Just because you have a lot to do during the holidays doesn’t mean you shouldn’t take time for yourself. In fact, it’s especially crucial for you to pause amid the hustle and bustle to destress and focus on your emotional and mental health.
Here are six things you should add to your holiday to-do list to help you take care of you!
Keep Your Healthy Habits
Maintaining healthy habits during this busy season is one of the best ways to beat stress. Be sure to get enough sleep, eat well and stay physically active. Keep up with your normal daily routine: workouts, book club, self-care time. Try to fit your holiday obligations into your normal routine rather than letting those obligations upset your life.
Be Realistic
Make a list of what you expect from yourself, what others expect from you and your responsibilities for the holidays. Mark them on a calendar so you can see what your holiday schedule will look like. Then get comfortable with the idea that you don’t have to do everything and everything doesn’t have to be perfect.
Accept that it’s OK if you get sad or lonely. If you’re coping with mental health concerns, they won’t go away just because of the holidays. Keep up your emotional health habits. If you’re particularly overwhelmed, talk to your emotional health professional about how to handle everything on
your plate.
Do Less
The spirit of the season may lead you to overcommit your time. When you’re looking at your calendar or to-do list, be fair to yourself. Decide what’s most important to you or where you most want to go. It’s OK to say “no” to some invitations, projects and commitments.
This goes for traditions as well. It’s perfectly fine to change traditions over time and to create new traditions to fit the evolving lifestyles of you, your family and friends.
Reach Out
Despite what may seem like an influx of social interaction, feelings of loneliness and isolation can spike between October and January. Look for new ways to socialize — such as volunteering, or simply reach out to the people you care about and who care about you.
Take a Walk
A winter walk is not just an easy way to exercise when your schedule seems packed. Sunlight offers a feel-good burst of serotonin and can help fight seasonal affective disorder. The rhythm and repetition of walking has a tranquilizing effect, decreasing anxiety and improving sleep.
Make Small Adjustments
Focus on little things that can help you relax. Disconnecting from your phone can help you separate from the demands of people in your life, your calendar and your to-do list. Listening to your favorite music can also lighten your mood. Small adjustments that won’t make or break your routine can be the little added boost you need to bring joy back to the holiday season.
