I do love the festive season; it’s my favourite time of year, but when it comes to self-care it can certainly present some challenges.
The holidays are intended for families and special friends to come together and celebrate, but the never-ending list of events and things to do, has us rushing around. As a result, our healthy diets are often tossed aside, and our sleep patterns are often overlooked. It is a recipe for burn-out for many of us. The good news is that we can change the way we approach the celebrations and make sure that we are taking care of our needs during this hectic time.
It’s important to know your limits so that you don’t overexert yourself and get burned out.
During this time, try to consider what you really need to feel good – physically and mentally, and then make the effort to do those things, which I know is sometimes easier said than done!
I wanted to share some of the things that help me avoid getting overwhelmed during this busy time.
Put yourself at the top of your to do list
Remember, if you’re not your best for yourself, you won’t be at your best to help others. When I take on too many tasks or let my self-care routine slip, I can easily get overwhelmed, especially this time of year. Make yourself your #1 priority. Ensure you get your sleep, your nutritious meals, your relaxation, your peace, first. It’s okay to say yes, but it’s also okay to say no.
Morning Routine
If every day you make a little time for yourself first thing, you can move through your day with more calm and ease. 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.
Take a Walk
Go outside and take a walk. Don’t worry about burning calories or tracking steps, just enjoy yourself.
Eat Well
It’s easy to succumb to eating more sugar and carbs with all the tasty treats available around the holidays. Indulge in your favourite holiday treats but eat really well during 85-90% of the time. Eat greens at every meal, even breakfast. Don’t eat the rubbish you don’t really care about just because it’s there. Chew really well and savour the bites of your all-time favourites.
Nap
Give your body and brain a chance to recharge on those go-go-go holiday marathon days. Even 20 minutes will make a big difference.
Laugh
Don’t underestimate the benefits of a good laugh. Humour is great for stress reduction. Watch a funny move, sing, dance, listen to music. Keep things light and find time for some humour. I personally love watching the Hallmark Christmas movies in the evenings. It allows me to switch off and not take things so seriously.
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. Take some time to think about the people and things that you are grateful for. This act alone seems to help reduce stress.
Breathe
This is a tough one for me, but it does work. Learn to take deep, centering breaths throughout the day. They help relax your body and mind. I find it helps when I am over-thinking or over-reacting. Inhaling essential oils also really helps.
Move / Exercise
Try and keep your exercise routine over the holidays. I know this isn’t always easy, but it’s one of the best ways to beat stress. If you don’t have as much time to dedicate to exercise, make sure you find some time to just ‘move’.
Protect your Sleep
Lack of sleep can really affect your emotional and physical health. It can lead to weight gain, stress and irritability. Most of us sleep less during this time of year, up late with parties, last minute gift wrapping, worrying about making the ‘perfect’ meal or finding the ‘perfect’ present, etc. Protecting your sleep routine is key to maintaining balance.
Stay Hydrated
When our schedules are busy, we sometimes forget to do obvious things like drinking enough water. If you’re feeling sluggish, it could be because you’re not properly hydrated. Make sure you regularly drink enough water, especially when the weather is dry and cold. For those holiday parties, a good rule of thumb is alternating between an alcoholic beverage and a hydrating glass of water. Also, make sure you’re hydrated before that holiday gathering. 🙂
Listen to your Body
Many people ignore or override their body’s signals. Your body might be able to tolerate this neglect under normal circumstances but adding the increased stress of the holiday season might be more than it can take. To increase your chance of staying healthy during the holidays listen to your body. For example, take time to eat if you feel hungry. If you’re sleepy, get enough sleep. Learning to listen to my body is one of the best things I have done recently.
Take a time out, do at least one thing each day to unplug and get away from the holiday preparations. Have a quiet cup of tea and enjoy it without multi-tasking. Escape for a few minutes to read a good book. Listen to some holiday music curled up on the couch. Most of all, make sure you’re spending time with those you love each day. These little moments will help you feel more rested and keep your mind calm.
The holidays can set us up for unrealistic expectations. It almost seems a “magical” time of year and we dream of the perfect holiday, but it can take its toll. Let go of expectations and learn how to set boundaries. 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.
Take care of yourself over the holidays. It’s the best gift you can give yourself and everyone you love.
Wishing you a wonderful holiday season, and please remember to Put yourself at the top of your to do list!!!
Thanks for reading and keep well,
Tara Xx