Finding Balance Before the Holidays

 

How to build healthy habits now that carry you through the busy season

I’m just coming out of what felt like the longest, and fullest, month ever. Between my boys’ soccer schedules, we had 28 games in a 30-day month! September was a blur of late dinners, car snacks, and juggling work, sports, and everyday life. Now that things are starting to settle (just a little), I can finally breathe again… but I know what’s coming next, my favorite time of year, but again a very busy time of year, the holiday season.

That’s why I wanted to write this week’s newsletter about finding balance before things get crazy again. It’s so easy to let our healthy routines slip when life feels nonstop. But the truth is, this in-between time, the space between seasons, is the perfect opportunity to reset, rebuild habits, and create some calm before the holiday storm.

When we focus on small, sustainable actions now, we don’t have to start from scratch in January, we’ll already be grounded, strong, and ready to finish the year feeling good.

Here are a few areas to start building those habits

 

1. Eat with Intention, Not Perfection

·       You don’t need a strict plan, just small, mindful choices.

·       Focus on protein at every meal to keep energy and hunger stable.

·       Add color to your plate, fruits and veggies help reduce cravings.

·       Keep healthy snacks visible and ready (Greek yogurt, almonds, cut veggies, protein bars).

·       Hydrate! Most fatigue and cravings come from dehydration.

Remember, the goal isn’t to avoid every treat, it’s to make thoughtful choices and truly enjoy what you choose without guilt. I find if I fill up on protein, vegetables and fruit, it leaves less room for all the desserts, just a few bites is all I need.

2. Move Your Body, Even When You’re Busy

·       Consistency matters more than perfection.

·       Try short 20–30-minute strength sessions in the morning.

·       Take a brisk evening walk after dinner.

·       Make family movement fun, walks, hikes, or even dancing in the kitchen.

·       Schedule workouts like meetings, non-negotiable appointments with yourself. This is the key for me, my workouts are in my calendar, I treat it like every other apt or meeting I have.

Movement keeps you grounded and helps regulate stress, which makes it easier to stay consistent with everything else.

3. Guard Your Mind and Energy

·       The holidays can be emotionally and mentally draining. Protect your peace with small, intentional moments of calm:

·       Start your morning with gratitude or a short journal entry.

·       Set boundaries around your time and energy.

·       Unplug for an hour before bed.

·       Remind yourself: you do not have to say yes to everything. This is huge read it again, you do not have to say YES to everything or explain your NO to anyone.

Balance isn’t about doing it all, it’s about doing what matters most with peace in your heart.

 

4. Build Routines That Support You

Routines create stability. When your habits are on autopilot, you spend less time deciding and more time living.

Start with one or two anchor habits this month:

·       A consistent bedtime.

·       A 10-minute morning ritual for gratitude or movement.

·       Sunday grocery prep or meal planning.

·       Laying out workout clothes the night before.

These simple steps make a huge difference, especially when life gets busy.

 

As we move closer to the holidays, let’s remind ourselves that balance isn’t something we stumble upon, it’s something we create every day through our choices, routines, and mindset. Start now, while things are calm, and give yourself the gift of entering the holiday season grounded, centered, and full of energy to enjoy it all.

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