NOVEMBER'S WEBINAR RECORDING:
Gratitude as a Superpower: Cultivating Peace, Abundance, and Connection
Celebrate the Holidays: the Ease of Belonging
For many of us, December is a chance to finally step away from the fast pace of deadlines and meetings and reconnect with the people and traditions that give our lives rich meaning. It’s the time of year when lights twinkle in windows, laughter fills kitchens and dining rooms and festive, familiar songs stretch softly across the twilight.
Among cultures and faiths, there are countless versions of this, each unique in tradition yet sharing the same instinct to gather close, show kindness and mark the passage of time with love and generosity. Whether it’s lighting a candle, trimming a tree, exchanging gifts or simply sitting down for a shared meal, these moments remind us of something universal: human connection is at the heart of every celebration. And at the core of that connection is the sense of belonging, an ease that comes from being part of something bigger than ourselves.
Before we take a break from work, that’s a good reminder we all need to hear. That we’re not just marking the end of another calendar year, but setting aside at least a moment to pause and recognize the connections and experiences that
made it meaningful. Before we head home to our families and loved ones, it’s important to say thank you to coworkers who stepped up, to teams that collaborated through change and to leaders who helped everyone thrive. Simple gestures like a thoughtful note or a few kind words of appreciation, or yes, even lunch, can strengthen bonds and build trust that carries into the year ahead.
The Wise & Well team recommends that you carry some of that spirit home with you this holiday season. Whether your traditions involve faith, food, family, or a little bit of all three, remember to stay present and connected to what and who matters most to you and your loved ones. That’s belonging. And belonging doesn’t come from one event or initiative; it comes from consistency, empathy and recognizing the fact that we’re all just flawed humans doing our best. Our best at work, our best at home, our best to show up, to be cooperative, to enjoy one another, and, if we’re lucky, to carry that spirit of belonging into the year ahead.
So before you dive into the 2026 round of to-dos, take this as your official permission slip from the Wise & Well team: you’ve worked hard enough this year and you don’t need a long newsletter to state a simple thing: enjoy this opportunity for rest and reflection, and do your best to recharge as December (and 2025) fades into memory.
Here’s to quiet mornings, delicious food, good company and a new year filled with meaning. From all of us: We wish you the happiest of holiday seasons, and thank you for being part of this community.
source: pmc.gov
2026 WISE & WELL WEBINAR
From Goals to Growth: Habits that Stick
Tuesday, January 13 | Noon - 1:00 p.m. ET
Have you ever set a goal only to fall short within days or weeks? You’re not alone! Kick off 2026 with this interactive workshop that will help you turn good intentions into lasting habits. You’ll explore how habits form, identify patterns that help or hinder your progress and discover strategies to stay motivated. Walk away with a clear plan to build habits that support your personal and professional goals.
Monthly Moves
6 Strength Exercises that Fight Aging Better than Cardio
Once you hit a certain age, your body starts to naturally lose muscle mass and bone density. This process can significantly accelerate if you stay inactive
That’s why strength training becomes one of the best things you can do to stay strong, mobile and independent for the long term. Unlike traditional cardio, these six simple moves build the kind of functional strength that supports healthy joints, boosts metabolism and improves balance
Try them this week and feel the difference in your energy, posture and confidence.
To perform these exercises:
Bodyweight Squats
Stand tall with your feet shoulder-width apart. Extend your arms in front of you or place your hands on your hips. Bend at the knees and hips to lower into a squat, keeping your chest lifted. Press through your heels to return to standing.
The goal: 3 sets of 12-15
Pushups
Start in a high plank with your hands under your shoulders. Bend your elbows, lowering your chest toward the floor while keeping your body straight. Press back up to the high plank.
The goal: 3 sets of 10
Glute Bridges
Press through your heels to lift your hips, forming a straight line from shoulders to knees. Squeeze your glutes at the top, then lower slowly.
The goal: 3 sets of 15
Plank
Place your hands under your shoulders and step your feet back to hip-width. Engage your abs, squeeze your glutes and keep your body in one straight line from head to heels.
The goal: 3 sets of 20-45 second holds
Bent-Over Rows
Hold a dumbbell in each hand. Hinge at your hips until your torso is nearly parallel to the ground. With a flat back and soft knees, pull the weights toward your ribcage, squeeze your shoulder blades together and slowly lower.
The goal: 3 sets of 10-12
Step-Ups
Stand tall facing a sturdy step or low bench. Step up with your right foot, pressing through your heel as you bring your left foot to meet it. Step back down and repeat, alternating legs.
The goal: 3 sets of 10 reps per leg
Source: eatthis.com
Monthly Recipe
Holiday Breakfast Strata
If there’s ever a perfect time for a breakfast casserole, it’s the quiet morning after the holidays. The gifts are unwrapped, the coffee’s brewing and the pace has finally slowed. That’s where this cozy holiday breakfast strata comes in: a hearty, make-ahead dish that turns yesterday’s bread and a few simple ingredients into something special.
Loaded with Italian sausage, cheese and your favorite seasonal veggies, it’s the kind of breakfast that brings everyone back to the table, pajamas, stories and all. And like any great post-holiday tradition, it’s wonderfully flexible. Swap in mushrooms for spinach, sourdough for brioche or whatever’s left from your holiday spread. However you make it, it’s warm, comforting and perfect for sharing on those slower, cozier days of December.
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp. butter
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage
- 10 large eggs
- 2 cups whole milk
- Kosher Salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- 4 cups cubed bread
- 1 1/2 cups shredded Fontina, divided
- 1 cup spinach, chopped
- 1 cup sliced baby Bella mushrooms
- 1 cup halved grape tomatoes
- 1/4 cup torn basil, for garnish
Directions
1. Preheat oven to 350° and grease a 9”-x-13” baking dish with butter. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add sausage and cook, breaking up large pieces with a spoon, until golden, for about 7 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool.1.
2. In a large bowl, whisk together eggs and milk and season with salt and pepper. Gently fold in bread, 1 cup cheese, spinach, mushrooms, tomatoes and cooked sausage.
3. Pour mixture into prepared baking dish. Top with remaining 1/2 cup cheese and bake 50 to 55 minutes, until cheese is golden and no liquid remains. Garnish with basil before serving.
source: delish.com
Wise & Well Radio
Listen to Wendy Wise and Walter Well discuss all things wellness for October's edition of Wise & Well Radio!
