{"id":36769,"date":"2022-12-12T16:35:40","date_gmt":"2022-12-12T21:35:40","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.massagebook.com\/massage-therapy\/?p=36769"},"modified":"2022-12-12T16:41:39","modified_gmt":"2022-12-12T21:41:39","slug":"self-care-ideas-for-the-holidays","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/massagebook.com\/massage-therapy\/self-care-ideas-for-the-holidays\/","title":{"rendered":"Self-Care Ideas for the Holidays"},"content":{"rendered":"

1. Create a better nighttime routine<\/h2>\n

Children are not the only ones who benefit from a nighttime routine.\u00a0<\/span>Studies have proven<\/span><\/a>\u00a0that having a routine before bed increases your quality of rest. Allowing your mind and body to prepare for sleep is essential.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

If you\u2019re like the majority of Americans, you\u2019re likely watching television, scrolling your phone, and then brushing your teeth before bed. But this doesn\u2019t qualify as routine!<\/span><\/p>\n

Reducing the time you\u2019re 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Once you\u2019ve 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\u00a0<\/span>fish pose<\/span><\/a>\u00a0or\u00a0<\/span>cat\/cow pose<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Next, take your time while completing your skincare routine. Again, you\u2019re in no rush.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Lastly, turn on some calming music or sounds to lull you to sleep.\u00a0You may even want to\u00a0try some aromatherapy<\/a>\u00a0(body lotion, pillow spray, or lighting a candle) with a calming fragrance like lavender.<\/span><\/p>\n

2. Plan your week on Sunday night<\/h2>\n

You\u2019ve undoubtedly heard of the \u201cSunday scaries,\u201d which is how people describe the impending dread of another week and tasks looming…<\/p>\n

But that doesn\u2019t have to be you!<\/p>\n

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!<\/p>\n

Now that your week is planned, you can hit the hay knowing you have a handle on what needs accomplishing.<\/p>\n

3. Book your massages in advance<\/h2>\n

During the holidays, it can feel impossible to squeeze it all in. Still, you don\u2019t want to lose sight of your self-care during this incredibly stressful season. So grab your calendar and\u00a0<\/span>book your massage appointments<\/span><\/a>\u00a0now.<\/span><\/p>\n

\u00a0If they\u2019re on your calendar, you\u2019re much more likely to keep them and plan around them rather than trying to fit them in between work obligations and family commitments.<\/span><\/p>\n

4. Listen to your body<\/h2>\n

Behind every magical holiday moment, there is a person (or people) working very hard to make it happen. Therefore, it\u2019s important to prioritize your health throughout the holidays because it\u2019s impossible to have fun if you\u2019re in pain or experiencing burnout.<\/p>\n

Here are a few examples of how you can listen to your body and make good choices for your health:<\/p>\n