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
Opening Weekend begins Friday, Feb. 13 with a Friday doubleheader and new upgrades at Founders Park.
Join in on the initiative created by Columbia Green.
Sugar Ray headlines the free, two-day Meeting Street Music Festival, bringing live music, food, and spring block-party energy to WECO.
Columbia has seven sister cities worldwide, fostering cultural ties. Explore Cola’s connections to Accra, Ghana; Kaiserslautern, Germany; and Plovdiv, Bulgaria.
The grand opening of the winter event is today in Northern Italy. We’re imagining how it would go down in the Columbia area.
Danish artist Thomas Dambo is bringing one of his famous upcycled trolls to the Cayce Riverwalk, just minutes from downtown Columbia.
Discover more about Columbia’s African American history.
USC’s band won Metallica’s collegiate competition with a halftime tribute, earning a national prize and a spot in EA Sports’ game.
Columbia Food & Wine returns with chef-driven events across town, plus Tastemakers early ticket access and a new USC scholarship.
An international bird photography exhibition opens in Columbia this spring, with local bird highlights and the upcoming Flock Fest.