The holiday season can be bustling and stressful for many. I’ve heard some people say that they dread the holidays because of feeling over-committed and overwhelmed with things to do.
Prioritizing self-care can help you feel more balanced, focused and joyful.
The first step is to plan ahead. Schedule self-care activities just as you would any other commitment. This could be a 10-minute daily meditation, a weekly yoga class or a monthly spa day.
Recognize that self-care isn't a luxury, but a necessity. Just as a car needs fuel to run, we need self-care to function at our best. It's not about indulgence but about sustainability. Treat these planned activities as you would any other important appointment. Skipped your yoga class? Pay a “no-show” fee of a pre-determined amount to your friend who is willing to hold you accountable. Donate those fees to your favorite charity or food pantry on a designated date.
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Physical activity can help reduce stress and boost mood. Consider taking brisk walks, attending fitness classes or even dancing to festive music at home while decorating.
Spend time outdoors. Connecting with nature can be grounding.
Engage in creative activities such as writing, crafting, baking or decorating, as these can serve as excellent outlets for stress.
Though it’s the season of giving, consider limiting certain things including commitments. It's OK to say no. If your schedule is overflowing, prioritize your commitments and attend only those that are most important to you.
Screen time is another. Limit it, especially before bed.
Practice setting boundaries and take breaks from family or friends if you need some space.
You can also set holiday gathering guidelines with topics to avoid, such as politics, if they tend to be contentious.
Limit news consumption. Though it's important to stay informed, too much news can heighten stress and zap your energy. Choose specific times to check the news but not right before bed.
Limit caffeine and alcohol because both can interfere with your sleep and mood, especially when consumed in excess.
The same goes for sweet indulgences. Decide in advance to sample just one or two treats at an event instead of trying everything. This also will help limit weight gain.
Sleep is vital to recharge your body and mind, maintain energy strengthen the immune system and help you handle whatever comes your way. Aim for seven hours or more.
Consider taking a bit of time each day to feel gratitude and perhaps meditate. There are several meditation apps to help guide you. If you begin to feel like Scrooge, jot down some things for which you are grateful and feel the transformation. Consider adopting relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, progressive muscle relaxation or visualization exercises.
Amid the winter weather and holiday beverages, it's essential to drink plenty of water. This also helps in managing hunger cues. When it comes to food, now may be a good time to utilize healthy meal delivery services a few times a week.
Financial stress can heighten during the holidays. Set a budget for gifts, events and other expenses and stick to it. Make time for positive social connections that bring you renewed energy and happiness. Talk with a professional, close friend or family member if you need more guidance and support. Celebrate the moments that you choose self-care over earning the badge of unproductive busyness.
If that little voice inside your head tries to tell you that you don’t have time to take care of yourself, shut it down immediately. It’s easy to integrate many of these practices into your routines. Listen to a calming podcast during your commute, practice gratitude while brushing your teeth or do a short stretch before bed. Even 5 minutes of deep breathing, a short walk or a moment of mindfulness can be rejuvenating. Delegate tasks to other family members if possible and embrace OK imperfection.
Assess how you spend your day. Could time spent scrolling social media or watching TV be used for self-care? Even redirecting a fraction of this time can help.
With consistency and awareness, you'll find that self-care becomes a nonnegotiable part of your routine any time of year. The benefits of increased energy, improved mental health and greater resilience reinforce its importance.
Carol Slager is a licensed pharmacist, author, blogger and health coach in Northwest Indiana. Follow her monthly in Get Healthy and at inkwellcoaching.com. Opinions expressed are the writer's.
