Surviving the Silly Season: Simple Ways to Stay Well (Without Missing Out)

The end of the year arrives quickly, doesn’t it?

Suddenly the calendar fills, routines disappear, and we’re pulled between celebrations, deadlines, late nights and last-minute everything. It’s a joyful season, but it’s also the time of year when many people tell me they feel the least like themselves.

Wellness isn’t about perfection. It’s about supporting your body through the busy and the quiet seasons, so you can feel well, energised and balanced year-round. And December is one of the best moments to practise this.

Here are some simple, realistic ways to stay well through the silly season, without missing out on the fun.

✨ Nourish Yourself Between Events

You don’t need to overhaul your eating, just anchor your days with habits that help stabilise your energy, mood and digestion.

• Protein at breakfast to support blood sugar balance and reduce afternoon cravings.

• Colourful plants wherever you can: berries, leafy greens, citrus, roasted veg.

• Healthy fats like olive oil, avocado, nuts and seeds to keep you satisfied.

• Hydration (especially on warm days). Aim for 1.5–2L of water across the day.

Think of these as small investments in future you - the version of you who still wants to enjoy the evening’s plans.

✨ Protect Your Sleep (It’s Your December Superpower)

Late nights happen. But keeping some gentle sleep routines in place can make all the difference to your skin, energy and stress resilience.

• Keep your bedtime consistent when possible.

• Add a short wind-down ritual: herbal tea, dim lights, a warm shower.

• Avoid working or scrolling right before bed - give your mind some quiet.

Supporting your sleep is one of the best ways to feel grounded during a busy month.

✨ Move Daily, Even in Micro-Doses

During December, movement often feels like the first thing to disappear, but it’s one of the easiest ways to support your metabolism, mood and nervous system.

Try:

• A 10–15 minute walk after meals.

• Movement snacks (stretching, stairs, a few squats while the kettle boils).

• A gentle morning routine to reset your body after a late night.

Movement doesn’t need to be intense or time-consuming to be effective.

✨ Support the Gut–Skin–Mood Connection

Your gut influences everything from inflammation to glow to emotional wellbeing, and it tends to feel the silly season more than any other system.

A few simple ways to support it:

• Add fibre-rich plants to most meals.

• Include fermented foods like yoghurt, kimchi or sauerkraut.

• Eat slowly.

• If you’re drinking alcohol, pace it with food and water.

Your skin, digestion and energy will thank you later.

✨ Create Small Moments of Calm

The nervous system doesn’t know it’s “meant” to be a fun time of year, it just responds to the load you’re carrying.

• Practice 2–3 minutes of deep breathing between tasks.

• Step outside into fresh air.

• Keep your boundaries gentle but clear.

• Remember that “no, thank you” is a complete sentence.

Small pockets of calm help you enjoy the busy moments more fully.

✨ A Note on Staying Well Beyond the Silly Season

As the year winds down, many people naturally begin thinking about how they want to feel in the new year: more energised, stronger, clearer, more balanced.

If you’re starting to reflect on this too, you’re not alone. I’ll be sharing something special in January to help you set yourself up for a healthy, vibrant year ahead - stay tuned!