Holiday Season Self Care

“Tis better to give than to receive” This familiar biblical adage reflects a truth that most of us have experienced. We know the joy that comes back to us when we bring joy to others, the purpose and meaning we feel when helping someone in need, and the sense of well-being that can come from even the smallest random acts of kindness.

However, during the holiday season the pressure to ‘give’ comes at us from every angle, and with high expectations. It takes a conscious effort to not become burdened by its high price tag; not only on our pocketbooks, but on our emotional well being. Whether it be money, time or energy, we all have limited resources. How can we get through a season based on doing and giving to others, and not lose sight of ourselves?

“Put your own oxygen mask before assisting others” Yet another famous line that most of us have heard countless times, and a valuable one to consider during this time of year. We can’t give more than we have, and if we are depleted we have nothing to offer others. Here are 5 tips to take care of yourself over the coming weeks, and may your cup continue to be full enough to be shared with others.

Get outside for a walk during daylight hours. With shorter days and colder temperatures it’s easy to want to hibernate. But our brains do better with sunlight, and our bodies do better with exercise. So find a way to get outside for walk, get your heartbeat up, breath the fresh air, and feel the sunlight (or rain or snow) on your face. You will feel renewed, reenergized, and make better decisions.
Eat nourishing food. It is so easy to be distracted by cookies, sweets and other things that may not be best for our bodies. Don’t deprive yourself, but help yourself make better decisions by eating a whole food diet most of the time, even during the holidays. The more you fill up on healthy food, the less sweets you will crave, and the better you will feel. And don’t forget to stay hydrated with plenty of water!
Aim for 8 hours of sleep. We already feel like there aren’t enough hours in the day to ‘get it all done’, and during the holidays time is at an even higher premium. But don’t steal time from your sleep to do it. The National Institute of Health reports that not getting enough sleep ” affects growth and stress hormones, our immune system, appetite, breathing, blood pressure and cardiovascular health”. More sleep = Better health! That’s nothing to snore at!
Add in some extra self-care time. As the season gets busier, it does get harder to not get caught up in feelings of stress. Pay attention to signals that you need an oxygen mask break and do something that brings you peace. Even better, build in some self-care time right into your schedule. Here are some ideas that could make a difference:
1. Try a 5 minute morning meditation before you start your day.
2. Write down 10 things you are grateful for each night before you go to bed
3. Take a hot bath with epsom salts and lavender essential oil.
4. Watch an inspirational TED talk during a lunch break
5. Take a yoga class or workshop
6. Book a massage
Remember the reason for the season. No matter which traditions you celebrate, remember what this season is really about: to bring light into the darkness…. whether it be the light of candles or the light of love, compassion and joy. Try to keep this in mind as the commercial noise gets louder, and consider how you can bring light to yourself, your friends and your family.