The holiday season brings joy and celebration, but it can also test our commitment to staying healthy. Between family gatherings, sweet treats, and busy schedules, it’s easy to let wellness slide. For residents of Grosse Pointes, this winter offers plenty of opportunities to stay active, eat well, and manage stress while enjoying everything the season has to offer.
Keep Moving Through the Cold
Winter doesn’t mean your fitness routine has to hibernate. The Grosse Pointe Community Center offers yoga, chair yoga, and other fitness classes that keep you moving indoors when temperatures drop. These classes provide a warm, welcoming environment to maintain your strength and flexibility throughout the season.
For those who prefer outdoor activities, Lake Front Park features a 1.4-mile paved path that stays plowed and salted all winter long. Whether you’re jogging, walking, or cross-country skiing, this path offers a safe way to enjoy fresh air and exercise. The park also includes a leisure ice skating rink and a small sledding hill, perfect for mixing cardio with fun.
Smart Eating Without Missing Out
Holiday treats are everywhere, but enjoying them doesn’t require overindulging. Portion control is your best friend during party season. Fill half your plate with vegetables before adding richer dishes, and share desserts with family members to enjoy the flavor without excess calories.
Winter vegetables like sweet potatoes, Brussels sprouts, and leafy greens are packed with vitamins that support your immune system. Make hearty soups and roasted veggie dishes that warm you up while providing essential nutrients. Balance doesn’t mean restriction. It means including a variety of foods that both nourish and satisfy you.
Managing Holiday Stress
The pressure to create perfect celebrations can add layers of stress to an already busy season. Setting realistic expectations helps you focus on what matters most. Learn to say no to commitments that drain your energy, and permit yourself to simplify your plans.
Deep breathing exercises and mindfulness practices can activate your body’s natural relaxation response. Set aside quiet time for activities that restore you, whether that’s reading a book, taking a walk, or enjoying a warm cup of tea. Your mental health deserves the same attention as your physical health, especially during this demanding time of year.
Family Time That Moves You
Winter activities bring families together while keeping everyone active. Patterson Park maintains the Hutton Ice Rink with a Zamboni, providing well-groomed ice for skating from around Thanksgiving through winter. The park also offers sledding and cross-country skiing, getting the whole family outside.
These activities burn calories while creating memories. Ice skating works your leg muscles and core, while sledding adds excitement, making exercise feel like play. Walking through snow-covered parks together provides both physical activity and quality conversation time away from screens.
Your Healthiest Holiday Season
This winter, the Grosse Pointes communities offer everything you need to stay healthy and happy. From fitness classes at the Community Center to outdoor adventures at local parks, you have options that fit your schedule and preferences. The key is choosing activities you enjoy and foods that make you feel good, not forcing yourself into rigid routines that add more stress.
Take advantage of what’s available right here in your community. Bundle up for a family skate at Patterson Park, join a yoga class to stretch away tension, or simply walk the maintained paths at Lake Front Park while enjoying the winter scenery. Your wellness matters year-round, and this season is no exception. Make time for movement, nourish your body with balanced meals, and remember that taking care of yourself helps you show up better for the people you love.
Sources: gpwmi.us, adelantehealthcare.com, northwestfamilyclinics.com, khironclinics.com, northoaks.org
Header Image Source: Thirdman
