Simple Holiday Wellness Ritual to Boost Energy and Glow
The holidays are one of my favorite times of year, but they also tend to fill up quickly. Between gatherings, travel, cooking, hosting, and trying to keep up with everyday life, it is easy to feel like December moves faster than any other month. Over the years, especially in my forties and now my fifties, I have learned that taking care of myself during this season makes everything feel more joyful and a lot less overwhelming. My goal is never perfection. It is simply to support my energy, my digestion, my skin, and my peace of mind so I can actually enjoy the season instead of rushing through it.
I used to think a wellness routine needed to be long or complicated, but I have learned it can be incredibly simple. A few small habits, done consistently, make such a difference in how I move through the month. These practices help me feel more grounded, more steady, and more present, even when life gets busy.
A Hydrating Morning Reset
One of the most grounding rituals I have adopted is starting my day with hydration before anything else. December air is dry, heaters are running, and travel takes a toll, so beginning the morning with water makes a noticeable difference in my energy and my skin. Sometimes it is warm water, sometimes cold, but it always helps my body wake up gently and supports my digestion. On busier days or after a workout, I also add electrolytes because that little boost helps me feel steady for the rest of the morning. Hydration is such a simple ritual, yet it sets the tone for the entire day.
A Nourishing Morning Routine to Stay Balanced
During the holidays, it can be tempting to skip breakfast or grab something quick in between errands. I absolutely enjoy the treats and special foods that come with December, but I also know how much better my body feels when I start the day with something nourishing and grounding. A balanced breakfast keeps my energy steady and helps prevent that mid morning crash that can make the day feel heavier than it needs to.
One of my go to meals is warm oatmeal mixed with protein and a spoonful of applesauce. It is gentle on my stomach, filling, and perfect for chilly mornings. On days when I want something a little different, I make protein pancakes. They are simple, satisfying, and make breakfast feel fun without being heavy. These meals have become one of the easiest wellness habits I have committed to, and they make such a difference in how steady and focused I feel throughout the morning.
A Midday Pause for Calm and Stress Relief
One of the most impactful habits I added later in life is a midday reset. This time of day is often where stress peaks, with errands, noise, responsibilities, emails, and all the moving parts of real life. Instead of pushing through, I give myself a few minutes to step away. Sometimes that is stepping outside for fresh air. Other times it is a quiet moment with tea, a few slow breaths, or stretching by the window. It takes no more than five minutes, but it resets my nervous system completely and allows me to move into the afternoon with a clearer mind and calmer energy.
Gentle Movement That Supports Your Body
Movement has become one of the biggest ways I support myself during the holidays. Not with strict routines or intense workouts, but with movement that feels good to my body that day. Sometimes it is a long walk. Other days it is lifting at the gym, a barre class, yoga, or stretching before bed. And one of my favorite gentle practices is a few minutes on my rebounder. It is simple, low impact, and incredibly energizing. Rebounding also supports the lymphatic system, which helps with detoxification, digestion, and keeping the body feeling light and balanced. Even just a short session helps me feel clearer and more awake.
These small, intentional forms of movement support my digestion, improve my sleep, and lift my mood. It doesn’t matter if it is ten minutes or fifty. What matters is how grounded and steady it helps me feel during such a busy month.
A Calming Nighttime Ritual
With so much happening in December, a calming nighttime ritual helps me unwind and create separation between the day and the evening. I love ending the night with a warm shower, comfortable pajamas, and a simple wind down routine that helps me release the day. Sometimes that includes a few minutes of reflection or prayer, light stretching, or simply turning off my phone earlier than usual. A calm evening naturally leads to better sleep, and better sleep leads to a much more peaceful, energized morning.
Holiday wellness does not need to be complicated or strict. It can be gentle and supportive, small habits that help you feel grounded, clear, and energized. For me, it comes down to simple, nourishing choices: hydration, a balanced breakfast, movement, a midday reset, and a peaceful evening. These routines help me move through December with more joy, more clarity, and a softness that allows me to enjoy the moments that matter most.
I hope these simple practices help you feel more settled, more energized, and more connected to yourself during this beautiful season.
Love,
LA
