The Gift of Self-Care
Take time for you | photo by @priscilladupreez—unsplash
Making yourself a priority can be difficult anytime, but it's even harder during the holidays. This week, my post focuses on ways you can take care of yourself while managing the season's craziness.
Here are eight strategies to help you take care of you—your most important asset:
Practice mindfulness
When stress overwhelms you, the sights, sounds, smells, tastes and sensations of the season and the holidays can be soothing. I know that frantic shoppers might not seem very calming, but if you take a deep breath and bring your full attention to your senses, your body will relax and you might find something new you hadn’t noticed before.
Feel your feelings—especially the difficult ones
Let yourself feel all your feelings. When you push your feelings aside, they get stored in your body where they can manifest into anxiety or depression, body aches and pains, and exhaustion. Leaning into and acknowledging what you’re feeling in the moment can reduce the stress on your body and mind.
Take time to have fun
If we’re caught up in all that needs to be done, we forget why we’re celebrating.
Enjoy what you eat
When you mindfully take time to notice what you’re eating— how it tastes, smells, and feels in your mouth— you might enjoy what you’re eating even more.
Take time each day for self-care
Self-care can be as easy as reading for pleasure or resting. Each day, spend some time doing something that nourishes your soul, body and mind.
Put moving your body on your list
Moving your body allows the stress to move through, instead of getting stuck. A short walk outside in the fresh air can work wonders!
Check in with yourself
When stress and anxiety hits ask yourself, “What do I need in this moment?” and try to take care of those needs. If your body is screaming at you to take a break and relax, then do it!
Get a good night’s sleep
A good night's sleep reduces stress, is good for your body, and does wonders for your outlook on the day.
I hope you enjoy your holiday and find some time to take care of you!
Sometimes, no matter how much you try to take care of yourself, it’s still a struggle. I understand that struggle.
You are not alone and help is available.
Elizabeth Cush is a women’s life coach, a therapist, and the creator and host of the Woman Worriers and Awaken Your Wise Woman podcasts. She’s also the founder of Progression Counseling in Annapolis, Md and has been featured in these major publications. Elizabeth helps women reduce stress and anxiety and live with more authenticity, ease and purpose. Click here if you'd like to know more about working with Elizabeth.