Small Joys, Big Impact: Simple Ways to Prioritize Wellness This Holiday Season
Introduction: Small Joys, Big Impact: Simple Ways to Prioritize Wellness This Holiday Season
The holidays are here, and let’s face it—they’re magical and chaotic. Between family gatherings, indulgent meals, festive drinks, spending money, and being completely out of your usual routine, staying on top of your health can feel like an uphill battle. But this time of year is special, and I think it’s important to pause and reflect on what it’s teaching us.
This is when we figure out our priorities—what truly matters to us, what feels good in our bodies, and where we can let go a little. It’s about finding a balance that works for you and recognizing that health isn’t all or nothing.
The Key to Balance
Remember, your health journey is just that—a journey. It evolves day to day and month to month, and that’s how it’s meant to be. An all-or-nothing mindset can sometimes hold us back. Instead, let’s focus on making our health fit into our lives, not the other way around. Sure, there may be times when big, sweeping changes are necessary, but more often than not, slow and steady wins the race. Small, sustainable shifts lead to lasting change—and they leave room for you to truly live.
Instead of trying to overhaul your routine or set new goals, I encourage you to focus on small, meaningful habits that fit your life right now and are easy to implement even during unpredictable times. Balance is at the heart of everything I do, and that’s no different during the holiday season. It’s about finding the sweet spot between nurturing your health and fully embracing this special time of year. If you’ve worked with me before, you know I always lean on five pillars—diet, rest, exercise, stress management, and supplementation—as the categories for wellness.
So I am offering some small habits, practices, and goals for each area this holiday season. Even one or two wins in each pillar can help you stay grounded, healthy, and happy while still enjoying the season to its fullest.
Diet: Small Tweaks, Big Impact
Add Veggies to Every Meal: Focus on adding nutrient-dense foods instead of cutting out holiday favorites. Including veggies at every meal will give you the nutrients to sustain energy and balance during the season. This doesn’t mean saying no to your mom’s famous Christmas cookies—it’s about adding, not restricting, to create balance.
Stay Hydrated: Keeping a water bottle with you wherever you go is one of the simplest yet most effective ways to stay on track–think of it as your forever plus one! With all the festive eating and drinking, hydration often gets sidelined. If the only health goal you meet between now and New Year’s is drinking more water, you are doing wonders for your body!
Start Your Day with Protein: Breakfast is often the one meal you can control, so make it count. With all the eating out, grabbing drinks with friends, and family gatherings, lunch and dinner may be unpredictable. A high-protein breakfast (30 grams or more) sets you up for steady blood sugar, reduced cravings, and sustained energy throughout the day—even if the rest of your meals are out of your control.
Rest: Protect Your Energy
Adjust as Needed: Ideally, we’d go to bed and wake up at the same time every day, but the holidays have their rhythm. If you stay up late for a party or holiday movie marathon, try adjusting your wake time to get the rest you need–8-9 hours ideally. If you know you’ll have an early morning, plan to go to bed earlier to prioritize your full night of sleep. Flexibility is key!
Make Sleep Non-Negotiable: Sleep is your body’s recovery tool, especially during a season full of excitement and stress. A little planning goes a long way in keeping you rested and ready for the next festive occasion.
Exercise: Movement That Works for You
Keep it Simple: Don’t overcomplicate things. Whether it’s walking, yoga, or weightlifting, focus on movement you enjoy and feel confident doing. The best routine is the one you can stick to consistently. Also rather than trying to do something brand new or implementing a new routine stick to things that spark joy. The happier you are with your exercise the more inclined you will be to prioritize it.
Make It Social: The holidays are about connection, so why not combine movement and quality time? Invite friends or family for a walk, hike, or workout class instead of always meeting over food or drinks. This way, you’re prioritizing both your health and your relationships.
Prioritize Mornings: Just like breakfast, mornings are often the time of day you have the most control over. Early morning workouts (before 10 a.m.) are less likely to get derailed by last-minute plans or holiday events. Plus, starting your day with movement sets a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Stress Management: Find Your Calm in the Chaos
Pause for Deep Breaths: Stress, excitement, anticipation, and nerves often feel the same in our bodies. Taking three intentional deep breaths throughout the day gives your nervous system a chance to switch into a calmer, parasympathetic state. This simple habit can make a big difference in how you feel. Especially if you don’t feel like implementing a new meditation routine or have even 5 mins to slow down. Three deep breaths take only moments.
Spend Time Outdoors: Even if it’s cold, a few uninterrupted minutes in nature can work wonders. Leave your phone behind and take in the fresh air—it’s just as effective as journaling or meditation in calming your body and mind. Even 1–5 minutes can make a big impact.
Supplementation: Focus on the Essentials
Less is More: Stick to what you know works for you. The holidays aren’t the time to experiment with new regimens or add more to your plate. Focus on supplements that support your foundational health, and keep things simple to avoid unnecessary stress.
Conclusion Celebrate the Season, Your Way
The holidays are a time to celebrate, connect, and reflect. Give yourself permission to enjoy the season fully, knowing that small, intentional changes can help you stay grounded and healthy.
Your health journey isn’t about being perfect—it’s about finding what works for you right now. Let’s focus on building a foundation that feels like a safety net during busy times like these. Be kind to yourself, celebrate the wins (no matter how small), and savor every moment, because as we all know, this season passes in the blink of an eye.
Here’s to health, balance, and holiday magic!
With support,
Isabella
