Tag Archive for: holiday self care

Add Yourself to Your Holiday List with the Gift of Self-Care

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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.

Have a Holly Jolly Holiday (With Holiday Self Care)

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have a holly jolly holiday with 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.