Your December Survival Guide: How Busy Women Can Stay Healthy, Energised & (Mostly) Sane Over Christmas
December can feel like a beautiful whirlwind… mixed with exhaustion, late nights, sugar everywhere, and that feeling that you’re running on empty. Between school events, Christmas shopping, family demands, and trying to squeeze in some form of normal routine, it’s no wonder so many women hit January feeling completely drained.
Here at Mari Carmen Fitness in Leamington Spa, we work with mums, postnatal women, and women navigating perimenopause and menopause every single day, and we see the same thing each year:
December doesn’t need perfection. It requires a plan that’s kind, realistic and supportive.
Here are a few simple things you can do to protect your energy, feel better in your body, and avoid that “I’ll start again in January” trap.
1. Start your day with one nourishing habit
This could be:
A high-protein breakfast
A 10-minute walk
A big glass of water
A moment of quiet before the chaos
Stretching while the kettle boils
This one habit anchors your day. Start well, finish well.
2. Don’t aim to “be good” — aim to stay balanced
We don’t believe in guilt at Christmas. You can absolutely enjoy mince pies, hot chocolate with your children, or that festive meal out.
The real win is making sure your entire day or week doesn’t spiral out of control because of it. Add protein to meals, fill half your plate with colour where you can, and keep hydrated. No drama required.
3. Move your body, but make it easy
Forget all-or-nothing workouts, especially for mums and menopausal women battling fatigue or joint stiffness.
Focus on:
10–15 minute strength circuits
A brisk walk in the cold air
A short YouTube session
Stretching before bed
Movement boosts your mood, supports hormone balance, reduces stress and prevents that sluggish January slump.
4. Protect your sleep like a queen
December is demanding, and sleep is usually the first thing to go. But for women, especially during perimenopause or menopause, sleep is EVERYTHING.
Try:
Warm showers at night
Magnesium lotion
Limiting screens 45 mins before bed
Drinking less caffeine after 2 pm
This is the month where sleep matters most.
5. Drop the pressure; nobody wins from burnout
Your children won’t remember perfectly staged Christmas moments; they’ll remember your presence. And future, you will thank yourself for choosing calm over chaos.
A final thought…
December doesn’t require perfection. It requires compassion.
Focus on small daily habits and protect the things that make you feel well- movement, decent food, hydration, sleep, and boundaries.
If you want support heading into January, we’re here. Stronger habits now = easier results later.
Start Strong in 2026: Join our January Women’s Reset
A personalised training & wellness plan without restrictive diets or overwhelming commitments. Limited spaces. Book your consultation today.