Have a Holly Jolly Holiday (With Holiday Self Care)
The holiday season is filled to the brim with activities and time together. There’s lots of excitement, not to mention lots of organizing and things to do. Your planning often is about taking care of others and insuring everyone’s happiness. This year we need to practice packing some extra self care with our holiday bags. Check out these ideas to add self care to your holiday planning.
Schedule time for self care
It is easy to think, with so much extra to do, when do I have time for self care? Self care is more important during busy times because it is the fuel that keeps you going. Create self care routines at the same time daily. These priorities can be at the beginning of the day to give you a strong start to each day or at the end of the day to ensure your rest.
Keep your gratitude practice going strong
Appreciating the blessings in your life remind us of all that is good and positive. Whether it is writing a text to a friend, writing in your journal or a note to yourself, keep your practice intact during the holiday season.
Acknowledge emotions
During the holidays we experience a range of emotions. Whether happy, sad, overwhelmed or frenzied, it is good to name emotions. We can acknowledge what we are experiencing and process this. Give yourself time to pause. Check in with your feelings, acknowledge and sort through the reasons behind these. Manage your expectations and keep these in line with what you can physically and emotionally manage.
Keep a list of self care options
When we start down a negative path, we want to have options to make a change. Make your own list of relaxation activities. This can include taking a walk to see holiday lights, sitting down with a hot cup of cocoa, putting on fuzzy slippers for the rest of the day, or any number of soothing activities.
Well being first
We all know that our physical wellbeing is critical. Be sure you keep your health routines like sleep and diet as much as you can. While there are times for a late night and special treats, keeping to your regular bedtime and meals with protein give you the energy and emotional stability you need.
It will be a holly jolly holiday in all ways when you take time for your self care.
It’s interesting how the holidays can upend our great habits and healthy routines. Knowing in advance how you’re going to handle the holiday patterns, parties, gatherings, comings, goings, and extra stress is critical. I love how you emphasized the self-care piece as being essential. It’s really the key to enjoying the holidays while doing things that keep you grounded. One other thing is knowing when to say “no” to invitations or activities. While we might feel that we HAVE TO say “yes” to everything, we actually don’t. Choosing more carefully will minimize the stress and increase enjoyment.
Yay, I think I did almost all of these. And since I was visiting my daughter in Tucson, I added a bit of “hot tub” self care, which was totally fun!
Way to go! I love this!
@Linda – especially since the start of covid, we should give ourselves permission to say no as much as needed.