

• Staying with relatives? Offer to cook a meal and bring a healthy, tasty option — they’ll likely appreciate the help.

Small shifts = big benefits.

✨ Final Thought

Small, consistent choices beat perfection every time.
Stay kind to yourself, enjoy the season, and choose habits that help you feel good — strong, calm, and in control.

Merry Christmas! 🎄

Want personalised support to help you stay on track this month — and start the new year feeling calm, energised, and in control?

👉 Book a free 15-minute health coaching discovery call with me.
Let’s chat about your goals and what you need to feel your best.