The Christmas season is upon us, a time for joy, connection, and the spirit of giving.
But amid the hustle and bustle, and holding onto past traditions, it’s easy to lose sight of what truly matters: connection with loved ones, health, and nurturing the mind, body, and soul.
This season, we want to get back to FG basics and the principles we were founded upon. Our goal is to help you nourish your body, your soul, and your relationships. We have found the following Five Principles of Healing to be gifts that can make a lasting impact—and keep the holiday glow going long after the season ends.
With a few simple reminders, you can move through the holidays and beyond feeling more energized and present (and less sluggish!).
1. Stress resilience during the holidays
We were not designed to go, go, go. Our body needs to exert energy daily and recharge with restful activities. Our mind needs to be given a break. In our culture, it is common to intellectualize most of our experiences. Instead, what would it be like to experience life more through our senses (sight, smell, taste, touch, hearing) and learn to be more present? Our spirit needs connection and to be fed (devotions, Bible, worship, serving). This all supports stress resilience.
Here are a few ways to keep stress resilience top of mind this season:
- Journaling and devotion time: These daily practices are a beautiful way to reflect and rest. Since it’s Christmas, you may consider an Advent devotion practice. We love Advent by She Reads Truth.
- Remind yourself to be in your senses: Throughout the day, intentionally notice what you see, hear, feel, touch, and smell. We cannot be in our minds and aware of the sensations in our bodies at the same time.
- Practice a spirit of generosity: How could you notice more needs in your local area and help out? Perhaps you can plan a family service project to get your whole household involved.
- Prioritize mental wellness: It can feel difficult as you begin to focus more on mental wellness, but it is so worth it. Talk to yourself like you would talk to a friend. Invest in therapy. Be open with loved ones. This could be the greatest gift we can give ourselves and those around us.
2. Healthy holiday nutrition made simple
Nourishing your body starts with prioritizing protein, limiting sugar (yes, even during this month), and staying well-hydrated. Here are our top tips for doing so.
- Be present. When you’re enjoying a special holiday treat, make sure you fully enjoy it. Be grounded in the moment so you can actually taste all the flavors in the treat, instead of mindlessly consuming it.
- Don’t say, “no treats.” Say “yes” to the right treats. Try to be intentional with your choices around sweets and snacks. For example, homemade treats with real, quality ingredients are preferred over store-bought or processed ones.
- Enjoy treats in good company. Prioritize having them with family or at gatherings rather than alone or in drive-thrus.
- Consider swapping alcohol beverages. Incorporating mocktails is a festive way to limit alcohol (we love Kin Euphorics and Three Spirits).
3. Movement: Supporting your body with NEAT
Are you moving in a way that supports your goals rather than drains you? We recommend finding ways to move your body that increase “non-exercise activity thermogenesis” (NEAT). This is the energy expended for everything we do that is not sleeping, eating, or sports-like exercise.
The higher your NEAT, the higher your metabolism. Exercising in group settings or with a buddy can be a great way to hold yourself accountable while enjoying the benefits of socialization at the same time.
Consider these activities to increase your NEAT:
- Yoga
- Pilates
- Walking
- Dancing
4. Improving sleep during winter
You’ve heard us talk about the importance of sleep health before, and it’s all the more important during the winter. If you’re experiencing sleep troubles, make sure you’ve addressed these important factors. The better your sleep, the better your holiday!
- Hormonal regulation: Make sure your hormones are balanced. We can help you with this.
- Movement: Move your body during the day to sleep better at night (see pillar 2 above!).
- Mindfulness: Deep breathing and embodiment snacks (being very present as you enjoy food) during the day help ensure your nervous system isn’t hijacked by the time night rolls around.
- Make your bed amazing! How can you make your bed a real treat every night? Part of that is choosing high-quality bedding, so maybe you add that to your Christmas wishlist. 😉 Our favorite is Cozy Earth.
- Consider supplements: For example, magnesium glycinate helps relax muscles.
5. Reconnecting with purpose during Christmas
Purpose is often overlooked as a component of health in traditional medicine, but it truly sets the tone for everything. By aligning with purpose, we can invite God into every area of our lives. Which area of your life needs His invitation? Here are a few ways to help connect with your purpose.
Here are a few ways to keep purpose top of mind this season:
- Worship with a body of believers at church. Whether or not you attend church regularly, taking time during the holidays can be incredibly uplifting. It can also help you feel connected to your community.
- Bring God into your finances: This can help you channel purpose in your spending and purchases. For example, what is the purpose of buying a new table? Is it to create meaningful moments with your family around the dinner table? If there’s no purpose, perhaps it’s not necessary.
- Set your intention for next year: Seriously, make a date with yourself in your calendar to write out your goals and intentions for 2026. What do you want to focus on in the new year?
- Craft a family mission statement: When everyone in your family is aligned around a purpose, you can move into the year with a renewed outlook. You may be surprised by where this type of intentionality may lead you.
Moving into Christmas with intention
What practices will you adopt this Christmas? If you post about any of the tips we shared, tag us on social media! We would love to cheer you on.
Until then, take care of yourself and remember: get back to basics. We’re wishing you and your family the happiest, healthiest Christmas season and an abundant new year. 🙏
The angels announce the birth of Jesus to the shepherds in Luke 2:10-11. “Fear not, for behold, I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all the people. For unto you is born this day in the city of David a Savior, who is Christ the Lord.”
Merry Christmas,
Ashlee Seek & Jamie Schofield
Co-Founders & CEOs
| Start your health journey now You don’t have to wait until New Year’s to start your health goals! You can start now by booking a Faithfully Guided appointment via your client portal. New to Faithfully Guided? Begin the process by registering as a patient! 💞 |
