How to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays
If you’re following me on Instagram, you know we’re in the middle of a construction mess. You see, we had a plan. A ‘Kitchen by Christmas’ plan! This plan would allow us to stop ordering takeout and have a functioning kitchen by the end of the month. Said ‘Kitchen by Christmas’ plan was foiled last week by a tile mishap when we realized the tile that we ordered for the kitchen was the wrong size. This tile has been sitting in our garage for months!
I’m in a season of life where there is too much to do in the 24 hours we all get in a day. I’m doing the best I can, and yet if often feels like not enough. When you add in that Christmas is less than two weeks away, it’s easy to feel defeated. So today, I sat down and gave myself a pep talk.
While I wish there was a way to avoid the stressful parts of the holidays (or construction mishaps!), there just isn’t. The only thing you’re able to control is yourself and how you react to things. I’m gearing up for the weeks ahead and wanted to share these tips with you too!
These are five self-care tips, perfect for this time of year. Here’s how to take care of yourself during the holidays!
- Manage your own expectations.
We can have unrealistic expectations for this time of year. It’s easy to feel that life is like a Hallmark Christmas movie. I’m not saying this season isn’t wonderful but it won’t be perfect… at least not Hallmark Christmas movie perfect. An ornament might break, you might get your feelings hurt, you might get sad, you might be struggling with mental health issues, you might be trying to finish a construction project by Christmas. You might have all of the above plus some. That’s ok. You are ok. Check your own expectations and realize it won’t be perfect but it can still be great! A great tip for managing expectations is to practice staying in the moment. Be grateful for the moment you are in right then and there. - Find time to recharge.
Go outside. Take a walk. Take a bath. Be alone. Get quiet. Journal. Meditate. Do what you need to do to rest and recharge. It can be hard to carve out any time for yourself during the holidays but make it a priority. Even a few minutes each day can make a big difference. - Drink water.
This is the most basic of self-care tips and yet, can you honestly say you’re drinking enough water? There’s a reason I include this as my first question when running through the HEART Goals acronym. This is the quickest and easiest way to help myself. Stay hydrated and your body will thank you after the cookie exchange or that third or fourth glass of wine. Make sure you’re drinking enough water each and every day of the busy season! - Remember your boundaries.
You will have to wrap presents and run errands and see your family and take care of your precious children even when they’re hopped up on sugar, but know your limits. Know when you need to say goodnight and when you need to decline a second round of cards or the next drink. Be conscious of what triggers you and what you need to limit your intake of or avoid if at all possible. Say no when you need to say no. It’s a complete sentence and you’re not being selfish or rude if you say no. - Do more of what brings you joy!
What’s the opposite of triggering for you? What gives you life? What lights you up? Try to incorporate more life-giving activities, people, places and things this holiday break! We can easily fall into rhythms that are totally focused on others and we forget to put ourselves on the list… don’t forget to do what you need to do to fill up your heart!
Another way I manage holiday season stress is throwing on a fun playlist and dance. Dance while making coffee, while doing the laundry, while laying kitchen tile so you can have a finish kitchen by Christmas. I have some fun holiday (and non-holiday!) playlists over on Spotify if you need some inspiration!
What ways are you taking care of yourself this holiday season? Share below!
