5 Tips for Self-Care During the Holidays
featuring Guest Author Kait of Kaitness.com
Oh the weather outside is frightful, but the fire is so delightful...slash oh-my-goodness-this-season-is-beautiful-but-the-only-thing-frightful-is-how-busy-my-schedule-is-looking! Can anyone else relate? While we all love the joy and fellowship that comes during the holiday season, something we ALL face — whether we like it or not — is being super busy and running around like crazy (+ probably looking like a flock of reindeer trying to make it to every house on Christmas night).
Over the past 2 years, I have spent a lot of time focusing on boundaries and implementing these in my personal life, work life, and family life. However, whenever the holidays roll around, some of these so-called “rules” seem to go right out the window as I am persuaded by get-togethers with girlfriends and fun holiday-themed activities.
The ultimate way to ruin your holiday season is to be SO busy that you can barely even slow down for a moment to see what in the WORLD is going on. So today, I'm coming to you with 5 easy (and reasonable) ways to make your holiday season more restful and balanced!
1. Be empowered to say "No"
There is no doubt there will be a plethora of holiday events that you will be invited to this season. Holiday mixers, work parties, wine nights, brunches, gift exchanges & MORE. Yes, I know they are all probably going to be a blast, and if you could multiply yourself into 5 different people, you could probably attend all of them! But for the sake of your own sanity, you must learn to say no to some things.
Say no even when the #FOMO (fear of missing out) is real. Yes, you may be missing that event, but ask yourself this: Is it worth it to go to that event, run myself down and feel tired for the next 3 days? Even if you think you have the energy or can make the time, there are so many things going on behind the scenes of your body. We aren’t superhuman — we need proper sleep and rest. I promise you that if you prioritize saying "no" in order to make room for rest, your mental and physical health will thank you...and you will be able to enjoy the holiday season healthy and truly happy (from the inside out).
2. Say YES to yummy things (in moderation)
This one is TOUGH (do I ever know it). This is the time of year when all the yummy things come out — the delicious meals, amazing festive drinks, and all the sweets. To be SO strict that you won’t eat ANY of it kind of takes the entire fun out of the season (I mean, who honestly wants to be the person at a holiday party who says “Sorry, I’m on a diet”).
While this is definitely not the time to start your new diet, what I would recommend (so that your body does not go completely crazy) is limiting your intake per event. Maybe that means committing to only having 1 category of yumminess — be it a fun themed drink or whatever delicious desserts your heart desires. Make sure you are not overindulging for the sake of indulging.
In conclusion: Everything in moderation, but above all else: LISTEN to your body!
3. Schedule in one “me” night per week (at least!)
Oh, friends — this is a priority! At the end of the day, NOTHING should take precedence over your own mental, emotional, and physical wellbeing. Say it with me: YOU CANNOT DO IT ALL. That’s right, you are just one person and you simply cannot be everywhere, every time.
4. BE PRESENT (don’t just have presents)
I know you are wrapping a ton of presents this season...but this should not get confused with the actual meaning of “present,” as it relates to the holiday season. When we overcommit ourselves, we often do so at the sake sacrificing a clear mind. We are constantly thinking (What do I need to do next? Where do I need to be next?) at the expense of actually enjoying the moment we are in.
I don’t know about you guys, but this happens to me far too often. You know — you ask someone a question, they start to answer, and while they are talking your mind shifts elsewhere completely (so much so that you have NO clue what they're talking about and you're the one who asked the question). This is the worst!
5. Be a vessel for PEACE and JOY
This time of year can bring joy, but it also can also spark spurts of conflict or anxiety (especially within families). While you may love your family, I know that there are still times when conflict seems to arise out of nowhere and you suddenly have to choose how you're going to respond. This year, I urge you to avoid your response mode's "default" settings. Instead, try to consciously think about each and every word you are speaking, as well as the reactions you are having.
A NOTE FROM KAIT
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