Self care, especially during the holidays, should be a non-negotiable. Some people think of self-care as a sort of frilly activity like a bubble bath or pedicure and, "ain't nobody got time for that". But the truth is, you may not be looking at it from the right perspective. If you are depleted from doing all the things and being everything for everyone else, you won't have anything left to give to the very things and people you care so much about.
In honor of the holidays, I'd like to share with you 4 great pieces of advice that can lower your stress this holiday season so you can actually enjoy yourself!
4 Stress Reducing Tips to Get you Through the Holidays
The Goal: Less Stress and More Joy
1. Stick To Your Healthy Self Care Habits
The holidays are not a time to give up on all the healthy habits you have created for yourself. Things like meditation and mindfulness, exercise, healthy eating, journaling, healthy skin care and a good sleep routine are the types of self-care you need to stay focused on. These healthy habits are the very things that can help you get through this busy season with more ease. Put them on your calendar just like an appointment so you make time for your most important to-do's.
2. Live Within Your Own Energy Level
We can get so caught up in pleasing other people that we go way out of our own energy zones and burn ourselves out or spin off into crazy town. One person might want a night out on the town while another person needs a night in on the couch with a movie and soft blanket. Recognize that what you need for your own well being (socially, emotionally, physically) may be different from what someone else needs and that's okay. The quickest way to bring on stress and resentment is to keep saying yes when you need to say no. Honor yourself and other people by being honest. Communicate your needs. No one can know unless you tell them.
3. Pay Attention To How You Are Feeling And Acknowledge It
All sorts of feelings bubble up during this time of year and it's okay to feel how you feel, but it's important to acknowledge it instead of pushing it aside. We all know our limits and keeping too busy or self medicating so you don't have to feel, will only complicate and add to your stress. Talk to someone, take a quiet moment for yourself or journal your feelings. Dealing with it instead of pushing it aside will take the weight off your shoulders so you don't keep carrying it around until New Year.
4. Get Out Of Your Own Head
When stress, anxiety and worry swirl in your head it gets caught on a hamster wheel and does us no good. I love the saying, get out of your head and into your body. Change locations. Go outside. Get moving. Go visit someone. Do something nice for someone else. Give all this energy somewhere to go - re-route it in a positive way! It's bound to make you feel better!
How do you combat holiday stress? We'd love to hear your ideas too!
Leave us a comment, pin this post and share it with a friend! Here's to a holiday lower on stress and higher on happiness!
This post was brought to you by Shannon Sorensen, the founder of Fairface Washcloths, the best washcloths for sensitive skin. You can also find us on Etsy. Happy Holidays!
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