The holidays come wrapped in twinkling lights, full calendars, family traditions, andā€”let’s be honestā€”a fair amount of chaos. With so many demands on your time, energy, and attention, it’s easy to feel like your fitness and nutrition routines don’t stand a chance.

I don’t know about y’all, but it’s the first week of December, and I’m already feeling like I’m running behind for the holidays. I’m barely managing my schedule between work, school programs, kids’ events, and trying to get ahead of family plans.

But here’s the truth: thriving during the holidays isn’t about avoiding “bad” foods or sticking to a flawless fitness plan. And I’m the first to remind you it’s okay to take time off from workouts to spend time with family, and of course, enjoy all the holiday food.

AND, we know we feel better when we can take care of ourselves, especially during the busy, stressful times. But how do we find the balance between giving ourselves space to enjoy a guilt-free holiday season, while also showing up for our physical and mental health when, and how we can?

Here are my top tips for surviving the holidaysā€”with grace, flexibility, and a little bit of strategy.

Consider this your simple, realistic, and sanity-saving game plan.

1. Hydrate Like It’s Your Superpower

Between holiday parties, travel days, and endless to-dos, hydration often gets pushed to the bottom of the list. Yet staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to support your energy, digestion, mood, and overall well-being. I’ll be honest: despite having a water bottle at my side at all times, I’m not great at actually remembering to drink it — these tips can help!

Quick wins:

  • Start your morning with a full glass of water before coffee or anything else.
  • Keep a water bottle visible in all places: by your computer, in your car, and close by as you work around the house.Ā Ā 
  • Set reminders on your phone to sip: every hour or half hour, or use a water tracking app like
  • Alternate alcoholic beverages with water at partiesā€”your tomorrow-self will thank you.

Hydration is simple, powerful, and one of the few things you can control when everything else feels unpredictable.

2. Move Your Body (In Whatever Way Fits Your Reality)

Movement doesn’t have to look like your usual program this time of yearā€”and that’s okay. While there’s still time to join HOLIDAY HIIT or take advantage of my free December calendar, a structured weighted workout sometimes isn’t in the cards. Remember, a “workout” can be a walk with family, stretching between events, dancing in the kitchen, or sneaking in 10 minutes of strength work before bed.  

Some short, easy options:

Also, be on the lookout for my upcoming “12 Days of Fitmas” workouts starting tomorrow! 12 days of 12-minute workouts you can do anywhere!

The goal isn’t perfectionā€”it’s consistency.

Think of movement as a tool to boost energy, reduce stress, and stay connected to your body amidst the season’s chaos.

3. Don’t Be Afraid to Say No

The holidays are full of invitations, obligations, and expectationsā€”and there’s only one you. Saying “no” isn’t selfish; it’s a healthy boundary that keeps you from burning out. Confession time again: I’m not great at this. Not just because I’m a recovering people pleaser, but because I genuinely love all the holiday things, and often feel I can and should fit everything in this time of year.

The reality is, this can set unrealistic expectations and cause fatigue in an already tiring season. You don’t have to attend every event, bake every cookie, or be available to everyone. Protecting your time and energy allows you to be more present when it truly matters.

Permission granted:

Say no with kindness. Say no without guilt. Say no so you can say yes to what matters most.

4. Let It Go (Seriously.)

Something will go differently than planned. A planned workout will get skipped. You’ll eat more than you intended to. Travel will derail your routine. And guess what? That’s part of the season.

Instead of spiraling into all-or-nothing thinking, practice letting it go.

One skipped workout doesn’t derail your progress.

One indulgent meal doesn’t define your habits.

One stressful day doesn’t erase how far you’ve come.

The holidays are a moment in timeā€”not a measure of your worth or discipline.

Getting to spend time with family and friends during the holiday season is a privilegeā€”enjoy it!

Your Game Plan: Show Up as You Can

The holidays aren’t a test of your willpowerā€”they’re an opportunity to practice balance, flexibility, and self-grace.  And a time of family, friends, and fun!

Remember:

  • Drink your water.
  • Move your body in ways that feel good.
  • Set boundaries where you need them.
  • Let go of perfection.
  • Be where you are today.

You don’t need to navigate the season flawlesslyā€”you need to take care of yourself in the ways that are doable and meaningful for you. 

Here’s to surviving (and maybe even enjoying) the holidays. šŸŽ„āœØ