December is a magical time, but let’s be real—it’s also one of the busiest, most stressful months of the year, esapecially for mums. Between juggling work, festive planning, and endless to-do lists, it’s easy to feel like there’s no time left for you. Add in financial pressures, family expectations, and the general exhaustion that comes with this season, and it’s no wonder so many of us feel completely drained.

If you’re reading this and thinking, “Yes, that’s me!”, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t need hours of free time or a huge self-care routine to feel better. Taking small, intentional steps can help you conserve energy, reduce stress, and actually enjoy the festive season without burning out.

This post isn’t about perfection—it’s about helping you prioritize what matters, simplify where you can, and stay healthy and energized through the chaos. Because you deserve to feel good, even during the busiest time of the year.

Prioritise “Non-Negotiables” (Anchor Your Day)

In the whirlwind of December, it’s easy for mums to put themselves last, running on empty to keep everyone else happy. But here’s the truth: you can’t pour from an empty cup. Prioritising just a few essential habits—your “non-negotiables”—can make all the difference in maintaining your energy and sanity. These are the small, consistent actions that help you feel grounded and in control, even when life gets hectic.

What Are Non-Negotiables?

Non-negotiables are the bare minimums you need to feel like yourself each day. They’re not about grand gestures or perfection—they’re about finding small, realistic routines that make you feel steady and supported. These could include:

Getting at least 8 hours of sleep (or as close as possible).
A quiet morning cup of water and a few deep breaths before the house wakes up (without cutting back on sleep time).
A 10-minute walk outside for fresh air and a mental reset.
Eating nourishing meals, no matter how busy you are.
Limiting the number of coffee and caffeinated beverages as well as setting the deadline for the last caffeinated drink not to disrupt the sleep
Setting chocolate or Christmas treats limits and rules, so you don’t jeopardise your energy – i.e. eating one treat a day/every two days or a week and only after a nourishing meal to avoid any energy drops. By identifying your non-negotiables, you’re giving yourself permission to prioritise what matters most to your well-being.

By identifying your non-negotiables, you’re giving yourself permission to prioritise what matters most to your well-being.

How to Identify Your Non-Negotiables

If you’re not sure where to start, take a moment to reflect on what helps you feel your best—even on tough days. Ask yourself:

What one thing always makes me feel calmer or more centred?
When I skip [insert activity], I feel worse—what is it?
What do I genuinely need to function well?

Keep it simple. Your non-negotiables shouldn’t feel like another item on your to-do list—they should feel like little anchors in your day that keep you steady amidst the chaos.

Making Time for Your Non-Negotiables

December can feel like there’s no time for anything, let alone self-care. The trick is to weave your non-negotiables into your existing routine rather than trying to carve out extra time. Here are some examples:

Morning Rituals: Start your day with something grounding, even if it’s just sipping tea in silence or jotting down one thing you’re grateful for.
Sneaky Movement: Stretch while the kettle boils or take deep breaths while folding laundry.
Bedtime Wind-Down: Put your phone away 60 minutes before bed and replace screen time with a book or gentle stretches.

Holistic Tip: Create a “Reset Moment”

Consider incorporating a simple ritual that helps you reset and re-centre. Light a candle, listen to calming music, or breathe deeply for 1-2 minutes. These little moments can help you reconnect with yourself and feel calmer, even on the busiest days.

Give Yourself Grace

Life happens, and you won’t always stick to your non-negotiables perfectly—and that’s okay. The goal isn’t to be rigid but to show yourself kindness by prioritising what truly supports your well-being. On the hardest days, even ticking off one non-negotiable is a win.

By identifying and committing to your non-negotiables, you’ll create small, steady foundations in your day that help you stay energised and present, no matter how chaotic the season gets.

2. Nourish Your Body with Minimal Effort

December often feels like a marathon fuelled by mince pies, leftover chocolates, and cups of tea gone cold. While these treats have their place, they don’t always provide the energy or nutrients you need to keep going through busy days. The good news? Nourishing your body doesn’t have to mean complicated meal plans or spending hours in the kitchen.

Batch Cooking for Busy Days

One of the easiest ways to ensure you’ve got healthy meals ready is to batch cook. Dishes like soups, stews, or casseroles can be made in large quantities and frozen for those evenings when you’re too tired to cook. Try hearty options like chicken-lentil soup, beef and vegetable stew, or a minced meat and bean chilli —all packed with nutrients (incl. protein to keep cravings at bay) and easy to reheat.

Energy-Boosting Snacks

When you’re rushing around, having healthy snacks on hand can prevent energy crashes. Simple options include:

Hard-boiled eggs with smoked salmon and spinach.
Cottage cheese with cucumber.
Organic sausages (occasionally—they’re better than chocolate bars).
A handful of nuts or seeds. (Walnuts and goji berries are my favourite.)
Pre-cut veg sticks with hummus (carrots are especially good in winter for their seasonality).
Roasted chickpeas.
Dark chocolate as a guilt-free treat.

Stock up on these quick, portable options so you’re less tempted to reach for sugary snacks that can lead to a slump later.

Stay Hydrated

It’s easy to forget about staying hydrated when you’re busy, but dehydration can leave you feeling sluggish and irritable. Aim to drink 6–8 glasses of water a day. Herbal teas like chamomile, peppermint, and rooibos are excellent for calming stress; however, to reduce digestive stress, focus on drinking plain water between meals.

Holistic Tip: Support Your Gut

A healthy gut can significantly boost your energy levels and mood. Incorporate fermented foods like kefir, kimchi, or sauerkraut into your diet to support digestion naturally. While probiotic supplements can also help if you’re feeling bloated or run down, food-based sources are generally more beneficial since not all supplements on the market meet high-quality standards. However, if you prefer supplements, consider brands like Bio Optimisers. Though they can be pricey, they produce some of the best options available.

3. Take Small Breaks to Recharge (Micro-Rest)

As a mum, the idea of taking a long break or indulging in “me time” can feel impossible, especially in December. But the truth is, you don’t need hours to recharge—just a few intentional minutes can make a big difference.

What Is Micro-Rest?

Micro-rest involves taking short, mindful pauses throughout the day to reset your mind and body. Think of it as a mental and emotional pit stop to refuel before carrying on. Remember how we used to have breaks every 45 minutes at school? As adults, we still need those. Although it might seem counterproductive, taking regular breaks can actually boost your productivity, helping you achieve more in less time.

Ideas for Quick Breaks

Deep Breathing: Try the 4-7-8 technique—inhale for 4 counts, hold for 7, exhale for 8. This calms the nervous system in under a minute.
Stretch It Out: Roll your shoulders, stretch your neck, or reach for the sky to release tension from sitting or standing too long.
Step Outside: A few minutes of fresh air can refresh your mind and boost your mood.
Music Reset: Play a favourite song and let yourself enjoy it fully. Bonus points for a mini dance party in the kitchen!

Holistic Tip: Aromatherapy for Calm

Keep a small bottle or roller of essential oil, such as lavender or citrus, in your bag or on your desk. A quick inhale can help you feel more centered and calm during a busy day. For an energy boost, try using peppermint oil.

4. Say “No” More Often (Healthy Boundaries)

December comes with a long list of demands—from school plays and festive parties to gift shopping and family traditions. It’s tempting to say “yes” to everything, but spreading yourself too thin leads to burnout. Learning to say “no” kindly and confidently is an act of self-care.

The Power of No

Saying no doesn’t mean you’re being selfish—it means you’re prioritising your energy and the things that matter most to you and your family.

How to Say No Gracefully

Be Honest but Kind: “I’d love to help, but I’m stretched too thin right now.”
Delay If Needed: “Let me check my schedule and get back to you.”
Offer Alternatives: “I can’t bake for the school fair, but I’m happy to donate supplies.”

Delegate Where You Can

You don’t have to do everything yourself. Ask your partner or kids to help with gift-wrapping, tidying up, or preparing meals. Accept help from friends or family when it’s offered.

Mindset Shift: Let Go of Guilt

It’s impossible to do it all—and that’s okay. Simplifying your commitments doesn’t mean you’re failing; it means you’re focusing on what truly matters.

5. Move Your Body (Even Briefly)

Exercise often falls to the bottom of the list in December, but moving your body is one of the best ways to boost your energy and mood. The good news? It doesn’t need to involve a gym or a strict routine.

Easy Ways to Move

· Family Walks: Take a brisk walk with the kids after dinner to enjoy the Christmas lights.

· 10-Minute Workouts: Find a quick stretch or Tai Chi video on YouTube to fit into your day. These types of exercises, combined with deep breaths, help your body relax and replenish energy, rather than depleting it through high-intensity workouts.

· Everyday Movement: Incorporate simple movements into your routine. Take the stairs, park farther away, or stand on one leg (alternating) while brushing your teeth.

Holistic Option: Movement with Mindfulness
Combine movement with mindfulness for added benefits. Try a walking meditation by focusing on your breath and the sensations of your steps, or practice slow, intentional stretching before bed.

6. Financial Stress: Focus on Experiences Over Things

For many mums, the financial pressures of December can be overwhelming. Between gifts, decorations, and events, it’s easy to feel stretched too thin. Shifting the focus to experiences rather than material things can help ease the strain.

Create Meaningful Memories

Holidays are about connection, not perfection. Instead of expensive gifts, focus on:

A family movie night with popcorn and cosy blankets.
Baking festive treats together.
Making homemade decorations or cards.

Set a Budget

Be realistic about what you can afford and stick to it. Share your budget with your partner and close family so expectations are clear.

DIY Gifts

Handmade gifts, like jars of homemade jam, baked goods, or personalised photo albums, are thoughtful and cost-effective.

7. Sleep Is Non-Negotiable (But Flexible)

Sleep is often the first thing to go during the festive rush, but it’s also one of the most important factors for your energy and mood. Even if you can’t get a full 8 hours every night, small changes can help improve your sleep quality.

Create a Wind-Down Routine

Dim the lights and minimize screen time at least an hour before bed.

Enjoy a calming tea, such as chamomile or peppermint.

Listen to a guided meditation or soothing music to help relax your mind. I use Insight Timer App every evening and I love it

Practice gentle stretches paired with deep breathing to prepare your body for sleep and release stress.

Optimise Your Sleep Environment

Keep your bedroom cool, dark, and quiet.
Use blackout curtains or a sleep mask if needed.
Try white noise, a diffuser or a fan to drown out distractions.

Holistic Tip: Magnesium for Better Sleep

Magnesium supplements (I use Magnesium Breakthrough from BioOptimizers) or a warm Epsom salt bath (about 1.5 hours before bed) can help relax your muscles and prepare your body for restful sleep.

By focusing on small, intentional changes, you can take better care of your energy this December. You don’t need to do it all—just prioritise what truly matters, simplify where you can, and show yourself the kindness you so easily give to others. Remember, you’re doing an amazing job, even when it doesn’t feel like it. This season is temporary, and with a little self-care, you’ll navigate it with more ease and joy.

#68: Surviving and Thriving in December: A Tired Mum's Guide to Staying Energised and Stress-Free