3 Ways to Put Your Health First This Holiday Season

The holidays are a whirlwind, and they can be as exhausting as they are fun. However, you can still enjoy the season and take care of your health.

In fact, Dr. Andrea Das, Dr. Louisa Griggs, Dr. Djamilia Kryukov, and Dr. Patricia Tagamolila at Advanced OB/GYNE Associates agree that putting your health first may be the best way to feel present and joyful during all the festive moments ahead.

Here are three simple, powerful ways to protect your well-being this holiday season without feeling like you’re missing out.

1. Set healthy boundaries

Boundaries aren’t about saying no to the holidays; they’re all about saying yes to the things that truly matter. Without them, stress piles up fast, especially when you’re juggling gatherings, work deadlines, travel, and family dynamics. Try these healthy boundary-setting strategies:

Say no when you need to
Limit draining conversations
Create downtime even if it’s for just 10 minutes
Delegate holiday tasks

When you honor your limits, you show up with more gratitude and more joy for the things you genuinely care about.

2. Nourish your body

Between sugary treats, holiday drinks, skipped meals, and staying up late, your body can get thrown way off balance at this time of year. Putting your health first just means giving your body the support it needs to keep up with the season. Simple ways you can do this include:

Staying hydrated

Sip water throughout the day to help digestion, energy, mood, and skin.

Eat balanced meals

Pair proteins, healthy fats, and colorful produce with your holiday favorites.

Avoid skipping meals

Saving calories for later almost always backfires and leads to overeating.

Go on gentle walks

Movement supports digestion, reduces stress, boosts mood, and helps balance blood sugar.

Prioritize sleep

Even one extra hour makes a huge difference in immunity, hunger levels, and stress.

Enjoy festive foods guilt-free

A healthy holiday mindset means savoring your favorite dishes without shame.

3. Make time for your mental health

Your mental and emotional well-being deserve just as much attention as your physical health. The holidays often bring up family stress, financial pressure, seasonal sadness, or feelings of being overwhelmed. Supporting your mental health is one of the best gifts you can give yourself. Here are a few ways to take care of your mind and mood:

Check in with yourself daily
Practice short moments of mindfulness
Reach out to someone you trust
Create mini moments of joy
Seek support when needed

Remember that protecting your mental health is never selfish; it’s essential. When you care for your emotional well-being, you move through the holiday chaos with more resilience and inner calm.

To learn more about how to prioritize your well-being, call us at 847-755-1111 or use our online booking tool to request an appointment today. We have offices in Arlington Heights and Hoffman Estates, Illinois.