As the holiday season unfolds, finding balance can feel more challenging than ever. Between festive indulgences and mounting stressors, it’s essential to offer yourself grace during these joyful—but often hectic—times.
For those feeling overwhelmed by seasonal demands, Chelsea Dornan, Health Coach at THE WELL, can help. She shared her expert insights on the top holiday wellness questions, offering simple, actionable tips to help you stay balanced, mindful and energized throughout the season.
WellSpa 360 (WS): What are the best tips to avoid burnout this holiday season?
Chelsea Dornan (CD): Burnout can often manifest through fatigue and illness, especially during the holiday season when rest can feel impossible. To avoid burnout, it's important to set boundaries and prioritize self-care. Saying "no" to overwhelming commitments and focusing on meaningful activities can help you maintain balance. Meditation practices and moving your body are key in keeping your mind at peace and burnout at bay. Starting any routine can often be daunting – it’s important to take it one step at a time and be patient with yourself.
WS: What are some natural treatments that can help with bloating often experienced during the holidays?
CD: During the holidays, bloating is a common issue due to indulgent meals and stress. Supporting gut resilience and soothing digestion through herbal teas with ginger and peppermint are effective, natural remedies (that even taste seasonal). Incorporating fiber-rich, prebiotic foods such as bananas and asparagus also support gut bacteria and help to ease bloating.
Mindful eating – chewing food thoroughly and slowly – also eases digestive stress. For ongoing gut resilience, meditation and gentle exercise can aid in maintaining a strong gut barrier and reducing inflammation, which often leads to discomfort and bloating. Including these small steps into your daily routine will make a huge difference in diminishing bloating during the festive season. Treatments, including acupuncture and lymphatic drainage massage may also help with bloating.
Related: 6 Wellness Services to Help Your Clients De-Stress for the Holidays
WS: What are some signs that our bodies are in need of a detox after the holidays, and how can we address them in a healthy way?
CD: You might experience feelings of sluggishness, bloating, fatigue or changes in digestion. Skin issues like breakouts or dullness, as well as cravings for unhealthy foods, can also signal that your body is ready for a reset. Rather than feeling guilty or frustrated, it’s important to give yourself grace! If you feel prepared, the new year is a great time to transform your daily routine. However, it’s important to keep in mind that quick diet resets and sudden changes are not the answer – focus on taking small, manageable steps. For example, instead of eliminating all carbs or following fad diets, incorporate more whole foods into your meals while still listening to and honoring your body’s cravings.
WS: Do you have tips for staying active during the holidays?
CD: Staying motivated to move your body can be tough, especially during the holiday season, but regular movement is crucial for both your mental and physical health. Simple daily activities, like 10 minutes of yoga in the morning or a quick 30 minute walk, can effectively reduce stress and increase energy levels.
WS: Are there any specific wellness practices you recommend for dealing with holiday-related anxiety?
CD: To manage holiday-related anxiety, it’s important to build a toolkit of wellness practices that calm the body and mind. Start with vagus nerve stimulation through simple breathing exercises, mediation, and rhythmic breathing, which quickly ease tension. Disconnecting from anxiety-inducing media and social feeds can also create mental space, while focusing on calming, screen-free activities relieves an anxious mind.
Drinking plenty of water and eating a balanced diet with fewer sugars, stimulants, and processed foods helps to stabilize energy and mood during the anxiety-inducing holiday season. Incorporating adaptogens like ashwagandha or rhodiola and supplements like magnesium can also naturally support resilience to stressors. Altogether, these practices promote a calmer mindset, allowing you to navigate holiday stressors with greater ease.
WS: Do you have any recommendations to kick off an effective wellness routine to start the new year feeling refreshed and revitalized?
CD: Begin each day with a mindfulness practice. Whether that's a few minutes of deep breathing, journaling, or meditation, starting your day grounded can have a powerful impact on overall mood and clarity. A bedtime routine at the end of your day combined with an evening digital detox helps to promote deeper rest and prepares you for each new day.
For physical wellness, try a blend of gentle movement like yoga, stretching, or Pilates alongside a few strength-focused exercises to build energy and resilience. Most importantly, one should always prioritize rest and recovery and listen to their bodies. Trying something new and fun to switch up your routine will help you become more motivated in the new year.
