How is it that the most wonderful time of the year can also be the most stressful? We'd like to invite you to take a little time out for yourself this holiday season. Start by building a foundation in self care. Here are a few ideas to get you started.
Check In - With yourself, that is. It's so easy to get caught up in the holiday energy that you lose sight of how you're feeling. Are you stressed? Overwhelmed? Needing quiet? Perhaps you're actually needing higher quality connection than what you're getting. Take a little time each day to sit quietly with yourself. Stretch, meditate, journal… look inward to focus on where you're at and what it is you really need.
Move - But do it mindfully. For some of us the holidays squeeze out all of our time, including what we'd put towards exercising. For others, the thought of holiday treats push us to move harder, faster, and with less compassion for where our bodies are at. No matter where you are, take time to move in a way that feels good. Maybe that means an intense workout followed by a nourishing snack. Maybe that means a cozy walk down a street filled with lights. Take time to move, but don't push yourself harder than you need.
Eat - But keep it balanced. Good nutrition is often the first thing to go when we're stressed. Easy access to rich food during the holidays makes balanced eating even harder. Try incorporating a greens powder into your day to make sure you're getting the nutrition you need. Support your body with a base of healthy foods, and then enjoy a few treats without guilt.
Sleep - And make it good sleep. You'd think the darkest days of the year would be the days we get the most sleep, but often the opposite is true. Pare back your commitments if they're keeping you too busy to get a solid eight hours of rest. Put the phone away before bedtime, make sure your bedroom is nice and dark, and get to bed a little earlier than usual. Good health depends on good sleep, and the holidays are no exception.
Dream - Tap into your inner child. The holidays used to be magical. Beautiful lights, special people, delicious food, and a spirit of giving. Adult life often seems intent on wrecking the magic of the holidays. Fight back! Ask yourself what makes the holidays special to you, and pursue what you feel is most important.
Say no - Unless it makes you happy. Holiday expectations have a way of mounting… and mounting… and mounting. Before long we're overwhelmed, overstressed, and miserable. Make this year the year you say no. Cut back on the gifts and the Zoom parties and the decorating if it makes you unhappy. Focus on taking care of yourself, and being there for and with the people you love the most.
Strip away the noise and the excess and you're left with a time of year that's about connection. This year, make the choice to connect with and care for yourself. Stay well, and have the happiest of holidays.
