From now until the end of the year, blogs, TV shows and news articles will be feeding us information about how to survive the holidays. They will encourage us to strengthen our self-control and increase gym time. They will give us tips on how to reduce stress and save calories. They’ll tell us how to do more with less time and money. Do whatever you can to get by without melting down and gaining a few pounds.
I don’t know about you but I don’t just want to survive the holidays… I want to thrive through the holidays.
Yet, with so much to do and think about this time of year, I could easily allow my self-care to wane and thriving would go right out the window. There are gift lists to plan out, gatherings and travel to arrange, and time off to design. It’s a fun, festive time of year but it could be easy to find myself over-busy and stretched thin.
Yes, it’s a season of giving but many of us give everything we’ve got to others. That means shortcuts on meals, skipping the gym, and less time to ourselves. Even more, extra activities and more people to consider can lead to heightened stress and fatigue.
It’s during these times that our self-care often wanes – just when we need it the most.
I know… at times, SOMEthing has to give. But try to look ahead past the holidays and ask yourself how you’d like to feel when it’s all said and done.
I want to be able to spread joy, spend time with loved ones, and share in the tradition of giving. I also want to feel rested, content, and at ease when it’s over rather than tired, worn out, and frumpy. I’m certain, though, that I won’t feel well unless I get enough sleep, move my body, eat reasonable amounts of good food, and pause, even if only for a few moments here and there. I know because when I’m over-tired, I’m more likely to eat crappy food and too many holiday treats. When I don’t exercise, I feel creaky and sluggish. And when I don’t take time to pause, I get cranky.
The holidays are a time to connect with what’s most meaningful. Taking care of yourself has meaning in and of itself but it will also allow you to be at your best so you can be present and engaged in your holiday activities.
I hope you find joy in giving to others this holiday season – but I hope you give to yourself as well. So when you’re planning your holidays, think about ways you can treat your body with kindness and compassion even during the busyness of the season.
Share the ways you’ll care for your body during the holidays!
