Holiday Health Check: Mind, Body & Safety in the Season of More

The holidays have a way of turning the volume up on everything.

More food.

More gatherings.

More emotions.

More expectations.

More everything.

And while the season is meant to be joyful, it can quietly take a toll on our bodies, minds, and overall wellbeing if we’re not paying attention.

So let’s talk about it — not in a preachy way, but in a real-life way.

When the Body Says “Whoa”

Holiday meals are delicious… and also often rich, salty, sugary, and plentiful. Add travel, shared food, and disrupted routines, and suddenly your digestive system is filing a formal complaint.

Common holiday body complaints include

stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, or food poisoning flare-ups of chronic conditions weight gain that sneaks up quietly and yes… even heart issues

Cold weather, stress, heavy meals, and alcohol can put extra strain on the heart — and studies consistently show spikes in cardiac events around Christmas and New Year’s.

That doesn’t mean you can’t enjoy yourself.

It just means moderation is not the enemy.

Respiratory Bugs Love the Holidays Too

Flu, COVID-19, RSV — they all love crowded indoor spaces, travel, and close contact.

You don’t need to live in fear, but a little prevention goes a long way:

stay current on vaccines wash hands (yes, still important) listen to your body if something feels off

Rest is not weakness. It’s prevention.

Holiday Hazards No One Talks About

Every year, emergency rooms see a rise in:

falls from ladders while decorating

cuts and burns from cooking marathons

alcohol-related accidents

Please hear me when I say this lovingly:

✨ You don’t need to decorate like you’re auditioning for a home makeover show. ✨

Take your time. Use sturdy ladders. Check cords. Be cautious with candles.

Your safety matters more than sparkle.

The Emotional Side of the Season

This is the part people don’t always say out loud.

The holidays can be hard.

Financial pressure.

Family dynamics.

Grief.

Loneliness.

High expectations that don’t match reality.

Stress and anxiety can show up as headaches, fatigue, body pain, irritability, or that feeling of being “on edge” all the time. For some, sadness or depression feels heavier during this season.

If this resonates with you — you’re not broken. You’re human.

Simple Ways to Take Care of Yourself

Nothing extreme. Nothing fancy. Just intentional care.

Sleep — protect it like it matters (because it does)

Eat mindfully — enjoy the treats, but balance them

Move your body — even gentle walks count

Limit alcohol — more is not always merrier

Create quiet moments — step away from the noise

Don’t ignore symptoms — chest pain, breathing issues, or severe illness deserve medical attention

And if you have health benefits, now is a good time to use them. Preventive care isn’t just responsible — it’s self-respect.

A Holiday Hug 🤍

For anyone who is alone this season…

For those missing someone…

For those who feel unseen while the world feels loud…

Take a breath right now.

Place a hand on your heart.

Remind yourself: I am allowed to rest. I am allowed to go slow. I am allowed to take care of myself.

You matter — exactly as you are, right where you are.

This season doesn’t have to be perfect.

It just needs to be kind.