Sponsored Content

Healthy holiday balance: Eat well, sip smart, feel your best

Sponsored by
pexels-fedigioia-35112522.jpg

Small, intentional habits can help you stay balanced and feel your best throughout the holiday season.

Photo via Pexels

The holidays are full of celebration — but staying well doesn’t mean missing out. With a few mindful habits, you can enjoy the season while feeling energized and grounded.

Simple ways to stay well this season

Incorporate small habits that support your overall health:

  • Get outside for a daily walk to reduce stress and boost mood
  • Prioritize sleep, even on busy weeks
  • Stay hydrated throughout the day (especially before festive gatherings)
  • Practice portion awareness without restriction + make smart swaps

Sip mindfully at gatherings

Holiday cocktails are fun, but moderation makes a difference. Try:

  • Choosing lower-alcohol or alcohol-free options
  • Alternating drinks with water
  • Savoring slowly instead of refilling quickly
  • Enjoying festive mocktails to stay in the spirit

Make time for movement

Keep your body energized by weaving motion into your holiday schedule:

  • Take 10-minute stretch breaks during busy days
  • Turn errands into steps by parking farther away
  • Invite family to join a neighborhood walk after meals
  • Try a short online workout for a quick endorphin boost

These approachable habits help you celebrate fully — while keeping your wellbeing front and center all season long.

More from COLAtoday
Block parties, early ball drops, free games — whatever your vibe, there’s a Columbia-area New Year’s Eve for you.
South Carolina is reshaping its offense with coordinator Kendal Briles and longtime assistants Stan Drayton and Randy Clements joining Shane Beamer’s staff.
Columbia Food & Wine Festival returns with new Tastemakers memberships and a USC hospitality scholarship added to its five-day lineup.
Registration is open for MAI’s spring Audio Engineering Certificate, a six-month program led by Jam Room’s Jay Matheson.
The $80 million LOCAL Columbia development will add new apartments, retail space, parking, and streetscape improvements just one block from the State House.
CF Evans has started building 2222 Main View, a 320-unit luxury apartment project coming to Main Street by 2027.
Our readers have spoken — here are the best local spots our city has to offer, from the best coffee shop to the best apartment complex to the best dentist.
It’s not just your year in music — we’ve also rounded up your year in local news.
A grassroots effort is helping Midlands properties become part of a nationwide habitat network.
Publix will open a new 50,000-sqft downtown store in the BullStreet District, expanding walkable grocery access with construction starting in 2026.