A Day in the Life: Finding Warmth and Wellness in the Busy Month
By Melissa Smith
There’s a quiet buzz of energy to December on the South Shore— the kind that feels full of possibility. Before the rest of the world wakes, I’m already in the kitchen, pot simmering, steam curling like a gentle invitation. My day begins here, with bone broth.
At Hale Bone Broth, our winter mornings are sacred. The rich aroma of simmered marrow and herbs isn’t just comforting; it centers me. I take the first ladleful into my favorite mug, add a sprinkle of sea salt and a crack of black pepper, and sit by the window to watch the sun rise over frost-kissed lawns. This broth is more than food; it's a ritual.
December demands a lot from all of us. Between holiday planning, family schedules, work deadlines, and colder temperatures, our to-do lists lengthen and our sleep often shortens. For many, the stress of the season can feel like a second layer of winter’s chill.
I’ve learned that staying sane and healthy during December isn’t about perfection. It’s about intention.
Morning: Slow and Steady
After breakfast and a quick check-in with my team, I step outside. Even ten minutes of fresh air sets the tone for the day. On busy mornings it might be a brisk walk around the yard; on calmer ones, I linger longer, breath visible, thoughts settling like snowflakes on still ground.
Mid-morning is when I schedule meetings, ideally clustered, so I can preserve long stretches of uninterrupted time. Whether I’m working with suppliers, answering emails, or planning community events, I aim to move steadily rather than reactively.
Bone broth fuels this rhythm. Its protein and minerals help support low-grade inflammation and immunity, essential as cold and flu season peaks. Many customers tell me it’s their go-to when they crave nourishment without heaviness. For me, it’s a daily anchor.
Afternoon: Nourishment and Presence
Afternoons are for doing. I switch gears: orders, packaging notes, quality checks. I’ve learned that the busiest moments are opportunities to practice presence. Even when the pace quickens, pausing for a few mindful breaths, or a sip of warm broth, brings me back to balance.
I also build in intentional breaks. A 10-minute stretch, a walk down the driveway to greet the mail carrier, or a quick phone call with a loved one does more for my well-being than ticking off another item on the checklist.
Meals matter. A bowl of greens and roasted squash with a side of bone broth turns lunch into a restorative moment rather than a grab-and-go task. Eating mindfully nourishes body and spirit, especially in a month when sugary treats abound.
Evening: Unwind and Reset
Once the sun dips behind the pines, my pace softens. Dinners are simple and warm. Often a splash of broth in roasted vegetables or grains elevates both flavor and comfort. After tidying the day’s work, I slip into a quiet evening routine: dim lights, light a candle, read.
Before bed, I pour a final mug of broth, a conscious act of gratitude for the day’s gifts and lessons. In December, when days are short and hearts have room to expand, I find that slowing down into nourishment becomes a profound act of self-care.
Staying healthy and sane isn’t about adding more; it’s about making space for what truly sustains us. And for me, that starts with broth, intention, and presence.
HALE BONE BROTH is crafted with pasture-raised, 100% grass-fed and grass-finished beef. Our small-batch broth is 100% grain-free and made with organic vegetables and spices. You can learn more and purchase here.