Have you considered the importance of self-care at Christmas time?
Christmas is a crazy time of year. But I didn’t need to tell you that.
If you are feeling overwhelmed and stressed-out during Christmas, you are not alone.
While the holiday season can be the best time of the year for most of us, for so many reasons, the stress can go sky-high.
Thanks to the extra free time of the holidays, it’s the best chance to practice self-care and give yourself a mental reboot before the new year arrives.
This Christmas, make self-care a priority.
So, here’s a list of self-care ideas for this Christmas.
- TREAT YOURSELF- If you’re anything like me, it’s been a long year and you deserve a treat, so treat yourself to a banging gift because you deserve it! And it doesn’t need to be anything excessive. Just make sure it’s something you really want or need or is something to help with your self-care quest. Reward yourself with a muffin, a new outfit, or a full-body massage. Your body will reward you with greater satisfaction, a better mood, and a higher energy level.
- SHOPPING FOR SELF-CARE ITEMS- While you are getting a gift for Auntie Marie, don’t forget to get yourself good-quality self-care items. Make yourself a priority and turn the haul into a Christmas self-care activity.
You don’t always need to buy the most expensive beauty products or those that are more of a hype.
Buy high-quality shampoo, and body soap for your showers. Upgrade your body and face lotions. Buy a pair of Christmas socks, festive tea cup or festive hot chocolate mug and a cosy blanket and of course your favourite candles.
Get hands soaps that leave your hands nice and soft. Self-care doesn’t have to be expensive, but it must be all about you.3
3.SET ASIDE INTENATIONAL DOWN-TIME AND ENJOY IT- Take time to actually enjoy the festive season. Set aside some time to focus and centre yourself on what it all means so you can enjoy the holidays with this as your focus.
What does Christmas mean to you?
Is it about family? Being with loved ones? Giving to others? Time off? Or something spiritual?
Give yourself a present in the form of time and space to allow yourself to be happy in the moment.
4. OUTSOURCE- I would recommend forcing yourself to slow down and take it easy at home too, at least weekly. If you’re going to be doing a lot of entertaining over the Christmas period, that means a lot of cleaning and cooking. There is no shame in paying a cleaner to come over once or twice during the busy season to help ease the load. Nobody will think less of you, and the relief of a lightened load will be tangible.
5. EAT WELL- If there were ever a time to stuff yourself silly with indulgent food, Christmas is it. And I’m not saying you should sit down at every dinner party and pick at a salad. Enjoy the dinners, parties, and cookie swaps guilt-free, but in between those events, keep things light and healthy. Obviously too much indulgent food can cause us to gain kilos quickly, but it also affects our energy levels, mood and can cause fatigue, breakouts and dull skin.
6. ADOPT A BEDTIME RITUAL FOR BETTER SLEEP- Getting enough and high-quality sleep is one of the most needed yet often neglected self-care activities. Avoid eating 3 hours before sleep. An hour before going to bed, put away your phone and other electronics. Read a book on your list and calm your mind down from the holiday chaos.
These night-time routines will help you to fall asleep more quickly and stay asleep throughout the night. And you’ll be more energetic and refreshed the next day!
At the end of the day, Christmas should be a wonderful time of year.
So don’t get so caught up in the craziness of it all that you leave yourself and your needs as a last priority. You’ll have a happier, more fulfilling holiday season if you implement a little self-care here and there, and you’ll be able to give of yourself more too… so it’s win-win!
Happy Christmas!
A.