Set Yourself up for Success in 2025 with a December self-care challenge!

As the regret of indulgence in holiday eating begins to rear its head, it’s no surprise that Halloween’s sugar crash paired with Thanksgiving’s gravy-laden feasts has many questioning their waistlines now that bikini season is long gone. Mentally, we’re already bracing ourselves for the next phase in the holiday triage: the rush toward Christmas, Passover, and New Year’s.

From overspending on Black Friday to juggling end-of-year expenses, the sentiment I hear most often is “I don’t have time.” Meals are rushed between holiday errands or skipped altogether, leaving us starving and desperate. These patterns wreak havoc on our metabolic systems and push self-care to the back burner. The season's long to-do lists, minimal daylight, and overcommitted schedules make finding balance feel impossible, but now more than ever is the time to prioritize ourselves.

The Cost of Neglecting Self-Care

Overindulging, overspending, and overcommitting might seem like they’re simply part of the holiday season, but they come at a price. Physically, our bodies feel the strain of sugar highs, skipped meals, and sleepless nights. Mentally and emotionally, we can lose sight of our goals, feel drained, or experience anxiety over finances and unfinished tasks. Finding balance in this chaos isn’t a luxury—it’s a necessity. Every man, woman, and child needs a reliable self-care routine to thrive during the holidays.

This Month’s Self-Care Challenge

This December, I challenge you to set yourself up for success by building habits that will empower you for the New Year. Here are some actionable tips to get started:

1. Food Journaling: Start writing down the foods you eat every day. This isn’t about judgment or restriction but about awareness. Knowing what you’re consuming helps you make conscious decisions about what’s worth spending your calories on. A food journal can also help you identify patterns in hunger or overeating caused by stress.

2. Daily Self-Care Commitment: Dedicate 15 minutes a day to self-care. Whether it’s a calming walk, reading a book, or practicing mindfulness, this small habit can ground you amidst the holiday rush. Remember, consistency is key.

3. Smart Scheduling:Set boundaries with your time. Politely decline overcommitments that drain you, and schedule intentional breaks to recharge. Use a planner or digital calendar to block time for meals and relaxation.

4. Music and Movement: Create a playlist for your highs and your lows. Music can change how we think in the moment which changes how we interact with the world around us. Music can fuel your dance sessions or gym sets. Hydrate regularly to counterbalance indulgent meals, and don’t forget to keep moving. Even short bursts of physical activity, like a brisk walk or yoga session, can do wonders for your energy and mood.

5. Financial Mindfulness: Before hitting “add to cart,” take a moment to review your budget. Be intentional about spending and focus on meaningful gifts rather than expensive gestures. Financial stress can often bleed into other areas of self-care, so set clear boundaries.

Level Up Your Self-Care

This season is the perfect time to equip yourself with tools to make self-care sustainable and effective. My latest merch, inspired by the themes of reflection and manifestation, is designed to keep you motivated. The hoodies and clothing designs from my *All Glowed Up* collection is more than just cozy apparel—it’s a daily reminder to prioritize yourself.

If you’re ready to dive deeper into your personal growth, my book *Eating Lessons* will guide you through uncovering misconceptions about food, developing a healthier mindset, and empowering your relationship with nutrition. For those looking to align their habits and emotions, my “Notes to Self” shadow work journals are an excellent resource for exploring the deeper connections between your choices and your well-being.

This holiday season, make a commitment to yourself. Take small, consistent steps to prioritize your physical, mental, and emotional health. By starting now, you’ll enter January with a stronger foundation and a clearer vision for the person you want to become. Let’s glow up together—one intentional choice at a time.