7 Self-Care Ideas for the Holidays
The holidays are finally upon us! It’s time for Christmas shopping, decorating, holiday parties, family gatherings and you may even use this time to give back to those in your community. Incorporating the daily hustle and bustle of life and busyness of the holiday season can be absolutely exhausting. If you are anything like me, you probably have waited until the last two weeks to begin your holiday shopping, which adds a whole new dynamic of stress to this season. Sometimes you need a little TLC.
Here are some simple ways to take care of YOU during this busy season.
1 - Unplug
Take a day during the week to unplug from the world. No social media, no unnecessary phone calls, or emails—just simply take a carefree day. For some of us it may be impossible to have to dedicate an entire day to unplugging from the world, in that case take half of the day. It becomes hard to focus when you are constantly bombarded with the world and its issues. Unplugging helps clear your mind, which inevitably helps improve your mood. I promise you the world and its issues will be there when you get back.
2 - Take a Couple of Mental Health Days
Take off a couple of days from work, if you have time. Or, take a weekend to focus on you. Do some of the things that you enjoy doing. Whether it’s getting pampered, spending time catching up on some of your favorite shows, catching a movie, visiting one of the local spots or reading one of your favorite books. It’s such a refreshing feeling to take time to focus on you and relax for a change.
3 - Buy yourself something new
Budget yourself into your holiday shopping. You work hard, you’ve made sure that everyone else has had an enjoyable holiday—Reward yourself. I learned to accept the fact that I am deserving of something new every now and then. And don’t feel guilty about it. You deserve it! And if you have children, adding yourself to your Christmas list is an absolute must.
4 - It’s OKAY to Say NO
Don’t feel obligated to attend every event, gathering, or participate in every activity. The holiday season is about giving back but don’t overextend yourself in your giving. It’s okay to decline an invitation when you know that you won’t be able to honor the commitment. Don’t spread yourself thin trying to make others happy.
5 - Get Some Sleep
With all the running around that we do during the holidays, it is vital you get your rest. When you get your rest, your body has the ability to replenish and heal itself. The lack of sleep will cause you to become forgetful, emotionally unstable, pack on pounds, it will lead to health issues, and a plethora of other issues. According to the National Sleep Foundation, it is recommended that adults between the ages of 26 to 64 get 7 to 9 hours of sleep daily. So get some rest! The world needs you at your best festive self.
6 - Get Moving
Take a walk, dance, and get moving. Exercise is a natural de-stressor, especially for the holidays. With all the turkey, macaroni and cheese, and those delightful desserts, a little extra movement would do you some good. Exercise improves your mood and refreshes you. Take an extra walk around the mall, use the stairs instead of the elevator. Do what you need to do to get moving.
7 - Stay Positive
For some, I know it is hard, especially during the holidays to keep a positive spirit. Some of your loved ones may not be here with you and it may be taking a toll on you. Get yourself a joy jar. Write down all of the things that make you happy on strips of paper and place into a jar. When you are feeling down, grab a strip from the jar to help lift your spirits. Your positive spirit doesn’t just affect you, it also affects those around you—it’s contagious.
Make sure you take time this holiday to invest into yourself. Don’t burn yourself out trying to do it all. Get some rest and make the best out of this holiday season.
Meet the Guest Blogger
Stephanie Parran is an inspirational blogger and provides a bi-weekly blog entitled Steph Writes and Inspires. She works in the financial industry as a Loan and Asset Administrator. Stephanie is currently writing a devotional, to be released in late 2020.