Dear friends,
The holidays bring joy. But they can also bring stress, overindulgence, and sometimes sadness.
Self-care is important at any time, but especially essential during the busy season. One simple form of self-care is prioritizing your health.
Finding balance and prioritizing your health can feel elusive during this season. It’s easy to get swept up in holiday events, family gatherings, and end-of-year demands. This is also a time of reflection – a mix of looking back and looking ahead – often made more poignant by the memory of loved ones no longer with us.
So how do we navigate the ups and downs of the season? Let’s talk about it.
Find Balance in a Season of Excess
The holidays tempt us to indulge a little more. There’s always an extra cookie, one more glass of wine, or a dish you only see once a year. There’s no judgment, I’m human, too. My advice? Don’t skip meals to “save room” for a big dinner. Instead, try eating small, balanced meals – starting with a healthy breakfast, and adding fruits, vegetables, and plenty of water. This way, you’ll feel more in control and ready to enjoy holiday favorites without going overboard.
Check in with Your Mental Health
This holiday season is often bittersweet, filled with memories that can bring both joy and sorrow. I’ve had patients share how the absence of a parent, spouse, or friend feels especially heavy during this time. If you’re grieving or missing someone, it’s important to acknowledge those emotions rather than suppress them.
Try honoring them by creating new traditions, like lighting a candle, cooking their favorite dish, or sharing stories about them. These small acts can help you stay connected to their memory. It’s okay to feel a mix of emotions. Joy and sadness can coexist.
Make Time for Self-Care
Amid all the holiday bustle, it’s easy to put yourself last. Self-care is important at any time, but especially essential during the busy season. One simple form of self-care is prioritizing your health.
If you haven’t already, schedule any last-minute health screenings or annual check-ups. Reflecting on your health goals for the new year—whether moving more, managing stress better, or improving sleep habits—can set you up for a healthier start.
I remind my patients that their voices are powerful and they should use it to ask questions, seek second opinions, and ensure that their needs are met.
Self-advocacy is a big part of this. In health care, I remind my patients that their voices are powerful and they should use it to ask questions, seek second opinions, and ensure that their needs are met. This same sense of self-advocacy can serve you in all areas of life. Stand up for what you need, set boundaries, and know that your well-being is worth prioritizing.
Express Gratitude for New Experiences
This year brought new experiences for me, too. I launched my website, www.doctorglenda.com, as a platform to share insights around taking charge of your health. I’ve had challenges, like carving out time, stepping out of my comfort zone to share my thoughts more widely, and balancing this with my other work.
But I’m also rewarded, because I’m reminded that new experiences can bring personal growth and a deeper sense of balance. I am grateful for that lesson.
I was also honored to join on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Advisory Committee of the Office of Minority Health, an opportunity to advocate for the health interests of racial and ethnic minority groups. It’s been a meaningful part of a year full of new challenges and gratifications.
Preparing for 2025
As we approach the new year, take a moment to reflect on where you might need more balance. What can you better prioritize to care for your body, mind and spirit? Where in your life requires you to speak up more?
Consider trying something new—whether it’s a new hobby, personal goal, or fresh approach to your health. These new experiences often bring a fresh perspective and new opportunity for fulfillment to your life.
Wishing you a holiday season filled with joy, reflection, and the care you deserve.
With your health in mind,
