The holiday season can bring a whirlwind of mixed emotions: joy, gratitude and excitement…along with anxiety, stress and overwhelm. Between gift shopping, hosting, social commitments and all of the to-do list items in between, the end of the year may feel a bit daunting. But, in the midst of your full calendar, it’s important to also make time for yourself. Holiday self care can go a long way toward preventing holiday burnout, as well as allowing you to actually enjoy the season too!
To help you prepare for the upcoming festivities, we’ve put together a list of simple things you can do to take care of your mind and body during this hectic time of year.
- Try a breathing exercise. Breathing is something we do without thinking, but how often do you stop and pay attention to your breath? Set aside some time (even just a few minutes can help!) to practice mindful breathing, whether by taking long, deep breaths or doing a respiratory exercise.
- Prioritize sleep. While it may be tempting to stay up late, wake up early and cram as many hours into the day as possible, a lack of quality sleep may do more harm than good. A full night’s rest could help stave off burnout and give you the energy needed to take care of the next day’s tasks. Consider skipping the late-night gift wrapping session and instead try out these handy sleep tips from Mayo Clinic.
- Begin the day with gratitude. Before you start tackling your to-do list, reserve a moment in the morning for reflecting on the positive things in your life. A great way to do this is by writing a “gratitude list” of everything you are grateful for, from good health to quality time with your family.
- Eat a nutritious meal. If you’re the chef of the family, you may already be spending a lot of time in the kitchen—baking festive treats, prepping for a party or whipping up a five-star spread for the big day. While you’re there, be sure to save some counter space for making yourself a healthy and delicious meal. Fueling yourself properly can help boost your energy for busy days!
- Move your body. When you’re rushing around, trying to get everything done before the holidays, exercise may be the last thing on your mind. However, all it takes is a little bit of physical activity to improve your mood, increase energy levels and decrease stress. If the weather permits, you might go for a walk around the neighborhood. Or, if the temps are too cold, consider doing some light stretching, hopping on the stationary bike or lifting weights in a home gym, if you have one.
- Ask for help if you need it. There is only so much that one person can do, so don’t be afraid to delegate tasks and projects when your list gets too long. For example, if moving is on the agenda for the new year, our New Home Specialists can save you time and energy by finding communities and floor plans that fit your criteria!
- Connect with loved ones. For some, the holiday season may bring up feelings of sadness or loneliness. Reaching out to a friend or family member, whether in person, by phone call or even through a text message, may help quell those emotions and make you feel less alone.
- Take some time for yourself. If, on the other hand, you feel overwhelmed by the constant socialization that accompanies this time of year, you may benefit from some alone time. This might look like curling up with a good book in front of the great room fireplace, taking a warm bath or doing any of the activities mentioned above.
Holiday self care looks different for everyone, but it’s always important to prioritize your health and wellbeing—especially during busy periods.
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