The holiday season can be so magical. Creating that magic can leave us feeling drained physically and mentally. I’ve often heard people say how important self care is and I’ve rolled my eyes. If I only had all of the time in the world to make everything perfect for my family in every way, there still wouldn’t be enough time for self care. I’ve come to realize that if I don’t take even the tiniest bit of time for myself every once in a while, all of the magic I'm creating comes at the cost of my own sanity. No one likes a grouchy mom! This December, I hope you’ll join me in taking just a little time to create some magic for yourself!
What is Self Care?
There are different types of self care, but really it can be defined as taking control of your health in the major areas of life. This can include taking care of your physical body and your emotional and spiritual mind.
Why is Self Care Important?
By practicing self care daily, you can reduce stress in your life significantly, and in turn, increase your productivity. Self care is one of those things that takes a little time, but hopefully ends up making you some time in the long run.
Practicing Self Care in the Busiest of Seasons
December is often the busiest time of the year, with the shopping, and the hosting, and attending all of the gatherings. It can be especially difficult to stop and spend some time making sure you’ve taken care of your body and mind, but this is the time when it is most important. Here are four tips to make time for yourself.
Get into a Routine
Whether it is waking up just a few minutes before your family, or taking some time for yourself over your lunch break, decide what works best for you and stick to it. Choose at least three days per week when you want to find a little time for yourself, and schedule it in. This might change from week to week as your schedule changes, so make sure to plan it out at the beginning of each week.
Choose Realistic Self Care Activities
Set yourself up for success by starting small. We often want to jump into a new routine and are shortly overwhelmed by the effort it takes just to change our habits. If you’re really busy, take short amounts of time to do simple activities, like reading motivating quotes or journaling for a few minutes per day.
Do Something You Like
Self care is only about you. We often think we have to fit into a box of what other people think and do, but truly, self care is just for you. Don’t get caught up in trends or “typical” self care ideas. Do what fits your needs physically and mentally.
Mix it Up
Remember self care is about your mind and body. Maybe you want to choose physical activities a couple days a week, and then add in some days where you just focus on your mental health. If you get stuck in a routine where you’re bored, or dread doing the same thing each day, it will become just another item on your to do list and not something you look forward to.
If you’re like me, this will be something you have to remind yourself to do daily, and you’ll have to move through the guilt you feel in taking this time for yourself. Remember, your loved ones only benefit from a healthier, happier version of you! Check out our printable December Self Care Challenge!
