Holiday Self Care & Love
The holiday season is upon us again, 2016 has flown by and here we are again with all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, the shopping, the giving, the hosting and the attending making it very easy to forget about YOU!
The next few weeks are a whirlwind of office parties, commitments, family celebrations that can leave you completely wiped out.
Taking care of yourself is extremely important as this time of year, it is so easy to forget about you, and put all your attention on everyone and everything else. If you do not spend time caring for yourself you will feel totally exhausted with no energy to enjoy the holidays.
Self-care is often associated with over-indulgence, or even selfishness. especially as women we often feel guilty for taking time out for ourselves, we are so accustomed to taking care of others, that taking care of ourselves feels unfamiliar or even uncomfortable. – if you take care of yourself well, you have more resources to take care of others.
Here are just a few ways of taking care of yourself during the holiday season and beyond….
Meditate: Take time out to meditate each day, to be more present and connected to yourself. It will help to reduce your stress and anxiety levels, especially around this time of the year.
Breathe: Being conscious of your breath is a wonderful way to quiet and to connect to the present moment. With your awareness the breathing will become naturally calmer and deeper. Paying attention to your breathing several times a day, will change your experience of the day and bring you back to yourself.
Exercise: Move your body. By keeping up with your yoga practice you will be able to maintain present and balanced during the festive season.
Learn the art of saying “no”: Check your commitments and your priorities. Give yourself permission to say “no”, if you are asked a favour and you don’t want to do it. You can always say “Sorry I cannot bake two dozen cookies for the Christmas party”. Be clear in your mind what you would like Christmas to be. You may want to say “no” to over-spending this year or only buy from local businesses. Stick to your values.
Listen to your body: When you are tired rest. Rest when you are tired. Go for a walk when you need some fresh air and movement. Eat when you are hungry. Go to the bathroom when you have to go. Turn your computer off when it’s time.
Take a Bath: Indulge in a bubble bath to relax your body and mind, place some candles around and give yourself time to completely relax.
Don’t skip meals: Before leaving for a party, eat a light snack like raw vegetables or a piece of fruit to curb your appetite. You will be less tempted to over-indulge in those things that don’t make you feel good.
Eat until you are satisfied: Savor your favorite holiday treats while eating small portions. Sit down, get comfortable, be mindful and enjoy.
Louise Stokes
Lou is a blogger & yoga teacher. After completing evolations primary teacher training in July 2011, she is now traveling the world (current stop: evolation yoga – Sunshine Coast in Austrailia) to share the yoga love.