The holiday season is a time of giving, with a focus on doing for others. We shop for family and friends; we donate time and energy to charities; and we cook, wrap and decorate to create special holiday memories. We put others first on our lengthy to-do lists, and often forget to put ourselves on the list at all. So how do we change this and make time to care for ourselves?
I believe it starts with a mindset. I encourage you to know that you matter and to put yourself on the list. Self-care is a gift to ourselves. When we care for ourselves, we feel less stress and more energy to be present to the world around us. Be intentional about caring for YOU this holiday season.
Decide what self-care practices are best for you. Perhaps you already have a good system for healthy exercise, eating and rest -- be vigilant to keep it going in December! Maybe you need to re-establish your self-care practice -- consider what brings you energy and feelings of wellness. Could that be device-free time with family? An evening out with your partner? Time alone to rejuvenate? Practicing yoga or meditation? Being outdoors? Think about which activities help to re-charge your batteries; how can you can add them to your routine during the holidays?
When my boys were young, one of my self-care practices was connecting to my support system. Taking time for a 10-minute phone call with my sister made a big difference for me. I was able to step away from the busyness of my three active boys and connect with someone important to me. Whatever issue of the day or week we discussed, I felt supported and re-energized after a conversation with my sister.
What self-care activity works for you? What would it feel like to put yourself on your to-do list? Whether you need to discover a new practice or make a point to continue doing what works, I hope you will take good care of yourself this holiday season. Wishing you peace, joy and wellness during the holidays and always.
I believe it starts with a mindset. I encourage you to know that you matter and to put yourself on the list. Self-care is a gift to ourselves. When we care for ourselves, we feel less stress and more energy to be present to the world around us. Be intentional about caring for YOU this holiday season.
Decide what self-care practices are best for you. Perhaps you already have a good system for healthy exercise, eating and rest -- be vigilant to keep it going in December! Maybe you need to re-establish your self-care practice -- consider what brings you energy and feelings of wellness. Could that be device-free time with family? An evening out with your partner? Time alone to rejuvenate? Practicing yoga or meditation? Being outdoors? Think about which activities help to re-charge your batteries; how can you can add them to your routine during the holidays?
When my boys were young, one of my self-care practices was connecting to my support system. Taking time for a 10-minute phone call with my sister made a big difference for me. I was able to step away from the busyness of my three active boys and connect with someone important to me. Whatever issue of the day or week we discussed, I felt supported and re-energized after a conversation with my sister.
What self-care activity works for you? What would it feel like to put yourself on your to-do list? Whether you need to discover a new practice or make a point to continue doing what works, I hope you will take good care of yourself this holiday season. Wishing you peace, joy and wellness during the holidays and always.