Holiday Hacks for Your Health

It happens every year — we eagerly anticipate the holiday season, but when it arrives, many of us find ourselves overwhelmed with tasks, making the time fly by! After all the shopping, decorating, wrapping, traveling, cooking, and coordinating family activities, not to mention our regular responsibilities, finding time to enjoy the season seems impossible. However, you can indeed enjoy it, and we'll show you how. Here’s our list of holiday hacks to help you make the most of this year's holiday season.

Set Your Priorities Every Day

Despite wishing for superpowers, we can only accomplish so much in a day. So, let's start with making some lists! Consider the aspects of the holidays you enjoy the most and list them first. Whether it's decorating, baking cookies with your children, or driving around to see holiday lights, prioritize these activities. This way, you ensure you make time for what brings you joy during the holidays.

Next, list everything else that needs to be done by the end of the season. Writing everything down helps in prioritizing tasks and maintaining focus. It also reduces the stress of trying to remember everything and prevents last-minute oversights.

Keep your list accessible and update it as necessary. Organize tasks into groups that can be completed simultaneously, and strategize the most efficient ways to accomplish them, thus freeing up more time for enjoyable activities.

Try Herbs for Energy and Focus

If you need a boost, certain herbs can enhance your focus and energy levels, helping you tackle those holiday tasks. Pure Brain from BubbForest Pure Science Herbals contains clinically-researched herbs that support neurotransmitters essential for healthy cognitive function—perhaps even eliminating the need to double-check your list!

Pure Energy provides sustained energy and enhanced concentration without the jitters, thanks to a synergistic blend of adaptogens, herbs, and botanicals that also improve mood and combat stress and fatigue.

Interested in learning more? Read Why Choose Condition Specific Herbs for Energy, Joint, Heart, and Brain Health?

Aim for Productivity Bursts

This popular office productivity technique is equally effective outside of work. Think of it as interval training for your productivity. Apart from your favorite holiday activities, dedicate 20-30 minute blocks for focused work. Between these bursts, take a 5- or 10-minute break for self-care. You'll be amazed at how much you can accomplish with such focused efforts.

While not applicable to all tasks, this method is perfect for stationary activities like writing holiday cards, preparing your home for guests, brainstorming gift ideas, or even decorating if it's not one of your favorite tasks.

During breaks, engage in activities like mini meditation, deep breathing, enjoying a cup of herbal tea, light stretching, or reading—anything that recharges you. Vary your activities to maximize your downtime, ensuring you approach the next task refreshed. For more self-care ideas, check out Mood Boosters to Stress Less this Holiday.

Enlist Your Elves for Holiday Help

You don’t have to manage everything alone! Involve your family by assigning age-appropriate tasks. Children can participate in the kitchen or help with decorating and wrapping gifts. Imperfect gift wraps from children are often cherished by friends and family! Also, encourage the whole family to assist in tidying up before guests arrive.

If you’re hosting or attending a dinner, consider a potluck approach to reduce the workload. Offer healthy dish suggestions to keep your eating plan on track and check out 18 Food Replacement Hacks that Make Healthy Eating Easy for tips on making your favorite recipes healthier.

For holiday cleaning, use eco-friendly cleaning products that are safer for you and the environment, or turn to your pantry for natural cleaning solutions. Learn more in Your Home Guide for Natural Household Cleaning Tips.

Make Downtime Your Time

The holidays are not just for work; they're also for play. The lists we’ve discussed will help you manage your tasks and carve out time for what you enjoy, but don’t feel compelled to fill every moment with productivity. That’s a surefire way to remain stressed! Instead, use your downtime for self-care. Consider making a list of enjoyable activities like pampering yourself with a manicure or a magnesium bath or foot soak. For more self-care tips, explore our 11 Best Self Care Tips for Mind & Body.

Support Your Immune System

The holiday season is a peak time for health concerns. Between the stress, increased social interactions, frequent snacking, and extra indulgences, your immune system could be strained.

Consider probiotics to support your digestive system, which is crucial for immune health, and look into metabolism boosters to maintain your health during the holidays. Green coffee bean extract supports metabolism and provides antioxidants, while chromium supplements and matcha green tea are excellent for metabolic support.

Start Thinking About Resolutions

As you consider your New Year's resolutions, plan how you will achieve them, not just what you want to achieve. If exercise is a goal, research enjoyable workout options. If you aim to lose weight, consult a dietitian to develop a nourishing eating plan, and consider researching weight loss supplements.

Set smaller, achievable milestones that lead to your larger goal. For instance, if you aim to run a 5K, start with intervals of walking and running for 10 minutes each day and gradually increase your activity. This approach will keep you motivated and on track for success.

About Lindsey Toth, MS, RD
Registered Dietitian, BubbForest Health Products

Lindsey is a nationally recognized registered dietitian and nutritionist with a soft spot for ice cream. She empowers people to take charge of their health by finding the balance between pleasure and nourishment in food. 

Her philosophy is that you should take care of your body because it’s the only permanent home you have. This inspired her to pursue a career in nutrition and ultimately led her to BubbForest Health Products.

¹ Memory Loss: WebMD. https://www.webmd.com/brain/memory-loss#1 (Accessed 11/27/2017)

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

This post was originally published on 12/08/2017 and was revised on 12/17/2021.