Tips for your wellness during the winter holiday season

As Stanford prepares for the upcoming Winter Closure, many faculty and staff are looking forward to a chance to relax, reconnect, and reboot. 

But that’s not always easy with the pressures of winter holidays – which often come with extra cooking, shopping, traveling, and a change in routine. Plus, some may be unable to take much – if any – time off of work, while others find it challenging to enjoy their time off due to hardships that seem even more difficult at this time of year. Regardless of your situation, we want to help you survive and thrive, so we’ve come up with some practical tips for you to put into place this holiday season.

Keep it simple

• Set realistic goals for what you can accomplish during the winter holiday season. You don’t have to do it all. Maybe skip out on hosting a holiday party this year and serve as a guest instead.
• Consider ordering takeout instead of one of the holiday meals you usually prepare. It could even start a fun new tradition, like ordering pizza on New Year’s Eve.
• Focus on what matters most. This time of year often focuses on gift-giving. Giving the gift of kindness and grace can go a long way, especially for those closest to us. Compassion, empathy, and patience are free gifts that are often invaluable to the recipient. Practice giving others what matters most to you. 

Care for your whole self

• Deepen your connection with a friend or family member. Think about someone you care about and want to connect with. Be intentional about reaching out to that person or plan a “date” where you can do something fun together. 
• Get outside. Spending time in nature can have numerous benefits, such as reducing stress and promoting calmness. Think about your favorite local hike or beach area and make a point to get out there, even if it’s just for a moment to sit and watch the sunset. New Year’s Day can be a great time to spend outdoors for a refreshing and healthy start to the year.
• Take up or re-discover a hobby or creative outlet. Try out a new recipe you’ve been dreaming about, write in your journal, or curl up with a favorite book. 
• Volunteer for a cause you care about. Charitable organizations often have greater need during the winter holiday season, and giving back can help you feel a sense of fulfillment. See how you can contribute through Cardinal at Work Cares.
• Practice self-compassion. If you find yourself unable to enjoy this time of year, remember that you’re not alone, and be kind to yourself. Take notice of the way you’re thinking and try to speak to yourself with the same encouragement and understanding that you would offer a good friend.

Enjoy eating in a way that feels good 

• Ask yourself what you want your eating to look like during this time of year. How do you want to feel after you eat? What holiday foods are you looking forward to? Try to be intentional about eating the foods you enjoy with mindfulness and attention. Slow down, savor the flavors, and notice the cues for when you’re feeling satiated. 
• Check-in with your own needs regularly. Ask yourself how you are feeling (hungry, thirsty, bored, stressed, etc.) and see if food or something else, like taking a break, a walk, or a bath, would best meet your needs.
• Have regular meals or a snack before those holiday events so you don’t arrive famished, or bring a dish that rounds out the rest so you can have both lighter and heavier options.
• Find a seasonal tea and create an evening ritual of enjoying that delicious hot drink. Enjoy the smell and the warmth. This can be a nice way to pause and take time for yourself during this busy time of year.

Stay active

• Enjoy simple movement as you are able, like stretching or walking on the treadmill, while enjoying your favorite TV shows or holiday films. 
• Some movement is better than none. Remember that every bit counts, even if you can’t keep up with your typical exercise routine over the holidays. Take the stairs when you can, and park far away from entrances to allow more opportunities for steps. 
• Try to move in some way while on the phone with family and friends. That way, you can get your activity in while making those holiday plans and connections. 
• Do your best to maintain your fitness routine, knowing perfection is impossible. It’s tough to come back to a routine once it’s lost, so try your best to keep the momentum going!

Regardless of how you spend your time, we wish you a happy and healthy winter holiday season, and we hope that these practical tips help you feel your best as we enter into the new year.