Ep 16: Enjoying the Festive Season Without Needing to Recover From It

The festive season is often described as a time to slow down and recharge — yet for many busy, high-performing people, it can feel anything but restful. Changes to routine, increased social commitments, disrupted sleep, shorter days, and emotional pressures can all take their toll.

In this episode, Kate shares practical, grounded ways to support your wellbeing over the festive period — physically, mentally, and emotionally — so you don’t arrive in January feeling depleted and needing to recover from Christmas.

In this episode, we explore:

• How to enjoy festive food and drink without guilt or overindulgence
• Why blood sugar balance matters more than ever when routines are disrupted
• Simple ways to manage social and work commitments without burning out
• How to recognise and support winter low mood and Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
• The role of light exposure, movement, and daily rhythms in winter wellbeing
• How to navigate festive emotions, expectations, and family dynamics with more ease
• Why rest and recovery are essential if you want to start the new year feeling energised

Key takeaway:

The festive season doesn’t have to leave you exhausted. With a more intentional, compassionate approach to food, boundaries, light, and rest, you can move through this time feeling supported, and begin the new year with greater energy, clarity, and resilience.

If you enjoyed this episode, make sure you’re following or subscribed so you don’t miss future episodes. Please share it with someone who might find it helpful, and if you’re listening on Apple Podcasts, leaving a review really helps more people discover the show.

This is Kate’s final episode before Christmas, and she’ll be taking a proper break herself. She’ll be back on January 7th with a new episode all about starting new habits, and (most importantly) how to make them stick.

Until then, whether you’re working or taking time off, make sure you give yourself the chance to pause, rest, and recharge. Your body and mind will thank you.