Add Yourself to Your Holiday List with the Gift of Self-Care
The holiday season is filled with family and friends. Would it be possible for you give yourself a gift this season by putting yourself on your holiday list with self-care? It might be difficult to think about putting yourself first, but here are a few strategies that can make your holiday season easier and more joyful.
Set healthy boundaries first
The holiday season is a season of “yes” with holiday parties, gift giving, and family activities. Knowing when to say “enough” is your first step toward setting healthy boundaries. Make a list of all that is included in the holiday season and plan ahead on what will be most important to attend. By pre-planning your boundary, it is easier to say no when needed. Happy boundaries are what empower us to do our best.
Abide by your foundations of self-care
Heathy habits are important to maintain during the holidays. Always prioritize a good night’s sleep so that you are ready to wrangle what’s coming at you. Grocery shop to keep healthy nutritious options ready to go. Add in a few extra steps to keep your mood jolly and your waistline trim
Routines rock
Maintain your and your kiddos’ schedules for everyone’s benefit. Routines help everyone feel in control and less anxious. Prepare for travel and company with a family meeting focusing on expectations. Reset routines as the holiday progresses to include extra rest and time to recuperate.
Self-care includes self-focus
Take time for the things that bring you joy. Have one joyful activity just for you once a day. That could be a hot bath, a cup of hot cocoa, a brisk walk, or downtime to read. Alone time provides you time to regroup and re-energize.
Another aspect of self-focus is to concentrate on what makes YOU happy. How many times do you put others first? How important is it to make other’s happy? Asking yourself how to put yourself first is a work in progress and worthy of thought at this time of year.
Find joy in supporting others
So many around us are experiencing so much. Recently, Adam Grant wrote about “sonder,” the realization that everyone has a life as full and complex as your own. In realizing how much is going on around us, we can support others in many ways. Support of others brings joy to our souls in knowing that are helping and making a difference.
Embrace the season through your own self-care this holiday.
