Another holiday season is upon us. The holidays are intended for families and special friends to come together and celebrate. However, due to the pandemic we’re all living through, this holiday season may look a bit different, and limit the amount of interactions we’ll be able to have. The holiday season will not however limit the amount of stress some people may feel. What’s been coined the most wonderful time of year, can actually be one of the most stressful times.
In November and December, along with gift buying and listening to nonstop seasonal soundtracks, you are more likely to spend more, do more, eat more, and sleep less. Your healthy diets are tossed aside, the motivation to workout fades to black, and your sleep patterns are often overlooked. This time of year is notorious for bringing stress, emotional eating, and overindulgence. Between juggling planning, shopping, cooking, and relatives, it’s no wonder you lose sight of your own self-care. With this annual holiday hamster wheel you put yourself on, it should come as no surprise that you are burned-out this time of year.
You know it doesn’t have to be this way. With just a little thought and planning, you can survive, and even thrive this holiday season. You can change the way you approach the celebrations, and make sure that you are taking care of your needs during this hectic time. Holidays are a time of giving. This year give to yourself first in order to be emotionally and physically satisfied to give to others.
Self-care may not come naturally to you, and because of this you’ll still insist on putting everyone and everything else before your own needs. This is a recipe for disaster. Stop doing this. Remember you deserve to enjoy the holidays too. If you fall into this camp, or if you’re just interested in taking care of yourself over the holiday season, try one or ALL of these 5 simple ways to take care of yourself during the holidays.
Here are 5 self-care tips to help you take care of yourself during this most wonderful time of year:
1. Lean into Gratitude
With all of the hustle and bustle happening this time of year, you may get so caught up in getting and giving, that you forget to take notice of what you’re thankful for. Simply asking yourself the question, “What am I grateful for?” can do wonders for your mind and body. Gratitude protects your brain from stress and depression, and builds stronger positive emotional pathways in your brain. Direct more of your attention towards all the things you are grateful for, and see how much happier and less anxious you’ll feel.
2. Give Yourself Permission
It is natural when you begin to switch your thoughts to self-care, you begin to feel guilty, irresponsible, or even selfish. You NEED to give yourself permission. During this time of year, allow yourself to do whatever it is that YOU want. If you want to say “no” to a certain event, or “no” to overspending on gifts, or “no” to hosting an event, give yourself the right to do what is best for you. Give yourself permission to say no without guilt. This is the beginning of self-care. When you say “no” you give yourself permission to focus on some “me time” or other activities, and this can improve and do wonders for your mental health.
3. Eat Well – Indulge a Little
Food, the main attraction of the holidays. With copious amounts of food everywhere it’s not hard to see why you can easily overindulge. No one expects you not to have some of that mac & cheese, or a piece of pie. Indulge in your favorite holiday treats, but eat really well 80% of the time. Try and eat greens at every meal, even breakfast. Avoid eating just for the sake of eating, and definitely save your appetite for your holiday favorites. You’re an adult, so you don’t have to clear your plate, try everything, or eat as if you’ll never have this again. Remember, this isn’t the only time of year to eat cake and cookies.
4. Keep Moving
What’s a mood regulator and a buffer for stress, anxiety, and depression? EXERCISE! Physical activity is the number one thing you should try and do during the holidays, because it reduces stress, improves mood and concentration, and combats depression. During the holidays, most people skip their workout to make room for more seasonal activities. This is a bad idea. You take away your ability to handle potentially stressful situations better, and you lose your stress reliever. If you don't have time or feel comfortable going to the gym, simply scale back. Go for a walk or do some light stretching, rather than skipping your workout entirely.
5. Breathe & Stay Present
Tired and frustrated? Breathe in. Breathe out. Anxious & worried? Breathe in. Breathe out. Overwhelmed and under-appreciated? Breathe in. Breathe out. Feeling alone and isolated? Breathe in. Breathe out. Our breath is a powerful tool that we have at our disposal, but often forget to use. Emotions and feelings are all natural to have, and are a part of the human experience. Don’t deny or suppress them, just simply breathe. Remember everything is temporary. Take a pause whenever you need this holiday season to breathe and reset. Bask in the present moment. The past is gone, the future is unknown, and all you have is the present moment. Find peace in the present. This will help you find your bliss during the most wonderful time of year.