Why Self-Care is So Important during the Holiday Season (Part 2 of the Holiday Blog Series!)

The holidays are a time for family, friends, and… being completely and utterly exhausted. If you’re anything like me, your to-do list quadruples in size the minute Halloween ends. There are presents to buy, parties to attend, and cookies to bake. It’s enough to make even the most well-rested person feel run down. That’s why it’s so important to take a break from all the holiday madness and give yourself some much-needed self-care.

Self-care is any activity that we do deliberately in order to take care of our mental, emotional, and physical health. Though it’s often associated with things like getting a massage or going for a yoga class, it can really be anything that brings you joy and makes you feel relaxed. Here are a few of my favorite self-care activities that help me get through the holiday season:

• Breath work: Taking deep breaths is a simple yet effective way to relieve stress and tension. I like to do some form of breath work every day, whether it’s taking 10 deep breaths before I go to bed or doing a guided meditation in the morning.

• Exercise: Exercise is a great way to reduce stress, boost your mood, and get some much-needed energy. Even if you only have 20 minutes to spare, a quick workout can make all the difference. I like to do HIIT workouts when I’m short on time because they’re high-intensity and don’t require any equipment. 

• Connect with nature: Studies have shown that spending time in nature can reduce stress levels, improve moods, and increase energy levels. During the winter months, I like to take walks in the park or go for a hike in the woods. Even if it’s cold outside, bundling up and getting some fresh air can do wonders for your mental state.  

• Get enough sleep: Sleep is so important for our overall health and well-being, yet it’s often one of the first things we sacrifice when we’re busy. During the holidays, I make it a priority to get at least 7 hours of sleep each night so I can function at my best during the day. 

• Eat healthy: Eating nutritious meals helps improve our moods, reduces stress levels, and gives us more energy. During the holiday season, I make an effort to cook meals at home using healthy ingredients. This way, I know exactly what I’m eating and I don’t have to worry about overeating or eating too much sugar.