Wellness During the Holidays.

The holidays are here, beautiful, joyful, heart-filling and, a little chaotic.

We’re juggling family gatherings, school events, travel plans, work deadlines, gift lists, and kitchen marathons that would put a cooking show to shame. I’m part of a busy blended family, and I know firsthand how quickly your health, both physical and mental, can get pushed to the absolute bottom of the list.

It’s not intentional, it’s just life.

But if there was ever a time to slow down and be mindful about how we move our bodies, what we’re eating, and how we’re caring for our mental wellbeing,

it’s right now.

Holiday season can feel like a sprint and a marathon at the same time, and while it’s full of joy, it can also leave us depleted if we’re not careful. Over the years, through the busyness, blending, juggling, and managing, I’ve learned that wellness doesn’t have to be perfect. It just has to be intentional.

Here are my three go-to tips for staying well during the wildest season of the year:

1. Be Where Your Feet Are

This is my mantra.

When you’re baking cookies, be there.

When you’re wrapping presents, be there.

When you’re at the school concert, be there.

And yes, when you’re resting, please be there too.

We lose so much energy trying to live ten minutes ahead of ourselves. Presence is a gift, and it’s one of the easiest ways to reduce stress and bring your nervous system back down to earth.

2. Never Forget to Be Kind and Not Just to Others, But to Yourself, Too

We spend so much time trying to create a magical holiday season for everyone around us that we forget that we matter too.

Give yourself grace.

Let some things slide.

Say no when you need to.

Order takeout.

Wrap half the gifts in gift bags and call it a day.

Don’t judge your body for being tired or your mind for needing a quiet moment.

Kindness toward yourself is not indulgence, it’s maintenance.

3. Overindulging Happens but Just Don’t Make It the Whole Season

Treats are part of the holidays. The cookies and cocktails show up like clockwork.

And there is zero shame in enjoying it. Joyful eating is part of celebrating.

The key? Make it the exception, not the routine. One big dinner won’t derail your wellbeing. Three straight weeks of nonstop indulgence might.

Balance looks different for everyone. Find yours and give yourself permission to enjoy the season without losing yourself in it.

This time of year moves fast. Emotions run high and schedules explode. And through it all, it’s easy to forget that we deserve to feel good.

This holiday season:

• I’m choosing presence.

• I’m choosing kindness.

• I’m choosing balance.

And I hope you’ll choose whatever helps you feel well, whole, and grounded.

Your health matters, especially now.