In last week’s post (I am the Grinch) I shared a conversation with my husband about different types of anxiety, which led me down a path thinking about ways to KEEP the calm rather than have to restore it. Sort of like the old adage, “prevention is the best medicine,” I think self care works better if you do a little bit every day rather than block off a full afternoon of “me time.” It’s more reasonable, manageable and SUSTAINABLE.
With that in mind, I wanted to share a list of ideas with you, with the caveat that self care looks different for everyone.
Let me say that again: Self care looks different for everyone.
Just like in a physical yoga class, the shape YOUR body makes in a pose, where you find the sensation, is different for everyone. Self care is no different. It is not one size fits all, and what recharges and re-energizes me may not be the thing that you need. There may be things on this list that don’t resonate with you at all and there may absolutely be things missing.
The POINT of self care is simply to take a moment (or two or three if you can spare the time) to reset and fill your own cup in some way. Find a little time to “keep the calm” rather than deplete yourself completely. And most importantly, do what works for YOU to make this happen:
1. Address christmas cards while watching a guilty pleasure holiday movie
2. Bake goodies while listening to your favorite holiday music
3. Go for a walk with a friend
4. Drink a holiday flavored tea / cider / hot chocolate
5. Sleep in
6. Read for 10 minutes
7. Do something nice for a stranger
8. Do something nice for a neighbor
9. Include yourself on your holiday shopping list
10. Hydrate
11. Take 5-10 minutes in the middle of the day to just sit and breathe
12. Say NO to holiday “obligations” that make the season harder for you
13. Remind yourself that your PRESENCE is more important than PRESENTS.
14. Eat well, indulge in treats in moderation
15. Sing. Loudly!
16. Donate to your favorite charity (with time or money or used goods donations)
17. Enjoy a holiday lights display — a professional one, or just drive around a well lit / decorated neighborhood.
18. Stay active, don’t forget to exercise
19. Decorate your home with bits of holiday cheer
20. Work on a puzzle or brain game of some kind (crossword, sudoku, etc)
21. Go to bed early
22. Make a list of your most fun and memorable moments from the last year
23. Repeat a mantra or affirmation to yourself (ex: I am enough, I am kind, I am brave, etc).
24. Set social media limits
25. Take a nap
26. Write in your journal
27. Remind yourself it’s not your job to make the holiday magical
28. Complete a nagging taks
29. Have a dance party
30. Smile
Enjoy! And let me know what you tried 🙂 Happy Holidays!
