6 Tips to Help You Stay Mindful During the Holiday Party

The holiday season is a joyous time, but it can also be a very stressful time. Your celebrations likely include hosting friends and family, which means lots of planning, cooking, cleaning, and entertaining. This stress can start to affect how well you listen to your body – which is why it’s extra important this time of the year to take care of yourself.

Prioritizing yourself during the holiday season is easier said than done. When it comes to taking care of yourself, start with what your body needs. Is it an extra 20 minutes of sleep? Or make time for yourself to exercise, read a book, or take a bath?

Whatever it is that helps you to remain relaxed and calm, make the time each day to do it!  Don’t be afraid to delegate tasks or ask family and friends to help. Your physical and mental health is just as important as everyone else’s!

Along with taking care of yourself leading up to the holidays, it’s also important to take the steps you need to on the day of the dinner party to ensure you are honoring and respecting your body’s needs.

6 Tips to Help You Stay Mindful During the Party

1. Plan ahead.

Planning ahead can help you savor your favorite foods without guilt. The day before a big dinner party, decide on balanced meals for breakfast and lunch to keep yourself nourished. Arriving at the party overly hungry can make it harder to tune in to your body’s hunger and fullness cues. By honoring your hunger earlier in the day, you set yourself up to enjoy the meal while staying attuned to your satiety levels.

2. Focus on friends and family.

The holidays are all about spending time with your family and friends (I know you know this, but it can be challenging to remember this when you are not at peace with food). Give thought to something special you love about each guest and tell them how you feel. Put the focus on them, not the food.

3. Savor your food.

Focus on each bite of food that you put into your mouth. Experience the taste, texture, flavors and aroma of the food. Do you like it, dislike it, or it’s just okay?  If you aren’t fully satisfied with it, don’t finish it.

4. Sit down at the table.

Eating while standing around the buffet table or while walking around will decrease your attention and satisfaction with your meal. Instead, plan to sit while eating. Fill your plate with food and find a table to sit.  Friends and family will likely join you and you can enjoy nice conversation while being more mindful of your eating.

5. Listen to your body.

It’s important for you to take the time to listen to your body’s inner signals as you are getting satiated.  Stop eating when you feel comfortable, you can always wrap up the rest for another time. This will help you enjoy the homemade pie without guilt.

6. Indulge in your favorites.

Don’t avoid your favorites that come around once a year. Avoidance can lead to caving in and then to overeating.  It’s much better to eat a small portion of something you really want than to give it up entirely. Choose those foods that you don’t typically have year-round. Take a portion and enjoy without guilt.

By staying mindful and honoring your body’s needs, you can fully enjoy the holiday season without unnecessary stress or guilt. Remember, the true spirit of the holidays lies in connection, joy, and celebration—not perfection. Embrace the moments, savor the flavors, and cherish the memories.