Move More, Stress Less: Your Guide to a Balanced Christmas
Can we be honest for a second? Christmas sneaks up on us every single year. One minute you're living your best life in early December, and the next you're awake at 2am panic-wrapping presents, mentally calculating how much food you need for Boxing Day, and realising you haven't had a moment to yourself in... well, you can't even remember.
And look, I love Christmas. I really do. The summer vibes, the family time, the beach days - it's magic. But somewhere between trying to make everything perfect and keeping everyone happy, we completely lose ourselves in the chaos.
So here's what I want to talk about today. How do we stay connected to the people we love and ourselves during the festive season? How do we keep our bodies moving when our schedules are packed? And most importantly, how do we give ourselves permission to actually rest and enjoy this time instead of just white-knuckling our way through it?
Let's dive in, because I think we all need this reminder.
Why Movement Is Non-Negotiable, Even When Everything Feels Chaotic
Okay, so I know what you're thinking "Great, another person telling me to work out during the holidays." But hear me out - this isn't about squeezing in gym sessions or hitting your step count. This is about something way more important.
When life gets hectic (and let's be real, Christmas is peak chaos), movement becomes one of our best tools for actually managing stress. Like, science backs this up - physical activity helps regulate those stress hormones, improves your sleep, and gives you those mood-boosting endorphins we desperately need when Aunty Karen is asking for the third time when you're getting married.
Plus, we have this incredible advantage in Australia - it's summer! We can actually get outside, soak up some vitamin D, and use movement as our little escape hatch when the indoor family dynamics get a bit much.
The key? Stop thinking of movement as another thing on your to-do list and start seeing it as the thing that helps you handle the to-do list.
Let's Rethink What "Exercise" Means Right Now
Here's where I want you to let go of any pressure about your usual routine. December is not the month for personal bests or strict workout schedules. It's just not.
Movement during the holidays can look like:
Taking your coffee outside for a quiet morning walk before everyone wakes up (honestly, this is my lifeline)
Suggesting the family hits the beach instead of sitting around the table for hours
Dancing around the kitchen while you're cooking (yes, this absolutely counts)
Playing backyard cricket with the kids
An evening walk after a big meal to clear your head
Even 15 minutes of movement can completely shift your energy and headspace. And that's the goal, not burning calories or "earning" your Christmas dinner, but creating little pockets of calm in your day.
Real Connection In a Season of Surface-Level Catch-Ups
Can we talk about this weird thing that happens at Christmas? You're literally surrounded by people 24/7, but somehow you feel more disconnected than ever. You're hosting, coordinating, making sure everyone's happy, and you realise you haven't had a single meaningful conversation all day.
I've learned that connection during the holidays has to be intentional. It's not going to just happen while you're all sitting around scrolling on your phones or making small talk about the weather.
Some things that have helped me:
Suggesting one-on-one walks with family members I actually want to catch up with properly. Something about walking side-by-side makes conversations flow so much easier than sitting face-to-face at a table.
Creating a phone-free hour where we're all actually present with each other
Not forcing the whole extended family to do everything together. Sometimes the best conversations happen when you're just helping someone wash up or sitting outside with a cuppa and one other person.
And here's a little secret combining movement with connection is honestly genius. Beach swims, sunset walks and family bike rides. These give you quality time without the pressure of intense eye contact and forced conversation. Plus, you get to tick both boxes at once.
The Permission Slip You've Been Waiting For
Now let's talk about the thing nobody wants to say out loud YOU need to rest! Like, actually rest. Not "rest" where you're answering work emails or meal planning in your head. Real, proper, do-nothing rest.
I know this feels almost impossible during Christmas. There's so much to do! Everyone needs you! But here's what I've learned the hard way - if you don't schedule rest, you'll end up completely burnt out by Boxing Day, wondering why you can't even enjoy your own holiday.
Rest isn't selfish. It's not lazy. It's what allows you to actually show up and enjoy all those moments you're working so hard to create.
But there's another layer to this that we don't talk about enough which is self-connection. When you're constantly "on" for everyone else, you completely lose touch with yourself. You stop noticing how you're actually feeling, what you actually need, or what you actually want. You become this people-pleasing robot just trying to keep everyone else happy.
Christmas is actually a beautiful opportunity to check back in with yourself. To reconnect with who you are beyond all the roles you play - the host, the organiser, the peacekeeper, the perfect daughter/ sister/ mum/ friend.
What This Actually Looks Like IRL
Okay, so what does rest and self-connection actually look like when you've got a house full of people and a schedule packed with obligations?
For me, it's things like:
Taking my morning coffee outside and just sitting quietly for 10 minutes before the chaos starts
Saying no to at least one social invitation so I can have an evening to myself
Being really clear with my family: "I'm taking an hour this afternoon to lie down, and that's happening"
Lowering my standards in areas that don't actually matter (store-bought dessert? Yes. Perfectly wrapped gifts? Who cares.)
Actually checking in with myself throughout the day: How am I feeling? What do I need right now? Am I okay?
Sometimes self-connection is as simple as asking yourself, "Do I actually want to go to this thing, or am I just going because I feel obligated?" and then honouring whatever answer comes up.
Creating Your Own Non-Negotiables
Here's what I want you to do. Think about what you actually need to feel good during this period. Not what you think you should need, not what works for everyone else but what works for YOU.
Maybe it's that morning walk. Maybe it's one completely free evening per week. Maybe it's getting outside every day, even if just for 20 minutes. Maybe it's having an hour completely alone where nobody can ask you for anything.
Once you know what these things are, protect them like they're as important as any other Christmas commitment. Because they are. They're actually more important. They're what allow you to show up for everything else.
And please, communicate this with your people. Say it clearly: "I need time alone to recharge" or "I'd rather do something active than sit around." Most people will totally get it. And if they don't? That's their problem, not yours.
Let's Keep It Real About Expectations
One last thing before we wrap this up: your Christmas doesn't need to be perfect. Your movement routine won't look like it does the rest of the year. You'll probably need more rest than usual because this period is genuinely demanding. Your social battery will run out before the calendar does.
All of this is completely normal and okay.
The festive season will have some beautiful moments. It will also have stress, minor disasters, and probably at least one family argument. Both things can be true at the same time.
The Bottom Line
What I want you to take away from this is simple. You're allowed to prioritise yourself during Christmas. You're allowed to move your body in ways that feel good, not punishing. You're allowed to create boundaries around your time and energy. You're allowed to rest without guilt. You're allowed to reconnect with yourself in the middle of all the chaos.
This season doesn't have to drain you. With a bit of intention around movement, meaningful connection, and rest, it can actually be what it's meant to be a time to slow down, be with people you love, and genuinely enjoy yourself.
So take that morning walk. Say yes to the beach day. Create space for real conversations with people who matter. And when you need it (which you will), give yourself permission to step away, breathe, and check in with yourself.
Your presence is the gift, not your perfection. And you can't show up fully if you're running on empty.
What's one non-negotiable that helps you stay grounded during the holidays? Share in the comments below. I'd love to hear what works for you!
