Prioritize movement, wellness, and nutrition for a balanced and healthy holiday season (turkey suits optional). | Photo by @treesupstate
It’s the most wonderful time of the year…and the busiest.
Holiday to-dos are on the horizon — from travel and shopping to decorating and baking. If these seasonal chores are known to unleash your inner Scrooge, we’ve got you.
Here are a few ways to prioritize your mental + physical wellness for a healthier, happier holiday season.
We know exercise can help to combat seasonal stress, so here are some ways to make time for mindful movement, get your blood flowing, and keep spirits high:
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 doctor-backed ways to avoid getting sick this season:
Campfire Talks with Ranger Madison | Friday, November 17 | 5-6 p.m. | Paris Mountain State Park, 2401 State Park Rd. | Free with park admission | Bundle up + gather around the campfire for an educational discussion about different animal scat and tracks.
Active
Beers & Balance | Saturday, November 18 | 10-11:15 a.m. | Tetrad Brewing Company, 603 East Stone Ave. | $10 | Start your weekend with a mindful flow yoga class, followed by a pint of Tetrad craft beer on the patio.
Rivalry Fan 5K | Friday, November 24 | 6:30 p.m. | Think Tank Brew Lab, 101 Airport Rd. | $25 | Dress up for your home team and run to win at this Tigers vs. Gamecocks rivalry fan race.
First Fridays Yoga | Friday, December 1 | 12-1 p.m. | Good Art Co., 10 Central Ave. | Spark creativity + find community at this free mindful vinyasa yoga class held among the galleries at Good Art Co.
Salsa Dance Class | Wednesdays | 7:30-9 p.m. | Dance United, 580 Woodruff Rd. | $15+ | Come solo or bring a partner for beginner + intermediate salsa lessons with certified dance instructors every Wednesday in November.
Wellness
Full Moon Circle Sound Bath Meditation | Tuesday, November 28 | 6-7 p.m. | Raven & Moon, 413 SE Main St. | Free | Set an intention + calm your mind as you welcome the energy of the full moon with a guided meditation.
Sports
Greenville Swamp Rabbits Hockey vs. South Carolina Stingrays | Saturday, December 2 | 7:05 p.m. | Bon Secours Wellness Arena | $22+ | Bring out the whole family to cheer on the Swamp Rabbits as they celebrate 25 years as Greenville’s local hockey team.
Health
The Blood Connection Blood Drive | Thursday, December 7 | 8 a.m.-1 p.m. | Greer Commission of Public Works, 301 McCall St. | Free | The Blood Connection is in dire need of donations; multiple time slots are available for blood donors.
Bundle up and try an outdoor workout this winter (like ice skating or mountain biking). | Photo by @cityofgreenvillesc
Sweater weather is here, Greenville. (And winter is on its way.) Here are a few tips to help keep your activity levels high as the temperatures drop lower:
Find movement opportunities in your everyday life (think: taking the stairs vs. the elevator).
Thanksgiving is right around the corner.. Looking to celebrate Turkey Day the healthier way? Try this twist on the classic Southern side, sweet potato casserole. This recipe has all of the flavor of the traditional dish, but with a lower sugar and fat content.
Health
Did you know November is National Diabetes Month? Ahead of the holiday feasts this season, educate yourself on what people with diabetes can eat to stay healthy + manage their blood sugar. Learn more about the popular “plate method” and other healthy eating tips for diabetics.
‘Tis the season for giving. Mark your calendars for Giving Tuesday, coming up on November 28. This global event is your chance to give back through local volunteer opportunities, tokens of appreciation, and donations. Learn more about how you can support the GVL community.
Coming Soon
In case you missed it, a new natural, organic grocery store is coming to the North Hills Shopping Center in 2024. The 25,000-sqft Sprouts Farmers Market will carry fresh seasonal produce, custom-cut meats, vitamins + supplements, and more.
