It’s the most wonderful (and busy, and hectic…) time of the year.

Holiday to-dos are on the horizon — from travel and shopping to decorating and baking. If seasonal chores are known to unleash your inner Scrooge, we’ve got you.

Here are three ways to prioritize your mental + physical wellness for a healthier, happier holiday season:

👟 Find fun (and festive) ways to move

Did you know Americans are five times more likely to say their stress level increases — rather than decreases — during the holidays?

Exercise is one of the best things you can do to combat seasonal stress. Make time for mindful movement to get your blood flowing and keep spirits high.

Stroll a holiday market

Chattanooga Holiday Market | Saturdays + Sundays during the first three weekends in December | Times vary | Chattanooga Convention Center
Mistletoe Market | Saturday, December 9-Sunday, December 10 | Times vary | Bradley Square Mall, 200 Paul Huff Pkwy., Cleveland

Register the family for a 5K

Thanksgiving Day 5K | Thursday, November 23 | 8 a.m. | Tinsley Park, 4031 Keith St. NW, Cleveland | $20-$30
Stuffing Strut | Thursday, November 23 | 8:30 a.m. | Chester Frost Park Pavilion, 7872 Causeway Rd., Hixson | $30
Jingle Bell Jog | Sunday, December 17 | 9 a.m. | 200 Riverfront Pkwy. | $45

Enjoy seasonal activities

Ice on the Landing Ice Skating | Friday, November 24, 2023-Sunday, January 28, 2024 | First Horizon Pavilion, 1826 Reggie White Blvd. | $10-$12

🦠 Prevent seasonal sickness

Travel, cold weather, and crowded gatherings may be inevitable this holiday season, but getting sick with a cold, the flu, or COVID-19 doesn’t have to be.

Here are some fool-proof ways to help keep you from getting sick this season:

Stay up to date on your vaccines.
Eat immune-boosting + vitamin-packed foods.
Follow smart travel tips (pro tip: mask-up in the airport + wash your hands frequently).

🦃 Health-ify a holiday meal

It can be hard to navigate healthy eating during the holidays — especially for those facing health issues like gastroesophageal reflux disease (also known as GERD).

GERD occurs when acid reflux backs up into the esophagus, and can cause symptoms like heartburn, chest pain + difficulty swallowing. Certain foods can increase the risk of GERD, so healthy eating choices should be top-of-mind for those with GI issues this holiday season.

In light of Thanksgiving + GERD Awareness Week coming up, here are a few ways you can take traditional holiday dishes to a healthier level:

Forgo the deep-fryer: Roast your turkey breasts for all of the flavor + less of the fat.
Opt for fresh veggies vs. frozen or canned.
Find healthy substitutions to classic comfort food dishes (like this better-for-you green bean casserole).
Craft a balanced plate with a good mix of non-starchy vegetables, protein, and carbs.

Happy holidays, NOOGA.