Prioritizing Self-Love During the Holiday Season

As we move into the holiday season which is a time filled with generosity, celebration, and connection, it’s easy to pour energy into others and forget to refill our own cup. While this season often brings joy, it can also be a time of stress, overcommitment, and disruption of the routines that support our well-being.

At Northwest Integrated Health, we believe that true health includes honoring your body, mind, and spirit—especially during busy times. Practicing self-love during the holidays can help shift your experience from one of overwhelm to one of peace and pleasure.

Self-love looks different for everyone. For some, it’s taking time to rest. For others, it’s staying active, eating nourishing foods, or simply saying “no” when your plate (literally or figuratively) is full. Whatever it means to you, we invite you to reflect on how you can care for yourself this season.

Below, we’ve broken down ideas for holiday self-care using the NWIH Wellness Pie—our holistic approach to balanced living:

Nutrition

Fueling your body with intention and compassion.

• Focus on whole foods most of the time.
  
  
• Prioritize protein intake to stay full and support muscle health.
  
  
• Fully enjoy your favorite holiday treats—guilt-free—if you choose to indulge.
  
  
• Listen to your body: eat when you’re hungry, and stop when you’re full.
  
  
• Stay hydrated with water and electrolytes.
  
  
• If drinking alcohol, do so in moderation.
  
  

Don’t forget to take your supplements—your body still needs them during the holidays!

Sleep

Rest is the foundation of physical and mental well-being.

• Stick to your usual sleep hygiene routines.
  
  
• Aim for 8–10 hours of quality sleep nightly.
  
  
• Avoid screens 2–3 hours before bed to support deep rest.
  
  
• Try natural sleep support, like magnesium glycinate or L-threonate (we recommend NWIH Calm).
  
  
• Traveling? Bring a sleep mask and ear plugs to rest well on the go.

Physical Activity

Movement is medicine, and it doesn’t have to be rigid.

• Aim for 20–30 minutes of cardiovascular activity, 5–7 days a week. That may look different during travel, and that’s okay!
  
  
• Include resistance or weight training 3+ days a week based on your goals.
  
  
• Be flexible—try a new workout class, go for a family hike, or take a walk after dinner. Many fitness studios offer holiday specials this time of year.
  
  
• Add stretching, yoga, or Pilates—especially helpful if you’re spending long hours traveling or sitting.
  
  

Book a massage with one of our licensed therapists to soothe sore muscles and ease stress.

Hormone Balance

Support your body’s internal rhythms.

• Stay on top of your pellet or medication follow-up appointments—make yourself a priority.
  
  
• Chronic stress can disrupt hormone balance, so lean into intentional self-care.
  
  
• When gifting, consider sustainable products free of xenoestrogens (chemicals in plastics, pesticides, and some personal care products that can affect hormone health).

Mindset

Your mental health matters—especially during high-stress seasons.

• Prioritize your mental and physical health equally.
  
  
• Remember: this is about lifestyle, not perfection. If your routine isn’t perfect, that’s okay—life happens, and we adapt.
  
  
• Integrate calming practices like breathwork, meditation, prayer, or spiritual reflection.
  
  
• Choose peace over pressure—it’s okay to say no to plans or events that don’t serve you.
  
  

Final Thoughts

The holidays are about more than giving to others—they’re also a time to return to yourself.

 Take a moment to ask:
What does self-love look like for me right now?

Whether it’s a walk outside, an early bedtime, or setting boundaries with your calendar, honoring your needs will help you enter the new year feeling nourished—not depleted.

From all of us at Northwest Integrated Health, we’re wishing you a joyful, peaceful, and balanced holiday season.

You deserve it.

‍