Faithful and Cheerful Wellness in December.

Am I the only one excited for Christmas?

Cold, crisp mornings and watching the sunrise - this truly is my favourite time of year! ..but staying motivated to be active can be difficult when the weather turns chilly and the season gets busy. That’s why this is the perfect moment to switch things up and bring a little faithful and cheerful wellness into December.

Interestingly, staying active during the cold months has wonderful benefits. Exercise boosts serotonin, dopamine, and endorphins.. all of which help to combat that winter “slump” feeling. With the fast-paced stress this season can bring, making time for fitness and self-care becomes an opportunity to breathe, relax and refocus your mind and body. Pilates, for example, is a great way to strengthen your body while centering your thoughts.

Taking time to stretch & move your body over the Christmas holiday's

Unifying faith and fitness can be so rewarding. To create a graceful, sacred atmosphere for your “temple,” try a few simple practices:

- Listen to worship music or faith-focused podcasts while exercising.

- Speak Scripture over yourself, especially when a workout gets tough. One of my favourites is Philippians 4:13, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me.”

- Honouring your body and your mental wellbeing is a way of honouring Jesus, and remembering this can bring fresh motivation.

The stillness of winter also gives us a natural chance to nurture our faith. Seek God’s voice in the quiet. Try a Christmas devotional, create faith-based winter crafts, spend time reflecting on what God has done for you this year, and what you hope for in the next. This season is also a wonderful opportunity to honour the Lord by serving others, such as donating to local food banks, giving toys or gifts to charity, supporting organisations and caring for those in need. Giving is a joyful act that blesses both others and your own heart, but it is more blessed to give than to receive, as Jesus said (Acts 20:35).

As the new year approaches, it brings a sense of possibility and inspiration—a chance to become a better version of yourself and step out of your comfort zone. Meditate on the past year, then look forward with hope. Let go of what has been and renew your trust in God for the blessings ahead. Set intentions that draw you closer to Him. Invite God into your goals and dreams, and watch how gracefully you flourish. "Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and lean not on your own understanding; In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths" (Proverbs 3:5-6).