Holiday Self-Care: Cultivating Joy, Energy, and Balance During the Festive Season
Let's chat about something really important—taking care of yourself during the holiday season. You know, that time from Thanksgiving all the way through Christmas or Chanukah, when life gets a little (or a lot) crazy. We've all been there, right?
Why Holiday Self-Care Matters
Picture this: The Holiday is just days away; you’re planning the perfect Thanksgiving dinner, juggling work deadlines, or trying to find the right Chanukah gifts, and your in-laws just called to say they're coming early. Feeling overwhelmed yet? That's exactly why we need to talk about self-care.
Here's the surprising truth: self-care isn't selfish. It's like putting on your own oxygen mask first on a plane. Realize, I’m not talking about “Me time”… spa-like relaxation time or hanging out it your “man cave”. While “Me time” is a good thing, I’m talking about true self-care; actions and processes with enduring benefits. Taking care of yourself first actually puts you in a better position to enjoy the holidays and be there for the people you love. It’s a win-win.
Let's Tackle That Holiday Stress
- 1. Take a Breather: Please, trust me on this one. Even 4 or 5 minutes of quiet breathing or meditation can be a game-changer. Even taking two minutes to give yourself a 2-minute hand massage before leaving the bathroom, or when you're hiding in the bathroom during a hectic Christmas party.
- 2. It's Okay to Say No: You don't have to attend every holiday event or take on every request made of you. Pick what truly matters to you this Thanksgiving or Chanukah season and politely decline the rest. Your sanity will be grateful.
- 3. Your Personal Chill Kit: Create a little kit with things that help you relax. Maybe it's your favorite tea, a scented candle, or that playlist that always puts you in a good mood. Keep it handy for those moments when Christmas shopping has you stressed to the max.
Making Family Time Actually Enjoyable
- 1. Be Present: Our cell phones are ever-tempting, but commit to really be there when with your family. Whether it's during Thanksgiving dinner or while lighting the Chanukah menorah, giving your full attention in these moments makes them much more special.
- 2. Start a Fun Tradition: How about a gratitude circle before Thanksgiving dinner or a pre-Christmas meditation session with the family? Sharing feel-good activities can bring everyone closer.
- 3. Family Drama? Take a D-e-e-p Breath: We all have that one relative, or more than one, who knows how to push our buttons. When you feel yourself getting worked up, take a step back. Remember, everyone's dealing with their own stuff, especially during the holidays.
Keeping Your Energy Up
- 1. Sleep Is Your BFF: Yes, there's so much to do. But running on “empty” will only exaggerate any Holiday stresses. Try to stick to a decent sleep schedule, even with all the Christmas parties and Chanukah celebrations.
- 2. Enjoy the Treats, Mindfully: I will not tell you to skip the pumpkin pie or latkes. Just be mindful to savor them. Eat slowly and enjoy every bite. It's amazing how much more satisfying it is when you're not scarfing it down between wrapping gifts.
- 3. Move That Body: Remember the lyrics, “You’ve got to move it, move it”? A quick dance party while decorating the Christmas tree, a walk after Thanksgiving dinner, or a stretch session between Chanukah candle lighting—any movement is good movement. Movement will boost your mood and energy faster than you can say, "bring on the eggnog."
Building Your Emotional Strength
- 1. Gratitude Is Magic: Each night of Chanukah or every day leading up to Christmas, jot down three things you're grateful for. This small act that can shift your entire perspective.
- 2. Forget Perfect, Embrace Real: The picture-perfect Christmas in movies? We know that's not real life. Find the joy in the burnt cookies, the lopsided menorah, and the crazily chaotic family gatherings. That's where real magic happens.
- 3. Reach Out: If you're feeling down or stressed, don't go it alone. Text a friend, join a support group, or chat with a therapist. It's okay to ask for help—especially during the holidays,
Special Shout-outs
Teachers:
You rock! Seriously. Use this Holiday break to recharge your superpowers. Do some things that fill you up: read that book, take that bath, binge that show. You deserve it.
Parents:
I know you’re working to create magical memories while keeping tiny humans alive, safe, and out of trouble. Tag team with your partner or a friend to get some me-time, even if it's just a solo trip to buy Chanukah candles.
If You're Going Through a Tough Time:
The holidays are differently challenging when you're dealing with loss or a crisis. It's okay if you're not feeling the Thanksgiving cheer or Christmas joy. Honor where you're at, adjust traditions if you need to, and be extra gentle with yourself.
Riding the Holiday Wave and Beyond:
Self-care isn’t just for surviving the stretch from Thanksgiving to New Year's. It's about creating a life where you thrive all year round.
Every time you take a deep breath before answering a stressful call, every 'no' to an overwhelming invitation, every moment you take to do something you love—that's you building a stronger, happier, more resilient you!
As you navigate this holiday season—whether you're prepping for Thanksgiving, celebrating the eight nights of Chanukah, or decking the halls for Christmas—remember that you've got the power to shape your experience. By taking care of yourself, you're lighting up your own life and brightening the lives of those around you. How's that for a holiday miracle?
True Self-Care can begin with as little as two minutes each day. I call the most powerful self-care tools I discovered and continue to use today, “Empowered Self-Care Tools”. Two of them take less than two minutes, once learned. I call them. >> Grab the free downloadable list of my Empowered Self Care Tools here.
Take empowered care of yourself and enjoy your Holidays!
Your friend in the self-care journey, motivational speaker, and author,
Vivianne Winters Israel
—May your every day be filled with wonder.
