Last December, I found myself in a crowded department store, holding a half-crushed gift box and a sock that didn’t match its partner.

Jingle Bells was blasting so loudly over the speakers that I could barely think, kids were melting down over the last plush reindeer, and the cashier line wrapped around the store like a Black Friday flashback.

It hit me: the holidays are less like a cozy Hallmark movie and more like Home Alone—chaotic, unpredictable, and a little too stressful.

December is painted as the most wonderful time of the year, but let’s be real: it’s also a minefield of tangled lights, family dramas, and those “how did I overspend again?!” moments.

But here’s the surprising part: while stress usually feels like the Grinch stealing our holiday joy, that chaos might actually work in your favor.

Yes, you heard me right.

The same stress that’s got you running through the mall or untangling a thousand feet of Christmas lights could be the very thing that helps you move more, eat mindfully, and even make progress toward your weight loss or health goals.

Let’s dig into how you can manage holiday stress and turn it into fuel for positive change.

#1. Recognize the Movement Already Happening

When you think of exercise, your mind might jump to gym sessions or workout classes. But you’re already racking up more activity during the holidays than you realize.

Running errands? That’s cardio.

Lugging heavy shopping bags? Strength training.

Rearranging furniture to fit the tree? That’s functional fitness, my friend.

A study published in The American Journal of Health Promotion found that daily activities like walking or carrying groceries can burn significant calories.

So instead of feeling guilty about skipping the gym, give yourself credit for all the movement your holiday tasks bring.

Pro Tip: Use a fitness tracker or your phone’s step counter to see how much you move. You might be surprised how quickly those steps add up when you’re on the go.

#2. Use Stress to Build Mindful Eating Habits

Holiday stress often comes with a side of emotional eating.

But when you’re caught up in the hustle, there’s also less time for mindless snacking. That constant motion can interrupt the “I’m bored, so I’ll eat” cycle that many of us fall into.

When you do eat, try to slow down and be present. Stress eating often stems from being overwhelmed, but if you take just a moment to breathe and focus on what you’re eating, you can make better choices—even if it’s a holiday cookie.

Try This: Before grabbing a snack, ask yourself, “Am I actually hungry, or just overwhelmed?” If it’s stressful, take a quick pause—breathe deeply, drink water, or walk briskly.

#3. Embrace the Chaos as an Opportunity to Reset

Let’s face it: the holidays are unpredictable. You can’t always control the chaos but can control how you respond. Stress doesn’t have to derail your goals. It can motivate you to get creative with your health habits.

Can’t make it to the gym? Put on some music and dance while you decorate.

Overwhelmed by family drama? Step outside for a 10-minute walk.

Too busy to meal prep? Focus on portion sizes and savor the indulgent foods you do eat.

Shift Your Perspective: Instead of seeing stress as the enemy, view it as an opportunity. The energy that stress brings can fuel small, positive actions that build momentum over time.

#4. Celebrate the Small Wins

Here’s the thing: progress doesn’t have to be perfect.

During the holidays, even small steps toward your goals are worth celebrating. Maybe you walked more this week than last. Maybe you chose one cookie instead of three.

Maybe you stopped to take a deep breath instead of letting stress take over.

Every positive choice adds up, and the holidays are a great time to practice showing yourself grace.

Action Step: At the end of each day, jot down one thing you did that supported your health or well-being. Over time, these small wins create big change.

#5. Remember the Bigger Picture

The holidays are just a season—a snapshot in time. The stress and chaos will pass, and what matters most is how you take care of yourself through it all.

By reframing stress as an opportunity rather than a barrier, you’ll not only survive the holidays but grow through them.

The Takeaway

Stress doesn’t have to sabotage your health. By recognizing the movement you’re already doing, practicing mindfulness, and embracing the chaos, you can turn holiday anxiety into action that supports your goals.

So the next time you’re standing in a crowded store with mismatched socks in hand, remember: even in the middle of the madness, you’re moving forward.

How do you handle holiday stress? Have you noticed moments when it helped you move more or eat more mindfully? Drop a reply. I’d love to hear your story.

Together, let’s make this holiday season one of progress, not pressure.