'Tis the Season for Self-Care

Give yourself permission to take a break.

We are often constantly on the go during the holiday season. We shop for presents, attend events, and try to get everything on our to-do lists done. However, it's good to remember that we can't do it all. It's okay to take a break and relax, even if it's just for a few minutes. By taking some time for ourselves, we can recharge and be better able to handle the challenges of the holiday season. So if you're feeling overwhelmed, permit yourself to take a break. Take a deep breath, put your feet up, and enjoy the season at your own pace. It's an even better practice to schedule time for yourself to avoid overwhelm.

Avoid overscheduling yourself

In today's busy world, it's easy to fill up your schedule with activities and commitments. However, it's important to remember that overscheduling yourself can lead to burnout. You never have time to relax and recharge when you're constantly on the go. As a result, you may feel tired, anxious, and stressed. You may also find it difficult to concentrate or sleep. If you find yourself in this situation, it's essential to take a step back and reevaluate your schedule. Make sure you're taking time for yourself every day, even just a few minutes. Once you've made some free time in your schedule, use it to do something you enjoy. It can be anything from reading a book to taking a walk outdoors. By making time for relaxation, you can avoid overscheduling and reduce your risk of burnout.

What is self-care anyway?

Self-care is a bit of a buzzword these days, but what does it actually mean? Simply put, self-care is anything you do to care for yourself physically and mentally. This can include getting enough sleep, eating a healthy diet, and exercising regularly. But it also encompasses taking time for yourself, doing things you enjoy, and reaching out to your support system when needed. In short, self-care is about taking the time to nurture yourself, both inside and out. When you prioritize self-care, you'll have more energy and enthusiasm for the other aspects of your life. So why not start making self-care a part of your daily routine today? Your mind, body, and soul will thank you for it!

Examples of Self-Care

Again, the holidays can be a busy and stressful time; taking care of yourself during this season is essential. Here are some examples of self-care that you can do during the holidays:

1. Get enough sleep: During the holidays, it's easy to let your sleep schedule slide. However, getting enough rest is crucial for your physical and mental health. So make sure to get at least eight hours of sleep each night.

2. Healthy Eating: Indulging in all the holiday treats is tempting, but mindfully eating healthy foods will help you feel your best. Make sure to include plenty of water, fruits, vegetables, and whole grains in your diet.

3. Exercise: Exercise releases endorphins that help improve your mood. Take a break from holiday shopping and walk or hit the gym.

4. Take breaks: If you're feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes to relax and rejuvenate. Take a hot bath, read your favorite book, or listen to calming music.

5. Connect with loved ones: Spending time with loved ones is one of the best parts of the holidays. Whether you're catching up over video chat or exchanging handwritten letters, staying connected will help reduce stress and promote happiness and well-being.

Be okay with saying "NO"

We all have a limited amount of time and energy, and it's important to be selective about how we spend both. Sometimes, saying "no" is the best way to protect our time and energy. It can be difficult because we want to please others and appear uncooperative. However, it's important to remember that we cannot always please everyone. When we say "no", we prioritize our own needs. This doesn't mean that we should never say "yes," but that we should be okay with saying "no" when necessary. Not every opportunity is worth our time and energy, and that's okay. Prioritizing our needs is not selfish - it's essential to maintain our health and well-being. So next time you feel overwhelmed, remember that it's okay to say "no" without an explanation. It is the best thing for you.

It can be hard to remember to take care of yourself when you have a lot going on. Life gets hectic, and before you know it, weeks have gone by without taking some time for yourself. If this sounds familiar, don't worry, you're not alone. We've all been there. That's why it's essential to give yourself permission to take a break every once in a while and engage in self-care activities. And if you're unsure what self-care is or how to do it, that's okay too! Schedule a Coach & Sip Chat for an in-depth conversation about your personalized self-care plan. This blog post highlights self-care and some examples so you can start incorporating it into your life today. So go ahead and give yourself permission to relax, recharge, and refocus--you deserve it! Check out our other blog post, "Tips for Parents with social anxiety during the holidays," for more information on self-care during the holiday season.