Managing Self-Care & the Holiday Season
The holiday season is upon us, and while it can be a joyous time for many, it can also bring about stress or sadness for others. During this time of mixed emotions it is important that we pay close attention to our self-care. Make it your goal to always include “you” on the list of priorities. This can be done by doing simple things that can boost your health, well-being and inner peace. When you give to yourself, and of yourself, remember to give from a full cup. Be sure to do something that is nourishing and uplifting for to you. Here are a few tips, which we often don’t think of, to help achieve that through the holidays:
Be intentional in what you do: It’s easy to get caught up in the holiday “hustle and bustle” and become overwhelmed, so make a conscious effort to stay intentional or have purpose in everything you do during this season. If there isn’t enough time to satisfy all the holiday demands, make the decision to finish the most important things and leave the rest. This can create a sense of peace for yourself, while soothing the soul.
Respect your budget…period: Determine what you want to spend during this time, whether it be for gifts, holiday parties or other activities, honor that amount. And in the event that your budget requires you to forego some things, honor that too. The holidays can be beautiful without spending a dime, so consider creating unique gifts, cooking a special dinner, or starting new traditions that are self-supporting.
Take a moment to redefine abundance: Stop equating abundance and wealth with the number of zeros at the end of a dollar amount. Be grateful for what you have and are able to do. Abundance is what’s in the heart, therefore, your self-worth is far more valuable than your net-worth so give from the abundance of your heart.
Reflect, release, recharge: The holidays always bring about a time of reflection, and sometimes that reflection creates sadness, particularly if a loved one is no longer with us or if that time period was not the best for us. Give yourself the freedom to reflect on those times, but be willing to release any heaviness or sadness that comes with it and allow yourself space to recharge and create anew.
Be grateful and be love: Practice directing more attention towards gratitude for what makes life wonderful during the season, as it can make us healthier, more energetic, and decrease stress and anxiety over the holidays. Throughout this season, focus on simply being and showing love…that’s really what it’s all about.