Self Care

A Holiday Routine to Stay on Track Through This Hectic Time

Lauren Hays

Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP

Healthy Routines to Survive the Hectic Holiday Season As a Busy Mom

The holidays have a way of shaking up our routines—big time. Between traveling, jam-packed schedules, and all those tempting holiday treats, even our best efforts can feel like they’re slipping through the cracks. But don’t stress—we’ve got you. It’s totally possible to keep some version of your healthy habits intact with a little planning (and grace). Whether you’re staying cozy at home for some family time or traveling and facing crowds, these tips will help you stay grounded, balanced, and most importantly, you.

Healthy Routines: For Holiday Traveling Mamas

Holiday travel can feel like leaving all your comforts and routines behind—but it doesn’t have to be that way. With a little intentional planning, you can stay on track and feel like yourself no matter where you’re crashing.

Here’s the deal:

Plan ahead for space. Prioritize and plan ahead to create even the smallest space for YOU. Before you head out, check in with your host or scope out nearby gyms, parks, or spots where you can sneak in some exercise or a little mindful meditation. Bonus points if you toss a workout band or some lightweight ankle weights in your bag—easy to pack, easy to use!
Don’t skimp on your self-care stash—overpack it, mama! Travel-sized bottles of your go-to shampoo, lotion, or even a fave face mask can make all the difference in helping you feel like you while you’re away. Think of it as packing peace of mind, so you’re not stuck scrambling for something that doesn’t cut it.
Get your devices ready to keep you in the present moment. Download mindfulness apps, meditations, or podcasts that vibe with your energy so you can tap in whenever you need a breather. Whether it’s a quick guided session or a “let’s just roll with it” kind of moment, having those tools handy makes all the difference.
Create space with your partner. Team up with your partner to squeeze in those much-needed breaks. Make a plan for how you’ll communicate when you need some time (and how you’ll honor theirs, too). Whether it’s a solo coffee run or a quick walk around the block, being flexible and tag-teaming ensures you’re both taking care of yourselves while juggling everything else. Remind each other “we’re on the same team.”

Holiday Routine: Staying Local

Staying close to home comes with its own perks—like having way more control over your space. Use that to your advantage to build routines that actually work, even when the holiday chaos feels a bit stressful.

Morning Routine Idea:

6:30 AM: Sneak in some you time first thing in the morning before the house wakes up. A quick stretch or five-minute meditation can set the vibe for your day.
7:00 AM: Sip on coffee or tea while jotting down your to-dos or a few gratitudes.
7:30 AM: Start the day with intention—whether that means breakfast with the fam or squeezing in your workout.

Pro tip: Got the kids hanging around? Don’t ditch your routine—invite them in! It’s never too early to model self-care. Take time to share your gratitudes with them, turn that baby into a set of dumbbells, or let your toddler be your workout timer (they’ll love pushing the buttons). Make it fun, and keep it flexible!

Evening Routine Idea:

7:30 PM: Wellness hack alert! Start dropping into relaxation early to set yourself up for restful sleep. Power down those devices, dim the lights, play some soft music, or spend a few minutes on gratitude—it’s a little gift for your mental health too.

9:00 PM: End the day on a soothing note with your skincare routine, a quick journaling sesh, and a chapter of your favorite book.

Prioritize: healthy foods, sleep, and your emotional health

Meal prep with purpose. Healthy habits turn into a lifestyle that helps us thrive during the chaos. Start with meal prep that works for you—batch-cook a few go-to meals for those non-party days and stock up your freezer to prepare in advance.
Set boundaries like a pro. Prepare upfront by letting people know when guests are welcome or what time you’ll roll into the festivities. Protecting your time makes sticking to routines so much easier.
Be the healthy potluck queen. Cook or bring a dish you love that’s both delicious (and instagram worthy if that’s your thing) and nourishing—because nothing says balance like enjoying the party and still feeling good.
Sleep makes the world go round. And let’s talk sleep—it’s everything. Notice how much better life feels when you stick to your bedtime or sneak in a nap if needed. Don’t be afraid to go early and leave early. Prioritizing rest is the ultimate power move.

Wellness Tips to Fit Any Itinerary

No matter where you are or how chaotic things get, remember these golden rules:

Plan ahead for boundaries. Practice saying no to that extra slice of pie, another drink, or yet another commitment. (Pro tip: “That looks amazing, but I’m good for now” works every time.) And don’t forget: “No” is a full sentence.
Enlist your people. Identify your MVPs and get specific about how they can help you. Ask your partner to handle the morning rush so you can squeeze in a workout, or let a friend run interference when family drama starts building.
Perfect isn’t the goal—progress is. Your routine might not look like it did pre-holidays, and that’s okay. A quick 5-minute workout or mindfulness session is still a win. Practice your flexibility muscle—miss a day? No sweat, you can hop back on tomorrow. And as mamas to littles, we get how fleeting this chapter can feel.
Put yourself first when making plans. Your happiness matters just as much as everyone else’s. Saying “no” to overcommitting is really saying “yes” to balance—and that’s the energy we’re taking into the holidays.

Adjust, Set Boundaries, Give Yourself Grace & Embrace the Chaos

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind, but even a modified routine can help you stay grounded. Whether it’s sneaking a moment of privacy with your journal or squeezing in a mini workout during the busy holiday chaos, those small actions make a big difference.

Every family is different, and finding what works for you is key. Need a little extra support? The Matrescence App is here with 5-minute meditations, quick mindset shifts, and tips for setting boundaries like a pro.

Your holiday routine doesn’t have to be perfect—it just has to work for you.

Start your free trial, download the app, and reclaim your wellness this season. You’re welcome, mama!