When you think about the holidays, do you feel excited—or a little dread? In this episode, I walk you through three practical boundaries that will help you feel nourished, calm, and in control this season. We’ll talk food without restriction, personal time that actually restores you, and how to choose events with intention instead of obligation. If you want support implementing this, join the 4-week Nourished Holiday Challenge starting November 24. 

Click here to join: www.mindfullywell.com/holiday

IN THIS EPISODE, YOU’LL LEARN

• A simple reframing of “food boundaries” that stabilizes blood sugar and energy without cutting out your favorite treats
• How to pick 2–3 non-negotiables for daily personal time and rest so you stop running on fumes
• The structure of the Nourished Holiday Challenge (weeks 1–4) and how it supports you through Thanksgiving into December
  
  
  

TIMESTAMPS

• 00:01 Holiday feelings: excitement vs. low-grade dread
• 03:45 Boundary #1: Nourishment (more of the good food = steadier energy)
• 05:58 Thanksgiving week strategy: steady anchors after the big meal
• 06:34 Navigating sugar without all-or-nothing thinking
• 09:00 Boundary #2: Personal time and rest (your daily non-negotiables)
• 11:20 A realistic morning routine during busy season
• 16:28 Obligation creates resentment—why intention changes everything
• 18:55 Boundary #3: Choosing events that align with your values (and graceful “no’s”)
• 21:07 Communicating boundaries and handling guilt
• 25:41 The 4-week Nourished Holiday Challenge: weeks 1–4 overview
• 27:53 Final encouragement for this season

RESOURCES

• 🎄 Join the Nourished Holiday Challenge (starts Nov 24, $29)
   https://mindfullywell.com/holiday
   Four weeks of support with weekly videos, PDFs, menus, and community. Bonus: Personalized Energy Audit for all participants, plus 15-minute private mapping sessions for the first 10 who enroll.
  
  
  
• 📥 Download The Resourced Morning Routine (FREE)
   https://mindfullywell.com/morning
  A 10-minute guide to help you shift out of chaos or freeze and start the day grounded.
  
  
  
• 📖 Related Episodes
   Episode #139: Is it Cortisol or Is it You?
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-139-is-it-cortisol-or-is-it-you/id1650475536?i=1000718447239
  Episode #151: Capacity vs Capability
   https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/episode-150-capacity-vs-capability/id1650475536?i=1000731781760
  
  
  

CONNECT WITH ME

• Instagram: @melissa_eich — DM me your 2–3 holiday non-negotiables
  
  
  
• Website: https://www.mindfullywell.com
  
  
  
• Email List (free guide included): https://mindfullywell.com/morning

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Keywords: holiday boundaries, nervous system regulation, female founder, sustainable energy, blood sugar balance, all-or-nothing thinking, burnout prevention, body-led business