December invites us to slow down, celebrate traditions, and reconnect with what matters most. It’s also a perfect time to give back to yourself—your health, your energy, and your personal balance. This month’s wellness roundup highlights ways to stay active, eat well, practice meaningful self-care, and keep your financial health steady during a busy season.

Whether you’re giving to others or giving yourself the gift of well-being, here are simple ways to stay strong this month.

🏃‍♀️ Workout of the Month: “12 Days of Fitness”

Inspired by the classic holiday song, this workout builds each day just like the lyrics. You can do it once, repeat it weekly, or challenge yourself to complete it daily.

How it works:
Start with Day 1. Each day, add the new exercise plus repeat the sequence from the previous days.

Example sequence:

1. Day 1: 20-second plank

2. Day 2: 10 push-ups

3. Day 3: 15 squats

4. Day 4: 20 jumping jacks

5. Day 5: 10 lunges each leg

6. Day 6: 15 glute bridges

7. Day 7: 30-second wall sit

8. Day 8: 12 shoulder taps

9. Day 9: 15 tricep dips

10. Day 10: 20 mountain climbers

11. Day 11: 15-second side plank each side

12. Day 12: 12 burpees (or low-impact fast marches)

🍲 Recipe of the Month: Warm & Healthy Winter Vegetable Soup

Simple, comforting, and nourishing—perfect for chilly December evenings and busy schedules.

Ingredients:

• Carrots, celery, onions

• Sweet potatoes or butternut squash

• Spinach or kale

• Vegetable or chicken broth

• Optional: white beans or chickpeas

• Herbs: thyme, garlic, bay leaf

Why it works:

• High in nutrients

• Low in calories

• Budget-friendly

• Batch-cooking friendly (freeze leftovers!)

💙 Self-Care of the Month: Give Yourself Permission to Pause

December can be stressful—more events, more spending, more expectations. This month’s self-care focus is the Intentional Pause.

Try one of these each week:

• 5-minute grounding break: deep breathing or a short guided meditation.

• One night a week without screens: read, wrap gifts, or simply unwind.

• Personal check-in: Ask “What do I need today?” and honor it.

• A kindness act: Do something small for someone else—giving boosts your own well-being.

Helpful Links:
• Free short meditations (5–10 min):

• Mental well-being tips for the holidays

💵 Financial Wellness of the Month: Smart Spending During the Holidays

Financial stress peaks in December. This month, focus on “Give Within Your Means.”

Strategies:

• Set a spending cap for gifts and social outings.

• Use the 24-hour rule before buying non-essential items.

• Try low-cost giving: handwritten notes, acts of service, or homemade treats.

• Plan January now to avoid post-holiday financial burnout.

Resources to support financial well-being:

• How to build a holiday budget that works every year

December is truly the Season of Giving—but that includes caring for your own health. Whether you’re breaking a sweat, enjoying comforting foods, practicing mindful self-care, or budgeting with intention, these small choices add up to a stronger and more balanced you. Here’s to ending the year with wellness in mind and stepping into the new year refreshed and empowered.