4 Stellar Holiday Self-Care Tips
The most wonderful time of the year can often also be the most stressful time of the year! Between buying gifts, attending parties, and cooking, it's easy to forget to take care of yourself.
If you find yourself stressing out during your yuletide festivities and need some quick and easy self-care tips, look no further. We've got some stellar ones to share with you.
Give Yourself Permission.
Too often we become bobbleheads—saying "yes" to every party, obligation, and invitation. But doing so can often come with a hefty price: our sanity! This holiday season, give yourself permission to decline. Acknowledging and honoring your limitations isn't weakness. By learning how to say "no thank you," you're on your way to a happier, healthier, MERRIER you!
Don't Be a Fish.
You know that phrase, "they drink like a fish"? Living up to the expression is far too easy to do during the holiday season—studies have shown that binge drinking increases during the holidays. Those Christmas parties can really stack up, and it's tempting to down cocktail after cocktail (especially when they're so darn pretty and tasty!)... but it can take a serious toll on your body. Excessive drinking can lead to fights, falls, and fatalities. While it's okay to let loose and enjoy a cocktail or two, remember: everything in moderation. Be mindful of your alcohol consumption during this peak party season. You'll feel much better waking up without the holiday hangover!
Honor Your Grief.
The holidays aren't jolly for everyone. Memories of lost loved ones or trauma can haunt us. The sights, sounds, and scents of the season can only exacerbate feelings of grief. It's important to acknowledge and honor your grief as a part of your life's experience. Circling back to tip #1, don't be afraid to decline an invitation to an event that might be particularly triggering for you. Honor, respect, and process your grief in whatever way feels right to you—whether that means taking a vacation, setting a special place at the table for someone who has died, or bowing out of events altogether.
Get Physical.
Pie. Cookies. Casseroles. They're everywhere. While it's absolutely fine to enjoy the delights of the season, don't forget to move your body! A simple walk around the block with a furry friend, or stroll through nature can do wonders for both your body and your mind.
