Let’s Not Crash Before the Countdown: A Realistic Guide to Holiday Wellness

Currently 70% caffeine and 30% sheer panic. ☕️ Here’s how to survive the next 48 hours without needing a medical intervention or a new identity. Plan your escape—I mean, your 'self-care'—accordingly. 📖✨

It is December 23rd. If you’re like me, you’re probably running on caffeine, peppermint bark, and sheer willpower right now. I'm just starting my Xmas

Shopping to be honest lol.

We all want to have a "perfect" Christmas, but usually, by the time the big day hits, we’re exhausted, bloated, and five seconds away from a seasonal cold. I wanted to put together a quick guide on how to survive the next week without needing a week-long nap in January.

Here is how to stay healthy without being the person who brings a salad to a cookie exchange, like that would ever happen...

1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Job

Look, the holiday cocktails and the extra lattes are great, but they’re dehydrating as heck. If your like me, I like my water filtered, filtered with a coffee pod that is lol.

The Hack: Follow the "Pepsi Soda Sandwich." Have a glass of water or sparkling water between every festive drink. And if u know me, it's good advice I need to actually take.

The "Dr. Reason": Dehydration is the #1 cause of that "holiday fog." Keep your brain hydrated so you actually remember the memories you're making.

Trying to plan my 'Holiday Self-Care' between bouts of caffeine

2. The "Post-Feast" Lap

We’ve all been there—sitting on the couch after dinner feeling like you can't move. Instead of slipping into a food coma, grab a coat and hit the pavement. Walk the dog and get some fresh air.

The Hack: A 10-minute walk around the block to look at the lights. That’s it.

The "Nurse Reason": According to a study in Diabetes Care, even a short walk after eating helps clear glucose from your bloodstream. It’s the easiest way to manage that sugar spike and a great opportunity to practice e a little appreciation for your whats around us.

3. Protect Your Peace (and Your Sleep)

Stress isn't just "in your head"—it actually trashes your immune system. If you're burnt out, you're going to catch whatever bug is going around.

The Hack: It’s okay to leave the party early. Seriously. "The bed is calling" is a valid excuse. Just didn't lay there and scroll through Tik Tok all night long.

The "Dr. Reason": Your T-cells (the ones that fight off viruses) do their best work while you’re asleep. Don't rob your body of its defense time.

I walked into the freezing dark for this shot so you don't have to. Now do us both a favor: put the phone down, get some actual sleep lol.

4. Eat the Good Stuff, Skip the "Filler"

Don't waste your "appetite budget" on stale grocery store crackers just because they're there.

If the appetizer looks like it was bought at a gas station at 11 PM, leave it alone. 🛑 You have a finite amount of stomach real estate—don’t waste your 'appetite budget' on festive cardboard.

The Hack: Be picky! Eat the homemade stuff you actually love, but fill up on the protein and veggies first so you don't overdo it on the sugar. Drink water and chew gum frequently.

The "Nurse Reason": Keeping your protein up helps stabilize your mood. Nobody likes a "hangry" Christmas guest.

5. Check Your "Internal Battery"

Before you say "yes" to one more festive commitment, check your battery. If you’re at 5%, stay home. Watch Home Alone. Recharge.

The "Dr. Reason": High cortisol (the stress hormone) can lead to high blood pressure and poor sleep. Taking a night off is literally a medical necessity. It's how I recharge...

If only my actual energy levels recharged as fast as this phone. 🔋

Bottom Line: You can’t pour from an empty cup—especially if that cup is full of lukewarm eggnog. Take care of yourself so you can actually enjoy the people you love.

End of the day, look after yourself!

Merry Christmas, stay safe, and drink some water...