Movement, Mindset, & Magic: What the Holidays Can Teach Us

The holiday season is often described as magical—but for many girls and families, it can also feel busy, emotional, and overwhelming. Schedules change, routines disappear, and expectations run high. At Strong Girls United, we see this season as an opportunity to return to what truly grounds us: movement, mindset, and connection.

These three pillars aren’t just part of our programs—they’re tools girls can use anywhere, especially during times of change!

• Movement: The Body’s Built-In Reset

Movement isn’t about burning energy—it’s about regulating emotions. When girls move their bodies, they release stress, improve focus, improve the quality of sleep, and have an opportunity to reconnect with themselves.

During the holidays, movement can:

• Reduce anxiety and restlessness
• Improve mood and confidence
• Help girls feel calm and capable in changing new environments and agendas

Within our curriculum here at Strong Girls United, we educate girls that movement is something they get to do—not something they’re judged on; it is a gift to be able to move our bodies. That lesson matters even more during a season full of comparison and pressure.

• Mindset: Noticing What We Need

The holidays evoke a range of emotions—excitement, gratitude, sadness, joy, and everything in between. Mindset skills help girls recognize those feelings without being overwhelmed by them.

At the SGU Hub, we practice:

• Naming emotions
• Mindfulness breathing techniques through moments of stress
• Reflecting instead of reacting

When girls learn that feelings are information—not something to push away—they build a foundation of confidence and emotional strength that lasts far beyond the holiday seasons!

• The Magic Is in the Combination

When movement and mindset work unitedly, something powerful happens. Girls feel more:

• Confident in their bodies
• Competent in using  their voices
• Connected to themselves and others

That’s the magic we see every day—and it’s available at home, too!! 

Take Away Challenges of Simple Holiday Movement + Mindset Tips to Try at Home

✨Movement Breaks
Take a 5–10 minute family walk, stretch together, or turn on music and dance—no rules, just joy!

✨Breathing Reset
Practice “snow globe breathing”: inhale for 4, exhale for 6, imagining the snow settling.

✨ Gratitude in Motion
During a walk, stretch, or before a meal, each individual shares one thing they’re grateful for.

✨Body Check-In
Ask: What does my body need right now—movement, rest, or quiet?

These small moments build big skills.

Strong Today. Strong Tomorrow. Strong Together.

At Strong Girls United, we believe strength isn’t just built in the gym—it’s built in everyday moments. The holidays remind us that movement and mindset are gifts girls can carry with them wherever they go.

From our SGU family to yours, we wish you a season filled with movement, reflection, and a little extra magic. Happy Holidays! 
- Lilly Sadoff