The Secret to Staying Grounded During the Holidays (Without Burning Out Your Skin or Nervous System)

The holiday season is very quickly approaching and is painted as a time of joy, celebration, and connection. But for many of us, they also bring a flurry of stress, social overwhelm, sugar overload, disrupted sleep, and skin flare-ups.

If you’ve ever felt like your body hits burnout mode by Boxing Day, you’re not alone. While it’s tempting to power through and "deal with it later," the truth is that your skin, nervous system, and digestion notice everything.

The good news? Staying grounded through the holidays doesn’t require a full health overhaul. It’s about tuning into your body’s rhythm, gently honouring your needs, and staying connected to what actually feels good.

Why the Holiday Season Can Disrupt Your Skin & Health

From an energetic and physical perspective, the holiday season can be intense.

• More socialising = less downtime for your nervous system
• Richer foods = increased load on your gut and liver
• Alcohol and sugar = inflammatory triggers for skin and hormones
• Late nights = disrupted circadian rhythm and poor recovery
• Emotional triggers = heightened cortisol and flare-ups

All of these stressors can quietly add up and manifest as:

• Skin sensitivity or inflammation (eczema, TSW, acne, etc.)
• Digestive symptoms (bloating, sluggish bowels)
• Hormonal changes (mood swings, fatigue, PMS)
• Feeling emotionally dysregulated or ungrounded

So how do we protect our body without becoming the holiday fun police?

The Secret to Staying Grounded: Maintain Your Internal Rhythm

Even when the world around you is chaotic, your body craves rhythm.

You don’t need to be perfect, you just need anchors. These are the little routines and rituals that keep your nervous system steady, your digestion humming, and your skin calm.

Here’s how to stay regulated and resilient this holiday season:

1. Protect Your Nervous System

Think of your nervous system as the gatekeeper of your health. When it feels safe and supported, your body can digest, detoxify, heal, and glow.

Supportive tips:

• Carve out 5 minutes each day for quiet (breathing, journaling, or meditation)
• Use calming herbs like lemon balm, passionflower, or magnesium at night
• Limit multitasking and overstimulation (headphones off, notifications paused)

2. Honour Your Meals and Digestion

Eating mindfully helps your body absorb nutrients and keeps the gut-brain-skin connection strong.

Supportive tips:

• Sit down to eat (yes, even on busy days)
• Chew slowly and pause between bites
• Include colourful veggies and bitter greens to support liver function

3. Say No (Without Guilt)

People-pleasing and over-committing are fast tracks to burnout. It’s okay to skip an event if your body is craving rest.

Supportive tips:

• Honour your capacity and energy levels
• Use gentle phrases like "That sounds lovely, but I need a quiet night in."
• Make rest a non-negotiable

4. Support Sleep & Routine

A disrupted sleep schedule can throw your skin and hormones out of whack fast. Keeping even a loose rhythm can make a big difference.

Supportive tips:

• Aim for consistent sleep/wake times (within 1 hour)
• Use sleep sprays or essential oils like lavender to signal wind-down
• Avoid screens for 30–60 minutes before bed

5. Keep Your Skincare Simple

During times of extra stress, less is more when it comes to topical care. Prioritise barrier support and avoid introducing new actives.

Supportive tips:

• Stick to gentle, fragrance-free products
• Focus on hydration and barrier repair
• Avoid over-cleansing or over-exfoliating

6. Ground Through Rituals & Nature

Sensory rituals help bring you back into your body. Nature, touch, and intention can shift you from overwhelm to presence.

Supportive tips:

• Take your shoes off and connect to the earth
• Light a candle before meals or while you get ready for the day
• Use body oils, warm baths, or herbal foot soaks as grounding tools

Final Thoughts

You don’t have to be perfect. You don’t need to do it all. The holidays will still be meaningful if you honour your body instead of overriding it.

The more grounded you feel, the more present you become and that’s where the real magic happens.

Want support staying regulated all year round? The Foundations of Health Guide is your ultimate toolkit for building calm, balance, and resilience—no matter the season.