Nutrition by Dawn - Blog

It’s that crazy-busy holiday season again, isn’t it? 

Between shopping for gifts, hosting dinners, attending parties, and juggling a never-ending to-do list, it feels like we’re trying to keep all six spinning plates in the air.

You know the ones:
1.Food
2.Water
3.Movement
4.Sleep
5.Stress management
6.Supplements and medications

They’re all important, but here’s the truth: if you don’t put your own mask on first, none of the other stuff matters.

If we’re constantly running on empty, sooner or later, we end up curled in a ball on the couch—or hiding in the closet with a pint of Ben & Jerry’s (no judgment, I’ve been there!).

Here are a few gentle tips to help you manage the season’s chaos and find a little joy:

1. Carve Out “Just-For-You” Time

Set aside a small pocket of time each day—whether it’s 5 minutes, 20 minutes, or an hour—that’s yours. Your to-do list will still be there when you’re done.

Here are a few ideas:
-Read a chapter of your book.
-Put on a favorite song, close your screens, and really listen.
-Take a walk in fresh air, even if it’s short.
-Stretch, meditate, or simply sit in peace.
-Plan a “you” day. I recently spent a day with a friend attending a storytelling event, having lunch out, and even getting a grown-up makeup lesson. It reset my energy completely.

The bottom line: When you take care of you, you show up better for everyone else.

2. Focus on Joy

Do something every day—big or small—that makes you smile. Just for you.

• Sing along to a song you love.

• Watch a short, funny video.

• Make a hot cup of tea and savor it.

It doesn’t have to be fancy. Joy is in the little moments, and those moments matter.

3. Remember - the body keeps score!

Stress is sneaky. When it builds up, your body feels the effects:

- Cortisol levels rise.
- Inflammation increases.
-Long-term, it can impact energy, adrenals, and even your waistline.

You may have heard the phrase, “The body keeps the score,” and it’s true. The tension you carry today will show up in your body tomorrow. Let’s make sure it’s a good score.

So, as you navigate the busy season, please remember: You deserve a moment of joy. When you take the time to fill your own cup, everything else becomes just a little easier.

For those celebrating this season, I wish you a wonderful holiday filled with joy, grace, and a little less stress.

And as always, my wish for you is this: Live a life you love, filled with the things that bring you joy.