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It's important to take care of your body and mind all year round.
During the holidays, this is even more essential. This busy time of year often means delicious treats and late nights. But we also tend to inflict avoidable stress on ourselves.
This year, choose to spend the holidays mindfully, healthily, and joyfully with these ten self-care tips.
1. Set realistic expectations.
Whether for yourself or for others, keep in mind that the holidays will likely not be perfect, and you have everything to gain by accepting that.
2. Get enough sleep.
Being essential for the proper functioning of your immune system, good quality sleep should be at the top of your priority list. Adopt healthy sleep habits and stick to them as much as possible.
3. Ask for help.
You don't have to prepare the big family meal or decorate the house alone. Ask others for help; many will be happy to lend a hand.
4. Watch your eating habits.
Contrary to popular belief, there's no need to overindulge or starve yourself during the holiday season. Choose what you eat consciously and be kind to yourself when you feel like indulging.
5. Breathe.
Breathing techniques, such as inhaling and exhaling for a count of four, belly breathing, or pranayama, are valuable tools for slowing down and relieving stress. Practice these techniques in traffic, after dropping the kids off at school, or even during a hectic holiday shopping trip.
6. Make sure you have easy access to your supplements.
Remember to keep taking your medications and supplements, even when things get busy. Place your supplements on your bedside table, next to the bathroom sink, or even on your desk (in stock) so you don't forget them.
7. Think about ways to spend time with your loved ones.
Instead of sitting all day, take a walk after dinner, play some active games as a family, go ice skating one afternoon, or take an online tai chi class together. Make sure to balance the time spent at the table with physical exercise.
8. Drink tea.
Treat yourself to a warm, comforting cup of tea. Try to drink one every day. Teas containing adaptogenic herbs, such as holy basil and rhodiola, are also known to help combat stress.
9. Don't forget to laugh.
It's important to laugh at ourselves and all situations, especially during the holiday season. Laughter is even beneficial for the immune system. So, the next time you mess up a meal, laugh heartily and move on.
10. Take time for yourself.
Make sure you find time and space to rest and refocus. It's okay to say no to some things and accept others, such as reading, napping, exercising, talking on the phone, cooking, taking a bath, or simply enjoying some peace and quiet.
The holiday season is an exciting time, but if you don't take proper care of yourself, exhaustion and despondency are a sure sign. Take care of your mental and physical health by prioritizing what's important to you.
REFERENCES:
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/managing-expectations
https://www.apa.org/topics/stress/holiday-season