Balancing Festive Fun & Wellbeing
- Alice Monk
- Dec 15, 2025
- 3 min read
A guide to enjoying the Christmas season while looking after yourself
The festive season is a wonderful time of year. It’s a chance to celebrate with friends, family, and colleagues, enjoy delicious food, raise a glass, and maybe even take a well-earned rest. But it’s also a time when our usual routines can get a little lost among mince pies, mulled wine, and late nights.
The good news? You don’t need to cut out the fun to feel good. By making a few mindful tweaks, you can enjoy the festivities to the fullest while protecting your health and wellbeing.
Food, Drink & Energy Levels
Overindulging is easy this time of year – richer foods and larger portions are everywhere. While the odd big meal won’t do harm, consistently overeating can leave you sluggish and tired.
Alcohol plays its part too. December often comes with after-work drinks, office parties, and Christmas Day toasts. Drinking too much alcohol can disrupt sleep, dehydrate you, and affect your mental health, sometimes leaving you feeling more anxious the next day. Even a couple of large glasses of wine can exceed the recommended daily limits.
Simple strategies to help you feel your best:
Alternate drinks: Try swapping every other alcoholic drink for water or a soft drink – you’ll feel fresher the next day.
Mind your portions: Fill half your plate with vegetables first – you’ll still enjoy the festive favourites but balance things out.
Think ahead: If you know you’ve got a big meal in the evening, a lighter lunch can help keep energy levels steady.
Sleep & Routine
Late nights are part of the season, but they can quickly add up. A lack of sleep is linked with poorer concentration, reduced productivity, and increased stress. Missing out on rest also affects appetite hormones, which can make it harder to resist festive treats.
Quick tips for a better balance:
Bank some rest: If you know a late night is coming, try to get a few good nights of sleep in beforehand.
Stick to what you can: Even small bits of routine – like a short walk in the morning or a regular breakfast – help anchor your body clock.
Mental Health & The “Festive Pressure”
December isn’t easy for everyone. Financial pressures, busyness, or missing loved ones can make the season stressful. At the same time, there’s often pressure to “be merry.” Remember: it’s completely normal not to feel festive all the time.
Protecting your headspace:
Set boundaries: It’s okay to say no to invitations if you’re stretched thin – pacing yourself helps you enjoy the things you do say yes to.
Budget realistically: Make a plan for gifts and spending before shopping – financial stress is one of the biggest wellbeing drains at Christmas.
Check in with yourself: Take a pause during busy days – a walk, a few minutes of breathing, or just stepping outside can calm the nervous system.
Staying Active
Exercise often takes a back seat in December, but keeping moving is one of the best ways to balance out festive indulgences. Physical activity helps reduce stress, supports digestion, and boosts energy. It doesn’t need to mean gym sessions – dancing at the office party or a family walk after lunch all count.
Setting Yourself Up for Success
Rather than thinking in terms of restrictions, try seeing December as a chance to build positive habits you’ll thank yourself for in January.
Pick your priorities: Choose the events and treats that matter most and enjoy them wholeheartedly.
Small swaps: A glass of water between drinks, a couple of alcohol-free days a week, or choosing fruit some of the time for snacks all add up.
Compassion, not criticism: If you do go overboard one day, don’t beat yourself up – tomorrow is a new chance.
The festive season should be a time to connect, celebrate, and enjoy. By making a few small adjustments, you don’t have to sacrifice fun to feel well – in fact, you’ll likely enjoy yourself even more. Here’s to a joyful, balanced, and healthy festive season!
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