Simple
Ways to Take Care of YourSELF During the Holidays.
Most
of us are in the throes of the season. With that unfortunately is us getting
sick and feeling rundown due to the expectations and pressures that we put on
ourselves to create the “best holiday ever”.
Unfortunately, the stress that comes with this magical time of year
seems to be accepted by many and par for the course.
Tis
the season to socialize more, spend more, do more, eat more, and sleep LESS. If
taking care of yourself doesn’t come naturally, and you still insist on putting
everything else before your own needs, you probably go into over-serving mode
during the holidays. You go out of your way to make sure everything is ready, and
neglect taking time out to care for yourself. Does this sound like you?
If
you fall into this mode, or if you are just in need of some extra good TLC
during this time, try one of these simple
ways to take care of you during the holidays...and into 2018.
1. morning routine
If every day, you make a little time for yourself first thing, you can move
through your day with more grace and intention. Your morning routine might only
be 5 minutes long to start, but even that will help. Use the time to sit
quietly with a cup of tea, meditate, journal, walk, or include other activities
that feed your body, mind, heart, and soul.
2. candlelight
I love listening to music with candles burning or just sitting quietly in
candlelight. As the days get darker, add light to your day.
3. take a walk
Go outside and take a walk. Bundle up if it’s cold and head out with the
intention of noticing the magic of the season. Don’t worry about burning
calories or tracking your activity, just enjoy yourself and the moment.
4. respect your budget
Once you figure out what you can spend on extras like holiday gifts, events,
and other holiday things, honor that. If you splurge now, you pay even more
later. And later comes sooner than you think. Why not invite those you usually
exchange with to spend quality time versus gift giving. It eliminates the
stress of what to buy and provides memories that will be priceless.
5. indulge and eat well
Indulge in your favorite holiday treats, but keep a balance by eating well
during 85-90% of the time. Don’t eat the treats you don’t really care about
just because it’s there, and savor the first few bites of your indulgences. It’s
ok to give it all a try in smaller portion sizes and enjoy without the guilt.
6. live without a schedule
Make room for holiday magic to unfold and cancel some of your planned
activities.
7. nap
Give your body and brain a chance to recharge on those go-go-go holiday
marathon days. Even 15 minutes can make a big difference.
8. get lost in a book
Unplug. Close your computer and other digital devices and curl up with a good
book. Instead of reading something for self-improvement or work, read something
for your heart and escape into a good read.
9. laugh
Call or spend time with those that make you laugh harder than anyone else. Then
laugh until you cry.
10. find the blessings in your messes
For some reason we really like to beat ourselves up at the end of the year for
all that we’ve done and left undone. Sometimes it takes a big, heart
wrenching mess to wake us up, to inspire change, and to finally release us
from the guilt of getting there in the first place. Understand the lessons and
the blessings and move forward.
11. forgive
It’s not too late. Your forgiveness will not only heal their hearts, it will
heal yours. P.S. You don’t need an apology to forgive someone.
12. be grateful
Directing more of our attention towards gratitude for the things that make our
lives wonderful are scientifically proven to make us healthier,
more energetic, less stressed and anxious, and help us get better sleep.
13. say goodbye to guilt
Usually guilt is not guilt at all, but instead it’s sadness that you couldn’t
do more to help, disappointment that you didn’t achieve something you set out
to do, or anger because you said “yes” to something that deserved a “no”. Let
that go.
14. give
There are so many opportunities to give, so many people and organizations in need.
Pick something close to heart and give the way you want to give instead of how
you think you are supposed to give.
15. make something
Be creative. Write a poem, start a book, draw or paint, and express yourself. Make.
Create. Enjoy the process with no expectations.
16. breathe
Frustrated? Breathe in. Breathe out. Worried? Breathe in. Breathe
out. Overwhelmed? Breathe in. Breathe out. Confused? Breathe in. Breathe
out. Exhausted? Breathe in. Breathe out. Start there and you can often
avoid over-thinking and over-reacting.
17. let go
There are benefits to moving through life, work, and relationships with a
lighter step, a lighter look, and a lighter heart. If we want to be light,
we have to let go of what is weighing us down.
18. stop and drop
If you’ve already overdone it, consider a full stop. Sometimes backing off
isn’t enough. Take a whole day to yourself and vow to do nothing more than take
care of yourself all day long.
I
hope that you will take care of yourself over the holidays. It’s the best gift
you can give yourself and everyone you love.
Happy
Holidays to You and Yours!
Xo
Gina
