Self-care during holidays can be tricky when it seems that celebrations and obligations are everywhere all the time, but that just reinforces how important it is to take time for yourself.
What is Self-care?
Self-care is exactly what it sounds like–making sure to care for yourself. Many of us, especially during busy times like the holiday season, tend to prioritize the needs and wishes of others over ourselves. While it is important to help and care for others, it is just as important to take care of yourself! The International Self-Care Foundation describes self-care as anything people do for themselves to establish and maintain health. While self-care may seem like a luxury, it is actually a necessity. You have to put your own life jacket on before you can put on someone else’s!
Here are a few holiday self-care tips to make this holiday season the best one yet.
Take Time for Yourself
The holiday season can get very busy, very quickly! As your social calendar fills with parties, gatherings, and celebrations, make sure to take some time for yourself. Even just taking a few moments to breathe can be a great way to recenter yourself and recharge for the next round of festivities.
Focus on Fun
The holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration! In overwhelming moments, find ways to connect back to the spirit of the season and find the fun. Can you set aside an afternoon to do a DIY craft, go for a long walk, or watch your favorite holiday movie?
Take Care of Your Needs
Make sure your basic needs are met! This time of year can be a whirlwind, but it’s important to drink water, eat nourishing foods, and get enough sleep. These daily tasks are an incredibly important part of self-care, no matter how simple they may seem. If you’re feeling grumpy or out of sorts but can’t pinpoint why, odds are you need to hydrate, eat, or sleep! If you find yourself neglecting these areas of self-care, try making them more exciting by drinking from a fun, reusable water bottle, eating your favorite seasonal foods, or spritzing Lavender Chamomile Revitalizing Mist on your sheets before bed.
Keep a Calming Space
A busy schedule and to-do list can quickly result in a messy home. Try to stay on top of household tasks by cleaning as you go, rather than adopting a more time-consuming reset routine. Wipe down counters with a Swedish Dish Cloth, do your dishes either by hand or in the dishwasher when you’re done using them, and refill bathroom products like foaming hand soap and toilet paper as they run low. A clean and peaceful environment leads to a peaceful mind!
Practice Gratitude
The end of the year is a great time for reflection, and a great time to start a gratitude process! Spend some time thinking about the past year, and all that there is to celebrate, acknowledge, and be grateful for. Practicing gratitude has been shown to improve both physical and mental health. It’s the season for celebration–and what better to celebrate than the great things in your life?