5 Tips for Self Care During the Holidays
Welcome to the busiest time of the year! As we prepare for our holiday celebrations, I want to encourage you to make a little time for yourself. During the holidays we often do many extra things for everyone else. And that's wonderful and rewarding in itself. However, it is still important that we don’t neglect or forget about our own needs. When we take great care of ourselves, we actually have more patience and more to give those we love.
Schedules are full and lives are busy, though we can usually find a way (where there’s a will, there’s a way, right?!?!) to make time for ourselves. Keep reading for my favorite quick and effective tips for self care this time of year. Simply pick your favorites and put them on your calendar, stat. You are worth it!
My Self Care Tips that carry the most bang for your buck…errrr, TIME!
1. Take a Warm Bath
Before bed draw a warm bath, and enjoy! Maybe add bubbles or Epsom salts and essential oils, my favorite! Light a candle or two, and relax into the warm waters.
Close your eyes and breath deeply or read your favorite book. (I do not recommend taking your phone into your bath, it kind of, sort of, definitely removes some of the relaxing properties of the bath.) You may even notice you sleep more deeply post relaxing bath.
2. Gratitude
Gratitude practices are nourishing for your mind, body, and spirit. Practice cultivating gratitude for the limitless wonderful things in your life. Expressing gratitude for simple things like clean water, warmth, and a home cooked meal can have a huge impact on your mindset. I encourage you to take 2-5 minutes to journal about what you’re grateful for. I also love to sit quietly, close my eyes, visualize the things I’m thankful for, and experience the joy they bring to my life. This practice is an instant mood booster and promotes greater wellbeing.
3. Take a Walk Outside
Taking a 10-20 minute walk outside is amazing for our minds and bodies. It increases your feel good hormones and gets the systems of your bodies moving. Is it chilly out? Bundle up. Breath in the cool, crisp air of winter, and practice grateful thoughts as you enjoy the great outdoors.
4. Practice Yoga
Commit to a once-weekly (or more, bonus!) yoga class. Let it be your time for yourself and put it on your calendar. Yoga will do wonders for your mind and body, releasing stress and relaxing your physiology.
If you can’t get away from the house, or an hour long class is too much of a commitment, pop in a DVD or pull up a yoga clip on You-Tube or Yogaglo.com and stream it to wherever you are. Whether on your lunch break or at home with napping kids, you can sneak in a little time for yoga and enjoy the benefits.
5. Sit in Meditation
Take 2 minutes, 5 minutes, 10 minutes, or more if you can to sit quietly. Practicing your mantra meditation, or a simple breathing exercise can alter your state to a more mellow, calm, and joyful place in as little as two minutes.
Contact me if you want more personal instruction on how to meditate, and stay tuned for some exciting new offerings in 2019!
Wishing you a joyful holiday season and a peaceful, grateful heart!
Namaste,
Natalie