Simple ways busy women can reflect, recharge, and prepare for healthy habits in the new year.

The holidays are full of joy, connection, and celebration but they’re also busy, emotional, and sometimes overwhelming. This time of year can easily pull us away from our normal wellness routines. But what if the holiday season didn’t have to set you back? What if it could actually help you prepare for a healthier, stronger, more energized 2026?

Here’s how to use the final weeks of the year to create momentum, clarity, and confidence as you step into the new year.

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1. Reflect: Take Stock of 2025

Before we leap into new goals for 2026, take a moment to look back on this past year. Reflection is one of the most underrated wellness tools, it gives you insight into what’s working and what needs attention.

Ask yourself:
✨ What went well this year?
Did you try a new workout routine? Eat more balanced meals? Improve your sleep? Build consistency? Celebrate every win—big or small.

✨ What felt challenging?
Struggled with stress? Emotional eating? Staying consistent with movement? Not making time for yourself?

Journaling or making a simple list can help bring clarity. Reflection isn’t about judging yourself—it’s about understanding what you need moving forward.

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2. Recharge: Prioritize Self-Care During the Holidays

This season is fun and magical, but it can also drain your energy if you’re not intentional. Supporting your physical and emotional well-being now is one of the best ways to start 2026 strong.

Here are a few simple, sustainable ways to stay grounded:

Stick to a Sleep Routine

Aim for 7–8 hours, even during the busy season. Consistent sleep supports hormones, mood, metabolism, and immune health.

Move Daily

Not every workout needs to be structured. A walk, stretching session, or dancing while you bake cookies counts. Movement boosts energy and helps regulate blood sugar and stress.

Fuel Your Body With Balance

Enjoy your holiday favorites without guilt—but try to include lean proteins, fiber, and whole foods throughout the day. Balanced choices make you feel energized, not sluggish.

Set Boundaries

Protect your time and peace. It’s okay to say no to events that drain you. Your energy matters.

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3. Prepare: Lay the Groundwork for Your 2026 Wellness Goals

January isn’t the starting line, the preparation happens now. You don’t need to overhaul your life during the holidays. Just begin easing into small, sustainable habits that will support your health in 2026.

Identify Your Top Wellness Priorities

What do you want more of next year?
• Strength
• Energy
• Better sleep
• Hormone balance
• Fat loss
• Reduced stress

Naming your priorities helps you focus.

Set SMART Goals for 2026

Make them:
✔ Specific
✔ Measurable
✔ Achievable
✔ Relevant
✔ Time-bound

Examples:
“I’ll strength train 3 days per week.”
“I’ll walk 8k steps a day.”
“I’ll prep two dinners at home each week.”

Start Building New Habits Now

Pick one or two simple habits to practice this month:
• Add one extra glass of water
• Eat protein at every meal
• Set a bedtime
• Prep one balanced meal at home
• Add a 5-minute morning stretch

Small changes now → big results later.

Get Support & Accountability

The women who succeed aren’t more disciplined—they’re supported. A coach, a community, a friend, or a structured program can be the difference between giving up and transforming your life.

👉 Click here to learn how I can support you as we head into 2026.

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4. Practice Gratitude: The Foundation of Long-Term Success

A gratitude practice shifts your mindset from stress to abundance.
Write down 1–3 things you’re grateful for each day: your health, a great workout, a good meal, a hug from your child, a moment of peace.

Gratitude improves motivation, emotional health, and follow-through. It’s one of the simplest tools for building a healthier life.

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5. Celebrate Progress, Not Perfection

This is your reminder: the holidays are not about perfection.
They’re about connection, presence, joy and progress.

Enjoy the cookies. Enjoy the meals. Enjoy the memories.

Just pair indulgence with balance.
Missed a workout? Pick back up tomorrow.
Ate differently than planned? No guilt, just move forward.

Your wellness journey isn’t defined by one day or one meal. It’s shaped by consistent, compassionate choices over time.

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6. Start TODAY for a Stronger Tomorrow

The holidays don’t have to pull you away from your goals. They can support them- when you reflect, recharge, and prepare with intention.

With a little planning and self-compassion, you can enter 2026 feeling empowered, energized, and ready to thrive.

This is your year.
Start small.
Stay consistent.
And give yourself the gift of health and happiness as we move into the new year.

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Want Support Creating a Healthier You in 2026?

I would love to link arms with you and walk this journey with you.

My 3-week health and wellness program combines:

✨ Balanced nutrition
✨ Macro tracking
✨ Carb cycling
✨ Intermittent fasting
✨ Strength training
✨ Hormone-supportive habits
✨ A community that keeps you accountable

This is the roadmap for building strength, balancing hormones, maximizing fat loss, and improving your overall health, sustainably.

👉 Click here to grab your spot in the next round: https://lorenmattingly.com/the-faster-way

How are you preparing for a healthier 2026?

Share your thoughts and goals in the comments—I can’t wait to hear from you! 💛