I love the holidays. I really do.
I love the lights and the warm food and the cozy clothes and the feeling that everything slows down just a little.
But I also know this season brings a kind of pressure that builds quietly in the background, and your body feels all of it even when you’re trying to keep moving.
The lists get longer.
The days feel shorter.
There are people to see, places to be, and expectations everywhere you turn. And without even noticing it, your body starts holding tension in the places that have already been working overtime.
Your shoulders rise.
Your breath gets shallow.
Your stomach tightens.
Your pelvic floor grips because you’re constantly in go-go-go mode.
…and then we wonder why everything feels more sensitive than usual.
So I wanted to share a few simple reminders to help your body feel a little more supported as we move into the heart of the holiday season. Nothing complicated or overwhelming—just small moments you can give yourself that make a real difference.
Tip One: Start Your Day With One Real Breath
So much of holiday stress begins the moment you open your eyes. Before you’ve even gotten out of bed, your mind is already running through everything you need to do—and your body follows that pace.
If you can pause for a single slow breath before the rush begins, it helps your pelvic floor soften instead of gripping through the whole day.
One breath can set the tone for everything that comes after it.
Tip Two: Eat Slowly Enough That Your Body Can Keep Up
Stress makes us rush, especially around food. We grab meals on the go or multitask while we eat, and our gut ends up working in a very tense environment.
This often leads to bloating, constipation, or stomach discomfort, which then creates even more pelvic floor tension.
Giving yourself just a little more time at meals helps both digestion and pelvic floor muscles stay calmer through the busy weeks ahead.
Tip Three: Take Steady Sips of Water Throughout the Day
A lot of women drink less when they’re busy or stressed, and dehydration makes everything feel more intense for the bladder and pelvic floor.
Concentrated urine irritates the bladder and increases urgency, and already-tense muscles become even tighter without enough hydration.
You do not need to chase a giant water goal.
Just take steady sips throughout the day to keep your body supported.
Tip Four: Find One Moment Where Your Body Can Drop Its Shoulders
Even a minute helps.
Maybe it’s the car ride home.
Maybe it’s the shower.
Maybe it’s stepping into another room just to collect yourself.
When you’re not clenching, your muscles stop holding unnecessary tension. These tiny pauses remind your body that it does not need to be on high alert every second.
The holidays ask a lot from your mind and your body, and it is completely normal to feel the effects of that.
Your pelvic floor isn’t trying to make your life harder—it’s simply responding to the pace and pressure around you. Giving yourself a few mindful moments helps more than most people realize.
And before I let you go, join my FREE private Pelvic Health Group so you don’t miss any of the Pelvismas fun I have planned. I cannot wait to share it with you.
Sending you warmth and so much love,
Dr. Amanda Fisher
Empower Your Pelvis
