The holiday season is, undoubtedly, the most hectic time of the year. For a lot of us, work is busier and more demanding. Throw in the kiddos and traveling and it can be complete chaos.
I don't know about you, but the downtick for me begins at Daylight Savings Time. The dramatic transition into Autumn will wear you out if you're not ready.
Finding moments of solace and practicing self-care is more important now than ever. With all of the action the season brings, we owe it to ourselves to be at our personal best. And, no, this isn't one of those "easier said than done" lists. Sticking to our health and wellness goals can be as simple as we want it to be. After all, the goals we've set for ourselves are for US. These are just a few helpful tips to get us on our way. 😉
#1: Treat Yourself. Don't Beat Yourself.
Thanksgiving was fun, right!? We ate all the delicious food, we drank all the things, and if your Thanksgiving was like mine, you went directly to sleep soon after. With more holiday celebrations incoming, there will probably be more of the same later.
Listen. Don't be so hard on yourself for not following your diet to the tee. Give yourself the freedom to enjoy yourself without anxiously counting calories. Keep in mind that all of this freedom comes with responsibility. Drinking, needless to say, can make or break a celebration. Drink responsibly and always have a backup plan just in case the turn-up gets too real.
Too much of a good thing can leave you in a bad way. When you're in the moment and having fun, it can be easy to lose track of your intake. Self-control is the key. By setting your limits and sticking to them, you'll ring in the New Year without regret!
#2: Check-In
Old or young, the holidays can be a struggle for all of us. While we're spreading the cheer around, we can't forget to check in with ourselves. It helps to be in touch with how we're feeling, good or bad. Prioritize your "me time" and take a moment to relax and reset amid the chaos.
For our loved ones experiencing seasonal depression, loss, etc. this time of year can be rough, to say the least. Spending quality time, making a phone call, sending a text, or providing an act of service goes a long way. It's always nice to know someone is thinking of you. This is especially important for those spending the holidays alone due to COVID or other reasons. Be thoughtful of those individuals in your life and show some genuine love and support.
If you're spending the holidays solo, I scoped out some useful ways to beat the holiday blues for you too!
#3: Be PREPARED
All of these tips are vital, in my opinion. But I feel like this one is my favorite. If the holiday season does nothing else, it's going to come for your coins.
Preparedness is everything!
A lot of us tend to go overboard when it comes to holiday spending. Set a spending limit and be realistic about your budget. The last thing you want to do is be broke by New Years Day, scratching and surviving until income tax season. Do yourself a favor and plan as best you can. Your wallet and your mental health will thank you. Per Tip #2, the gift of your time could be a great solution for someone special.
If you're traveling, my heart goes out to you. The time-consuming and pricy experience of planning a trip has only been exacerbated by COVID-19. By booking sensibly, taking recommended safety precautions, and leaving room for flexibility, you'll make it to and from your destination in peace.
#4: Spend Quality Time With Loved Ones
It should go without saying, spending time with the people you love brings all of us immense joy. During the holiday season, this joyous feeling is intensified. No matter the occasion, being surrounded by my loved ones, enjoying each other's company with a good homecooked meal always makes me happy (even when they do the most).
Being able to unplug and unwind with the people you love is unmatched. Whether you chose them or were born into the craziness, there's absolutely nothing like family. Of course, the many health benefits you get from being around the fam don't hurt either!
Solitude is also good self-care. So if you feel the need to chill, take all the time you need.
Keep in mind that the holidays don't have to be perfect. There will be things that happen that are totally out of our control. By releasing the notion that you have to be "on" from Thanksgiving to New Year, you begin to free yourself from the pressure a lot of us feel this time of year. Showing up for ourselves and taking the time to practice self-love and care will get us through the holiday season just fine.
I wish all of you a happy, healthy holiday season! Thank you for reading! 🤗
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