STRESS LESS THIS HOLIDAY SEASON: 10 SELF-CARE IDEAS
I know it’s hard to believe but the holidays are fast approaching. As I sit down to write this, Thanksgiving is only 3 weeks away, and there are only 60 days left before Christmas.
That means today is the best time to start planning your family dinners, employee parties, open houses, New Year’s happenings, and other festive occasions.
What’s more, the pandemic will make this holiday season like no other.
After a year in lockdown, we’re all ready to make up for lost time and enjoy ourselves. This year the hugs, celebration with friends and family, parties with friends, and simply sharing cheerful, spirited moments in-person with others, will mean more than ever.
But wait!!
- Does the thought of all this cause your stomach to churn and burn?
- Do you feel 50 pounds of pressure on your shoulders?
As you continue to read, choose at least three of these stress reliever ideas, take a deep breath, grab a calendar and mark dates you will complete these self-care tasks.
Then enjoy the ride!
Self-care is an essential part of well-being. Your co-workers, spouse, kids, family, friends beg you to take a day and re-energize, but you just don’t know what to do with that time.
Everyone has a different idea of what it means to take a self-care day. Listen to your body and mind. When it tells you it needs a break, you must listen and just do it. You need to choose the self-care plan that is best for you.
TEN SELF-CARE IDEAS CREATED FOR YOU!
Get your snacks and beverages ready to go. Maybe you have a list of movies you want to see or maybe you need to put together a list but the intention is to have fun!
Watching a good movie relieves stress and allows a temporary enjoyable escape.
4. ROAD TRIP
Taking a day to go on a road trip can reduce stress, it gives you a sense of renewal, it can boost your happiness, and it should produce a feeling of resiliency.
Travel for pleasure is known to decrease depression and anxiety.
5. TAKE A HKE
A hike in nature or the beach provides a connection with the natural world. When we’re tied up with work and raising a family, our self-care goes out the window!
Whether you hike in the desert, the mountains, through a forest, or on the beach, it will be relaxing, calming, and meditative. Your muscles will get a workout while you gain clarity around your thoughts and enjoy a 180 degree shift in your stress.
6. READ A BOOK
Plan a few hours of time to just sit, relax outdoors, grab a cup of java, and read that book you’ve always wanted to enjoy. You can also download a book onto your ipad, smartphone and listen to a great audiobook while you’re relaxing.
7. ADOPT A PET
Adopting a pet not only helps the animal out of a tough situation but also provides a huge emotional benefit to you. Helping an animal releases endorphins that create happiness. Owning a pet decreases loneliness and offers unconditional love and affection.
Don’t want a long-term commitment?
Check out many of the animal rescues to foster a cat or dog. I have been fostering dogs in need this year and I can personally tell you this is very rewarding!
Most Humane Societies offer foster care. I live in Arizona and if you are in my state you can click this website to learn more about fostering an animal.
8. MEDITATION AND A DAY OF PRAYER
A quiet place, a soothing environment, breathing exercises, and meditation and/or prayer are things you can do to focus on yourself and a greater being that don’t cost money and bring BIG benefits.
Sometimes we get so busy; we forget to slow down and just focus on our great life. We really should focus on all the abundance that surrounds us.
Having a day to simply sit in meditation and/or prayer can help clear our minds, express gratitude, and convey our wishes for the future.
9. BUBBLE BATH, MUSIC & CANDLES
Pampering yourself at home with a warm bubble bath, music, and candles is therapeutic and revitalizing for your body, mind, and spirit.
Schedule enough time to pamper yourself in that warm bathtub with bubbles and candles all around you.
10. TEETH WHITENING AT HOME SESSION
If I were to ask you, "What is one thing you would like to change about your smile, what would your answer be?"
If you’re like most, you will answer by saying, “I want whiter teeth!”
And your wish is my command!
Using Celebrity Smiles Wireless LED Teeth Whitening Kit takes as little as 10 minutes and you will be at least 2 shades whiter if you are whitening for your 1st time.
You can also multi-task while you whiten because it’s wireless and waterproof. Plus, it's super easy to use and you'll end up feeling really great about your beautiful smile!
Check it out here because we have a holiday special just for you!
FINAL THOUGHTS
There is only one you. Taking care of yourself physically, emotionally, mentally, and spiritually is your most critical task. No one else can do it for you.
Imagine, taking care of “YOU” is like drinking from the Fountain of Youth. No one can do this for you however, if you will do this for yourself, you will be much better off today and in your future.
The magic is in your hands.
You must be the one to make it happen!
Make the time, schedule something special just for you every week. This can be a stressful time of year but you can choose to make it a wonderful time of year.
You know you’re worth it. You’ve earned it.
Be at peace, share love and a smile.
Best of all……..HAPPY HOLIDAYS!