Posted by Dr Michelle Wright
Welcome to Health Matters and the last episode for 2025!
Dr Michelle Wright with you as usual. British-trained doctor and director of health education company, HealthFirst.
As we edge deeper into December, I don’t know about you but I’m feeling the month gathering speed before I’ve even found my footing.
So today, I want to offer you the opportunity for a small, pre-Christmas check-in. Five questions for you to ask yourself.
Nothing intense, no pressure – simply a moment of reflection before the festive chaos really begins.
1. Energy
The first question is about energy: How tired am I, honestly, and what’s draining me more than usual?
December carries its own kind of tiredness: later nights, extra errands, more noise, more social demands.
Give yourself a moment to notice which sort of tired you’re dealing with. Is it physical? Emotional? Social?
Once you recognise the source, you can make one small adjustment: an early night, a quieter evening, a brief break from the constant buzz of messages. Small tweaks can make a real difference.
2. Boundaries
The second question is about boundaries: Where am I saying “yes” because I feel I ought to, rather than because I want to?
This is the season when diaries fill themselves, and it’s very easy to say yes on autopilot. I’m not suggesting you turn into the office Scrooge – just that you check in with yourself before agreeing to things that leave you feeling stretched.
A gentle, “I can’t manage that this time” can free up far more energy than you’d expect.
3. Nourishment
The third question centres on nourishment: What’s one thing that reliably helps my body feel well – and have I done it recently?
It might be eating a proper breakfast, drinking a bit more water, getting ten minutes of fresh air, or taking a short walk to clear your head.
I’m not suggesting you overhaul your habits completely, just bring back one steadying thing that supports you. In December, consistency beats ambition every time.
4. Connections
The fourth question is about connection: Who actually lifts my spirits, and when did I last connect with them?
December can be full of socialising without much genuine connection. Think of one person who calms you or makes you laugh in that uncomplicated, grounding way. A quick message, a short call, or a walk-and-chat can refill your cup more than attending three obligatory gatherings.
5. Expectations
And the fifth question looks at expectations: What am I quietly trying to “get right” this month?
Maybe it’s the perfect gift, the perfect meal, or the perfect family moment. Expectations creep in without us noticing, and suddenly the whole month feels like a test.
See if you can let one thing be simpler. Not cutting corners, just giving yourself room. A small release often brings a surprising amount of calm.
Those are your five pre-Christmas questions. You don’t need to act on all of them – simply notice which one resonates most today and let it shape one small choice this week.
December doesn’t need to be serene to be manageable; it just needs a bit of awareness, and you’ve already created that for yourself.
Here’s to a steadier, kinder lead-up to the holiday season and all my best wishes for a healthy and happy 2026.
