The holidays are always a time of year that can easily make you feel overwhelmed and stressed. There are so many commitments, family gatherings and oftentimes spending more money than you’ve budgeted for. This can lead to stress and anxiety, but also skipping out on your usual routine. Taking care of yourself this time of year is more important than ever. Now’s the time to do a check-in to and ask yourself, are you’re taking care of yourself? I’ll go first, I haven’t been!
What Is Self Care?
Self-care is a deliberate activity you can do to help your overall health. Whether it be mental, emotional or physical, doing something that’s considered self-care for you can affect so many aspects of your life. The result is a boost in your mood, a pep in your step and help to reduce anxiety. It can help you feel like you’re back in control which, this time of year, can be essential to mental and emotional health. Handling stressful times in your life when you’re already depleted of self-care can only make those times for challenging.
Self Care Checklist
There are so many types of self-care activities you can do. Not all of these work for everyone and not all of them may result in a positive feeling for you. But to get the juices flowing and ideas rolling, here are a few things that are good self-care habits to implement. Self-care can either be daily habits like drinking water, good sleep or exercise, to more dedicated moments like taking a weekly bath or getting a monthly massage. See which ones make you feel your best and start adding them to your routine and self-care checklist to ensure a happy mind and body.
Get A Good Night’s Sleep
Easier said than done I know, but making it a priority is half the battle. I did this post a few years back on how to get a good night’s sleep. My biggest tip? Get rid of your phone in the room! Also, lavender oil.
Keep An Eye On Your Diet
Being intentional with your diet can make a big difference in how you feel. It’s an easy time of year to let it all go to the wayside. But at least putting in the effort whenever possible can truly make a difference. My biggest tip here is to pre-plan your day. This will hold you accountable.
Don’t Skip Your Usual Routine
If you’re usually someone who works out every day or does a weekly yoga class, make sure you don’t skip it! By prioritizing these things, you’ll not only feel better, but you’ll stick to your schedule which automatically makes you feel like you’re back in control.
Set Aside YOU Time
Typically if you’re practicing self-care, it automatically results in more you time. Whether it’s taking a bubble bath, enjoying a magazine in some peace and quiet or getting in a workout, having time by yourself is key. Moreover, being alone can help you self-reflect, or let you do some quiet meditation. Try setting aside just a few minutes of “me” time and you’ll see a difference!
Drink Enough Water
Healthy habits are always great self-care and drinking enough water is so important. Drinking water is good for your skin, your digestion and can even boost your immune system. Make drinking water a bit more special by adding in some fresh herbs like basil and mint and even cucumbers.
Lean Into Your Hobbies
If there’s a hobby of yours that helps to make you feel good, lean into it more! So do you enjoy crafts like painting or games? Or does baking make you feel great? Lean into that and expand on it to include it into your daily or weekly routine.
Spend Time Outside
There are so many benefits to getting outside from getting your daily dose of Vitamin D to just increasing productivity and creativity. And who doesn’t love the smell of fresh air and the sun hitting your face? It’s an instant way to care for your mental and emotional health.
Get A Massage, Do A Face Mask Or Paint Your Nails
Self-care isn’t just a matter of daily habits and routines. It also can mean taking time to do something on a weekly, or monthly basis that helps you take care of yourself. This post about 8 things you can try this weekend for self-care has tons of great ideas. From getting a massage to painting your own nails to having a mini at-home spa day. These are fun little things you can for yourself where you’re quiet, alone, and doing something for YOU. That is after all the whole point of self-care!
Why Is Self Care Important?
Self care is so important because it helps make you a better version of yourself. The most important part of it all is a healthy relationship with you. When you can conquer that, you’ll see the positive effects of this throughout your everyday life. From how you interact with co-workers, to family and even the person at the checkout counter. When you practice self-care, you’re putting yourself first and that is the most important thing you can do for living your best life.
Self Care Gifts
With gift giving season here, why not also GIVE the gift of self-care. A few fun ideas include a massage to a local spa, an at home-spa kit like this one. Another great gift is a great eye-mask and silk pillowcase to ensure a great night’s rest. Or gift your favorite book or magazine subscription to ensure your recipient is taking time for themselves. Etsy also has some really great gift sets like this one!
Photos by Hannah Lozano
