The holidays can be the most wonderful time and the most stressful time of the year.
The pandemic has made that all the more real. Taking care of yourself first is the only way to ensure that you can take care of everything else. So before you wrap all your gifts or plan the amazing holiday feast, here are 5 things to help you get back to you.
Take time for yourself.
Even though it seems like we are isolated and alone right now, so much of that time is still not spent on ourselves. For example, working remotely you may be alone. That doesn’t mean you’re giving yourself the attention you need. Whether it’s going for a walk by yourself to get some sunshine or reading a book you’ve wanted to get into, take a few moments each day to just be with yourself.
Turn off the electronics.
So much of our days are spent on our phones, computers, or in front of the TV. With so much media coming at us all the time, it can be hard to get to quiet spaces in our minds. Turning off the electronics and coming down from the electricity/media circus helps us relax.
Take a nap.
Sleep is so important for a balanced life. When we don’t get enough sleep, it can lead to a myriad of other health issues. It also makes it harder to get through our every day because of things like brain fog. Our days can be so packed we don’t think we have time for a nap. Sometimes, that short nap can be the difference between clear thinking and forgetting everything on our lists.
Do a random act of kindness.
When we are isolated from our community, it’s hard to know what specific needs our friends, neighbors, and family have. Since we aren’t seeing people regularly, those usual check ins aren’t happening. Does your neighbor need their walkway shoveled or their garbage bins taken to the street? Can you give $10 to the local food bank? Can you send someone a “thinking of you” note or card? I always feel better when I see how a simple give makes someone’s day.
Go make a snow angel.
For a moment, you go back to the innocence and wonder of being a child. It reminds you what the world is like without stress, worry, and anxiety. The sensation of cold snow on your skin takes you to snow days, sledding, snowmen, snowballs, and play. Go ahead. Go play in the snow.
We care about you. You are important.