Self-Care Tips for the Holidays
It’s the “most wonderful time of the year.” Right? Sure it is. For me, holidays are about fellowship and kindness. New York City is magical during the holidays. There’s the infamous tree at Rockefeller Center, beautiful store window displays, light parades, sidewalk santas and more. It’s a time of celebration and joy, but it undoubtedly can cause anxiety and sometimes depression. It is very common for things like isolation, grief of lost loved ones, and perfectionism and unnecessary holiday pressures to cause sadness and anxiety. I talk a little about my realization that being perfect is detrimental in my post from last holiday season: “The Problem With Perfect.”
Last year, I remember having plans to decorate early and do special things for the holidays. I basically had intentions but no real plans, I then got rundown with all of my responsibilities and was sick as a dog for about two weeks of the holiday season. Whatever you do, I suggest planning out your holiday activities. Planning gives a sense of self-control and can keep your emotions in check. Decide what you’re participating in. Schedule everything in your calendar, add reminders, and budget for your life! This year I’m committing to hosting one event at home, and I have about five that I will attend. I gave myself enough time to clean my home and plan my menu, decor and activities. I will also plan what pot-luck items I need to contribute and what I want to wear. Waiting until the last minute to find an ugly Christmas sweater, or to decide on a dish to take to a potluck will have me reeling. Planning early means I’m less likely to go off my budget, and I can make better decisions.
Once I have my festivities planned and my budget set, I’m being intentional with my self-care to help keep the anxiety down and to stay in good health. Here’s 12 ways I’m prioritizing wellness and mindfulness this season:
Keep my morning routine.
Meditation and gratitude, a cup of coffee or tea, reviewing my to-do list and budget for the day.Hydrate!
I’m gifting myself one of those water bottles that remind me to drink during the day. Here’s a good one: https://us.healthish.com/Get in the gym and sauna once or twice a week.
Exercise is a mood lifter. Also, working off some of the turkey and cocktails before January 1 will take away some of my guilt.Keep the good smells flowing.
My favorite holiday scented candles are cranberry. I rotate between a favorite candle or diffusing some mood lifting oils all day. Try lavender, rose, ylang ylang, chamomile, or frankincense.Eat well.
Its tempting to skip meals or rely on fast food because I’m running errands and doing chores. That will inevitably lead to some poor health outcome. Meal planning and keeping salads and easy to prepare healthy options ready at home, will keep me out of the drive through line.Make my car my haven.
It’s common for me to spend more time in my car this time of year due to shopping, running errands and chauffeuring my daughter to ice skating events. I burn my travel diffuser and I put a few key items in my car like snacks, bottled water, and a pillow to keep me comfortable when I’m waiting.Schedule wellness appointments.
When I look good and feel good it radiates to others. I intend to keep up with my yoga. I’m definitely scheduling a massage, manicure and pedicure.Keep on top of my medication and vitamins.
…And also checking my blood pressure. Heart attacks are very common in the holiday season. Hypertension does run in my family. This isn’t the time to overlook my health regimens.Stop when I’m tired.
Naps are my friend. I have to prioritize rest, even if I have to schedule an hour nap here or there. I’ll lay down and set the timer. It makes a huge difference.Keep perspective and let go of guilt.
The goal for whatever I do is to surround myself with positive people and to give out love. Everything does not have to be perfect. A store brought dish is fine. Mood over Food!Volunteer or donate to charity.
Gratitude for everything I have is forefront this time of year. There’s no shortage of organizations taking donations. Giving back is food for my soul.Breathe.
Sometimes disconnecting from the holidays and the stimulation is necessary. It’s OK to decline an invitation if you need to. Quiet drives or time at home can be refreshing. Its OK to take a break, recharge. There will be another party or potluck to participate in. No FOMO!
Whatever your plans are this holiday season, I wish you great health love and happiness! Tell me below what you’re doing and how you intend to make self-care a priority.