Holiday Self-care

Hi friends,

This post is as much for you as it is for me. Every year for more years than I’d like to admit, I end up sick around Thanksgiving and never fully recover until after the new year. The cause of this stress is thinking I need to do it all. I’m here to remind you that we don’t need to do it all and can still enjoy the holidays.

What does holiday self-care look like for you? I’ve got several things I will be adding to my self-care list this year. If you’re not already doing some of these, I hope you’ll consider adding them to your list to relieve holiday stress.

For me, a big one will be accepting offers from family or requesting help with the meals. I’ve been hosting the holidays for many years. In the past, I’ve refused offers from family to bring something or asked for anyone to assist. I might respond with the smallest of requests. I always make more food than we can eat, stress about the menu, and I’m so exhausted by the time we sit down to eat I have no appetite (small win for my diet). I’ve already started to ask for some help and have ordered this ham to have in addition to turkey for Thanksgiving. For the past few years, I’ve gone for a casual meal for one of these two holidays, meaning I ordered sandwiches or something similar. It has always made me feel like I’m letting everyone down even though they all say it’s about the time together. I might believe them finally. It is no easy task for someone who struggles to ask for help, but I’m feeling better about the meal and taking some of this off my to-do list.

Last year, I scheduled some self-care with a massage for the holidays. I made sure to include this again, along with planning my pedicure. I’ve left things to chance in the past, which only lends itself to more stress. I started doing this once I realized how hard it is to get in the schedule for my massage and that’s not even with the holidays. I might need to consider adding in a facial too.

With everything that needs to be done during the holidays, getting in time at the gym can be a challenge. We all know working out is a form of self-care. Not only is it good for you physically, but also mentally. A lot is going on in the world and adding the stress of the holidays is even more of a reason to schedule this on your calendar if you’re struggling to get a workout in. I find the mornings tend to be a little easier to get to the gym, but if not, even a quick walk is better than nothing. Maybe the holidays are a time to switch up your workout for something that helps to bring you more calm or adding in some yoga or meditation to help slow things down.

Speaking of scheduling things, an essential item to add to your self-care routine is getting those doctor’s appointments on the calendar. This should include your regular exams, check-ups, and any vaccinations or screenings you’ve been putting off. I may have one or two on my list to schedule.

Self-care for you might look like taking a much-needed vacation. This, too, could be a long weekend or even a staycation. Don’t leave those vacation days to roll over into next year or lose them. You’ve earned them, and there isn’t a better time of the year than the holidays to enjoy some time off from work. Even taking a day to yourself to do nothing is a form of self-care.

Another item I’m adding to my self-care list is making more time to read. I have a pile of books waiting for me to slow down and make the time. I don’t seem to carve out enough time to enjoy a book on the weekends. I’m usually trying to cram in some reading before bed and end up falling asleep. If you need some help finding a book, try this list. I’ve been thinking about renewing my library card. I haven’t had one since my son was little. Getting lost in the library and finding a book was always such a fun time. Perhaps this is something to add to your self-care routine.

Maybe a trip to a museum you’ve been wanting to go to would be something you’d like to add to your self-care needs. A coffee date with yourself or a friend? Maybe running errands with a friend and checking off things from your to-do list together is another form of self-care you could include. It’s essential to make time for your friendships, especially during the holidays. Some candles, soft music, and a bath?

Whatever you decide, make sure you’re slowing down and taking time for yourself. You can’t enjoy the holidays if you’re running around stressed.