The holiday season is a time of love, joy, celebration, and connection. It's my favorite time of year. However, it also brings out its own stressors, overwhelm, and exhaustion. While my family may think Christmas just magically sets itself up, its actually me who pulls it all together for my household.
Does this sound familiar to you?
Between shopping for gifts, attending gatherings, cooking and managing family expectations, it's so easy to get swept away in the Christmas Hustle and put my own needs on the back burner.
But then I remember, self-care is not a luxury—it's a necessity, especially during the holidays if I want to make sure that anything I do or want for our family holiday experience is a joy filled one not a time of year that becomes a dread.
I chose to prioritize self care in my life. I have lived a life without it and I ended up hitting rock bottom with burnout. It was a scary and very much unwanted segment in my life. During that time I lived with anxiety, exhaustion, emotions were turned way up, depression had taken up residence.
Self-Care Matters Because I Matter!
Self Care Prevents Burnout: The CONSTANT DEMANDS of the holiday season can lead to burnout if you're not careful. Prioritizing self-care helps me recharge and maintain my energy levels so I can enjoy the fruit of the season too.
Enhances Well-being: Taking time for myself improves my mental, emotional, and physical health, allowing me to enjoy the festivities more fully.
Improves Relationships: When I feel good, I am more present and engaged with those around me, enhancing my holiday experiences.
Strategies for Maintaining Self-Care During the Holiday Hustle!
Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no to events or tasks that drain you. Prioritize activities that bring you joy and align with your values.
Schedule Downtime: I make sure to block out time in my calendar for relaxation and activities that rejuvenate me, whether it's reading a book, listening to a podcast, taking a walk, or enjoying a warm shower.
Practice Mindfulness: Incorporate mindfulness practices like meditation or deep breathing exercises to help you stay grounded and reduce stress.
Stay Active: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Even a short power walk can boost my mood and energy levels. When I am feeling the "lazies" but have something to do that I can't skip, I will put on some exercise clothes, particularly an outfit that makes me feel like I am being productive and I go for a 30 minute power walk. I might bring someone along, or just tune in to a podcast or audiobook. When I am done I feel like I did something productive and am motivated to do more.
Nourishing My Body: Amidst the indulgence, I remember to eat balanced snacks and stay hydrated. Doing this keeps me even-keeled with my energy levels and I feel alert so I can keep going.
Connect with Supportive People: When I need a break I phone a friend! I like to surround myself with people who uplift and support you, who make me laugh, who ground me during the insanity. They help me to lighten my emotional load and mood.
Reflect and Journal: I enjoy my mornings to myself. I get up before the rest of my household does. In that time I have my coffee and I take a moment to reflect on what I am grateful for and I jot down some of my thoughts and wants. This practice can set my day up for focus and give me a head-start on managing my day with minimal stress!
Limit Screen Time: The constant barrage of holiday ads and social media updates can be overwhelming. I set limits on my screen time to reduce my stress. There is just too much online to be distracting and even sometimes discouraging. Stay away and be purposeful about how much time you spend scrolling!
Conclusion
The holidays are meant to be a time of joy and connection, but they can also be very stressful. By prioritizing self-care, you can navigate the season with grace and ease, ensuring you have the energy and presence to truly enjoy the festivities. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to yourself and those around you. Embrace these strategies, and let this holiday season be one of peace, joy, and self-love.
How do you plan to incorporate self-care into your holiday routine & beat the holiday hustle demands of this year?
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