Self Care During the Holiday Season
It care be hard to make time for self care during the holiday season. However, with the days getting shorter and holidays bringing stress to many, self care is particularly important during this time of the year.
Self care can benefit both your mental and physical health. Even small actions of taking care of yourself can have a big impact on your wellbeing.
There are an infinite number of ways to practice self care, and much of it is up to personal preference. To help get you started on your journey of practicing self care during the holiday season, we have provided the following ideas.
Monitor and Manage Your Stress Levels
Try your best to monitor your feelings and stress levels. By recognizing when you are starting to feel stressed, it can be easier for you to redirect yourself.
When you are feeling yourself becoming overwhelmed from things you need to complete or work on, we recommend giving yourself a break, and then taking a minute to write down a list of the things you need to get done. This can help you better manage your time, and hopefully make your list of tasks feel less daunting.
Take Time for Physical Health
As the weather gets colder, many people spend less time taking care of their physical health. This is primarily because many people enjoy doing activities or exercising outside. However, there are many forms of exercise that can be done indoors. We recommend looking into exercise methods that can be done in cold weather or indoors, and finding something that interests you.
It is important to note that every bit of exercise counts, and even in small amounts it can be very beneficial.
Give Yourself “Me” Time
As the year gets closer to its end, people often are faced with added pressure of the holidays, finances, relationships, and more. It is important to know that it is okay to take a break, and give yourself time for you. Time is not wasted by relaxing or doing what you enjoy. By giving yourself this time, you will be able to better handle any pressures you are faced with.
Get Enough Sleep
Make getting enough sleep a priority. The CDC recommends that adults aged 18 to 60 get at least 7 hours of sleep each night. By sticking to a sleeping schedule, many find it easier to fall asleep and stay asleep through the night. Try to keep up with your sleep schedule even during your off days.
Focus on your Hobby or Discover a New One
Hobbies can serve as an excellent form of self care, as they can help bring your focus to what you enjoy. Even if your schedule is busy, try to make time to focus on your hobby. Some may find it hard to find a hobby that they like. For those looking to find a new hobby, consider trying local classes or doing a simple Google search of hobbies that may align with your interests.
Connect With Others
Connecting with friends and/or family can serve as a form of self care. When dealing with the stressors of life, some may find themselves feeling distant from others. Reach out to those you love for connection and support.
When to Seek Professional Help
Self care can be very beneficial to your health, but it is not always enough. If you are experiencing severe symptoms that last for more than two weeks, it is suggested that you seek further professional help. These symptoms include, but are not limited to:
- Inability to perform daily activities or keep up with responsibilities
- Difficulties concentrating
- Loss of interest in things or activities you typically find enjoyable
- Struggling to get out of bed in the morning
- Appetite changes resulting in unwanted weight loss or gain
Finding TREATMENT AND RESOURCES
- To learn more about practicing self care, or when to seek help, we recommend contacting your health care provider.
- To read more about how to practice self care during the holidays, the following resources are suggested:
Return to the homepage: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/
Read more articles at: https://nwmind-bodywellness.com/articles/