Five Things I Do During the Holidays to Feel My Best

The holidays don’t have to be the season you fall off, spiral, and then swear “New Year, New Me” on January 1st. You can actually enjoy your life and roll into 2026 feeling strong, grounded, and proud of how you treated yourself.

Here’s how to keep it fun, functional, and… very you.

1. Get Outside Every Morning… Before Your Brain Has Opinions

Yes, even when it’s cold.

Yes, even if you “don’t have time.”

And yes, even if you’re still digesting last night’s peppermint bark.

Getting outside first thing gives you:

• Natural light (your circadian rhythm’s love language)

• Better mood + energy

• A little walking before the holiday chaos

• A sense of control before the day hijacks you

If you can’t walk, stand on your porch for two minutes. Touch grass. Touch air. Touch the ground. Just go outside.

2. Keep Your Workouts Stupid Simple

December is not the month for perfection. It is the month for consistency you can’t talk yourself out of.

Pick ONE:

• 20-minute strength circuit

• A short, spicy EMOM

• A few fun/unconventional “movement snacks”

• A bodyweight flow

• One heavy lift + one accessory

Take the pressure off. Doing something beats doing nothing and guilt-scrolling all month.

3. Protein + Plants First, Everything Else After

Here’s your blunt truth: You don’t need to avoid the cookies. You just need to stop leading with the cookies.

Set yourself up with:

• A protein-forward breakfast

• At least one veggie at every meal

• Fiber, fiber, and more fiber (from real foods) = happy gut!

• Water before alcohol

• Protein snack before a party

Once you’ve handled your basics, have the treats you actually enjoy. Stop eating random stuff you don’t even like just because it’s sitting out.

4. Decide Your “Bare Minimums” and Stick to Them

The holidays get chaotic, so create a non-negotiable baseline you can hit even on the messiest days.

My bare minimums are…

• 6k steps per day minimum

• At least one solid lift per week

• Hydration and protein before caffeine

• At least five minutes of mobility every day

• No scrolling in bed morning or evening (I know, I know)

The point isn’t being perfect. The point is having a foundation you don’t fall through.

5. Do One Thing Your Future Self Will Thank You For

End-of-year is the perfect time to plant seeds for 2026. Just one thing.

Pick one:

• Set a simple training goal (not a punishment, an actual goal)

• Clean up your sleep schedule

• Book your first January session

• Add one strength skill you want to master

• Start a habit you’ll build on later

Momentum matters more than intensity. Give your 2026 self a head start.

Final Takeaway

The holidays don’t have to be a derailment. They can be a training ground for resilience, flexibility, and actually enjoying your damn life.

Show up for yourself with the basics, keep everything fun and functional, and roll into 2026 feeling like a weapon.

f you want help making this happen—without guessing or stressing—let’s work together remotely and start 2026 strong.