Self-Care Ideas for the Holidays

1. Create a better nighttime routine

Children are not the only ones who benefit from a nighttime routine. Studies have proven that having a routine before bed increases your quality of rest. Allowing your mind and body to prepare for sleep is essential.

If you’re like the majority of Americans, you’re likely watching television, scrolling your phone, and then brushing your teeth before bed. But this doesn’t qualify as routine!

Reducing the time you’re exposed to blue light (screens of all sizes) before bed is essential to balancing your circadian rhythm. So, first things first: turn off the TV and plug in your phone somewhere not on your nightstand. It will be less tempting if you have to get up to retrieve it.

Once you’ve unplugged, the first thing you can do is dim the lights or use a lamp instead of an overhead light. Then engage in some light stretching. If you sit at your computer all day, you can counteract the hunching with heart openers such as the fish pose or cat/cow pose.

Next, take your time while completing your skincare routine. Again, you’re in no rush.

Lastly, turn on some calming music or sounds to lull you to sleep. You may even want to try some aromatherapy (body lotion, pillow spray, or lighting a candle) with a calming fragrance like lavender.

2. Plan your week on Sunday night

You’ve undoubtedly heard of the “Sunday scaries,” which is how people describe the impending dread of another week and tasks looming…

But that doesn’t have to be you!

Set aside 15 minutes each Sunday afternoon or evening and write down an exhaustive list of what you need to accomplish personally and at work. Next, circle the most important tasks and separate those into the days you need to do them. The rest can wait!

Now that your week is planned, you can hit the hay knowing you have a handle on what needs accomplishing.

3. Book your massages in advance

During the holidays, it can feel impossible to squeeze it all in. Still, you don’t want to lose sight of your self-care during this incredibly stressful season. So grab your calendar and book your massage appointments now.

If they’re on your calendar, you’re much more likely to keep them and plan around them rather than trying to fit them in between work obligations and family commitments.

4. Listen to your body

Behind every magical holiday moment, there is a person (or people) working very hard to make it happen. Therefore, it’s important to prioritize your health throughout the holidays because it’s impossible to have fun if you’re in pain or experiencing burnout.

Here are a few examples of how you can listen to your body and make good choices for your health:

If you’re prone to back pain or suffer from pinched nerves, enlist help with decorations.
If you suffer from sciatic pain, introduce a nightly hip stretch routine.
If you get sick fairly easily, keep up your routine hand washing and reduce your time in large crowds.
Try probiotics to boost your immune system and keep your gut running smoothly.

5. Set boundaries with relatives about travel and gifting expectations early

Traveling is supposed to be a fun experience, but it can get hectic during the holidays. Long lines, big crowds, unexpected weather, and cancellations can fuel stress. So it’s essential to plan and communicate with your friends and family early.

Set expectations for departures and arrivals. Set contingency plans in case of illness or cancellations. Then talk about what events you’d like to attend or anything you’d like to skip.

Ultimately, setting these clear boundaries will help keep your anxiety and stress at bay, and your family will appreciate knowing your game plan well in advance.

We’d love to hear from you! What are your favorite self-care activities that help you reduce stress and reintroduce mindfulness during the holidays? Tell us in the comments!