Holidays are supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, but for many, they bring on a lot of stress and expectations that seem impossible to meet. Not only does this season mean a lot of running around, but our sleep schedule and diets can become negatively impacted. To avoid stress and burnout, it’s important to have a self-care checklist in place.
Here are some self-care tips that will not only get you through the holidays, but you make actually end up enjoying the festive celebrations.
It’s Okay to Say No
You shouldn’t feel obligated to overspend on gifts or to attend all the parties you have been invited to; it’s important to set limits. It’s not selfish to put your needs first and you shouldn’t feel guilty doing it.
Slow Down
It always seems that we are saving the gift buying for our friends and loved ones until the last minute. If you plan ahead, this task won’t seem so overwhelming. Even if you do end up waiting until right before the holidays, stressing yourself out about it isn’t doing you any good; take your time and enjoy the experience.
Let Go of Expectations
We always expect the holiday times to be magical and perfect and when this doesn’t happen we feel let down. The season can be extremely lonely for many people, as it may be the first holiday you are spending without a loved one or with financial difficulties. Instead of trying to reach your unattainable expectations, enjoy the here and now and be thankful for the little things.
