Holiday Self-Care

Self-care during the holiday season. Seems like an oxymoron right?

Let me run you through a typical day, mid-December. It’s 5:15AM, the alarm goes off and I have been relieved of my nightly mom duties. If I’m lucky, I’m the first one awake and I have an opportunity to sneak away and snag 10 minutes of peace before the rest of the house stirs. The typical morning routine follows. We rush around, making lunches, juggling bottles, digging in the closet for snow pants and winter boots. Double check that everyone’s Friday folders have found their way into their backpacks and then if we’re really lucky the windshield doesn’t need ice scraped off of it, and we’ve landed ourselves in the car in route to school with coffee in hand.

Babies, work, email, meetings, clients, errands, laundry, last-minute holiday lists, teacher gifts, Christmas cookies to make, holiday parties to attend, you know the drill. Life is full and pretty darn busy most days. Add some holiday craziness on top of this and things can feel a bit overwhelming. I’ve done a lot of reflecting this season in an effort to slow down, and what I can’t help but notice is that at the end of the day, I have been feeling a little drained and less than excited to jump back on the same hamster wheel tomorrow.

So, how do we shift our perspective, especially during the holidays when stress levels seem to soar? Our bodies and our spirits are the tools that we have been given to care for the world around us. If we aren’t taking care of these tools, they may not work when we need them most. When we take time for ourselves and we prioritize balance, we are better.

Taking care of yourself doesn’t need to be overwhelming or another task to add to your to-do list. Be kind and caring. Here are a few suggestions and baby steps you can take to move forward:

Go back to the basics. Feed your body, your mind, and your soul with nutritious food. Drink water, lots of water. Get enough rest. Get outside, even if it’s only for a few minutes. Exercise – sweating once a day eliminates toxins.
Learn how to say no. Your time is sacred. Treat it that way. Be intentional, put self-care on your calendar if you have to, and don’t let it get pushed to the bottom.
Music and dance parties (or whatever brings you joy). They are a cure-all in our house. Whenever we’re feeling stuck, we dance it out. Works every time.
Incorporate a daily ritual. Get off social media and find an extra 15 minutes a day to invest in yourself. Begin and end your day with something that energizes you and doesn’t include a screen. Pray, journal, meditate, do yoga, go for a walk, or just be still.
Remember this…progress, not perfection.

Now it’s your turn. How are you today? How is your heart? May this post bring you love, health, and positive energy!

Written by Amy Stoks, MA, RYT

Photo credit: pexels.com