Picture this: the lights are twinkling, your house smells like cinnamon, holiday music is playing softly in the background and instead of soaking in all the joy and gratitude, you can barely keep your eyes open because you are utterly exhausted.
Let’s change that.
Today, we’re talking about holiday self-care for women over 40 and it’s simpler than you might think. Keep reading for holidays strategies you can start today or tune in here.
The Reality of the Holidays for Women Over 40
This time of year everything feels… full.
Full calendars.
Full to-do lists.
Full hearts.
Full plates.
Full everything.
And while there’s plenty of magic in the season, there’s also a whole lot of stress, overstimulation, disrupted routines, sugar galore, and pressure to make everything picture-perfect.
If you’re juggling decorating the tree, hosting gatherings, running your business, parenting, and trying to remember where you put the Scotch tape, you’re not alone.
But here’s the truth every woman over 40 needs to hear:
Self-care is not a luxury.
It’s not selfish.
And during the holidays?
It’s survival.
If you want to enjoy the season (not collapse on December 26th) your self-care needs a VIP pass.
So grab your favorite hot beverage, cozy socks, and take a few moments for yourself. Let’s dig in.
Why Self-Care Matters Even More During the Holidays
It’s easy to think “I’ll get back on track in January,” but your future self, you know the one who wants to feel strong, mobile, energized, peaceful, and vibrant well into your 80s and beyond, SHE is shaped by the small choices you make today.
Self-care isn’t something to pause during busy seasons.
It’s the anchor that keeps you steady when everything around you is chaos.
And it doesn’t have to be complicated.
In fact, it shouldn’t be.
Let’s simplify it using a holistic, holiday-friendly approach: caring for your mind, body, and soul.
1. Caring for Your MIND: Creating Mental Space
The holidays can trigger emotional sensitivity, overwhelm, and the feeling that everything needs to be perfect.
Here are small daily habits that make a big impact:
- Two minutes of deep breathing before you touch your phone
- Five minutes of gratitude journaling
- Pausing before you say “yes” to anything extra
- A quick walk before big gatherings
- Letting go of perfection so you can be present
Holiday Mindset Mantra:
Done is better than perfect. Present is better than polished.
Write it down, print it out, and place it somewhere you can see it daily. Sometimes all you need is a simple reminder.
2. Caring for Your BODY: Support Yourself Through the Holiday Hustle
Your body is working overtime this month. Less sleep, more sugar, more caffeine, more alcohol, more social event and it all adds up.
But small habits help more than you think:
- Short strength sessions (even 10 minutes count and waaay better than skipping)
- Daily movement like a walk to see the neighborhood lights
- Water before coffee or cocktails, and maybe even a mocktail
- Prioritize protein and fiber intake
- A consistent bedtime (your nervous system will thank you)
Here’s the secret:
Your body is a temple even in December.
Actually, especially in December.
When you support it, you enjoy the season so much more.
3. Caring for Your SOUL: Nourish What Lights You Up
Your soul needs rest, joy, connection, and sometimes stillness.
That might look like:
- Listening to your favorite Christmas playlist
- Sitting quietly by the tree at night
- Spending time in nature
- Attending an event that truly brings joy
- Skipping one that drains you
- Doing something just for you
Ask yourself:
What brings me joy that isn’t about productivity or performance?
Do more of that.
And always find your “dance, ” that thing that makes you feel alive.
The Truth About Holiday Self-Care: It’s Fluid
Your needs change all month long especially at this time of year. And if you’re navigating any stage of menopause your needs sometimes change by the hour.
Some days you need movement.
Some days you need rest.
Some days you need connection.
Some days you desperately need quiet.
Self-care needs shift.
And that’s OK.
Your job?
Ask yourself daily:
“What do I need today?” or “What do I need in this moment?”
And honor the answer.
A Simple 5-Minute Holiday Self-Care Routine
If everything else feels overwhelming, start here.
This takes under five minutes.
Morning
- Drink a full glass of water first thing in the morning before caffeine
- Deep breathe for 60 seconds while your coffee is brewing
- Sit down to enjoy your coffee and write three things you’re grateful for
- Move your body for a few minutes
Evening
- Turn off screens 30–60 minutes before bed
- Stretch or take five slow breaths
- Write down one win from the day
Small habits. Big impact.
Especially during the holidays.
Want a printable version of this routine? Click here and print yours out so you can start implementing it today!
Your Holiday Self-Care Action Step
Choose one small habit you can stick with through December:
- Hydration
- A set bedtime
- Daily movement
- Gratitude
- A few minutes of quiet
- Protein with breakfast
- Sunrise or sunset walk
- Saying “no” to one thing that drains you
Just one.
Because small daily habits create a healthier, happier December and a stronger, more vibrant you in January.
Final Thoughts
Friend, you deserve:
Peace.
Energy.
Presence.
Joy.
Care.
And the beautiful thing is:
You don’t need to be perfect.
You don’t need to overhaul your entire routine.
You don’t need to get it right every day.
You just need small, consistent steps that support your mind, body, and soul.
I’m cheering for you all season long.
If this message resonates, share it with another woman who needs permission to slow down, breathe, and take care of herself this holiday season.
Because remember…
BIG changes begin with Small Daily Habits.
If you missed last week’s blog all about my friend Kerrie’s amazing 3-week transformation click here or tune in here. If she inspired you to join my next round you can sign up here.
Wishing you much love, health, and happiness,
Christine
