Before rushing into all of the festivities, take time for self care during this holiday season.
Christmas time is the season for giving, celebrating, and joy. But in recent years, this season has been full of stress. With all of the parties and gifts, the month of December can come and go with a flash, leaving you stressed and frazzled without having the opportunity to enjoy the season.
Take care of yourself first so that you will be better able to enjoy the season with minimal stress.
Plan Everything
Planning helps to control stress levels. Gather all of the event invites. List out everything you need for each event: outfit, food, gift, etc. Create a list of people you would like to give gifts to and jot down some items you think they would like. List out food for your large dinners, all of the recipes and ingredients needed. Set the days you will go out shopping and days you will intentionally stay in to rest.
Set a Budget
Take a good look at your current finances to see how much you can reasonably spend this season. It would be great if you saved all year in a “holiday fun” account, but if you didn’t, no worries, you can start that next year.
Based on your complete planning lists, go through to see what you can actually afford to do.
You may have to skip out on some events that require a new outfit or choose to repeat outfits for multiple events.
Maybe you need to decrease your gift list to only give to immediate family instead of family, friends, and your office. Or you could choose to give small, creative, inexpensive gifts.
Give yourself a holiday season budget. This should include everything you need. Try to stick to the budget as closely as you can. Decide on a reward for yourself to partake in in January if you are able to stick to your holiday season budget.
Get Cozy for Self Care
Set aside time each week for a cozy treat. That could be snuggling on the couch with your favorite blanket to watch a Christmas movie or read your favorite winter time book. Take a weekend trip to a small town that loves Christmas to live out your Hallmark dreams. Stick to your daily routines including health and fitness routines, morning and night routines, and creative and hobby routines.
Say No
At this point, we’ve heard this before and will probably continue hearing it, but it is so necessary for your own mental health. You might not be able to commit to every event you’re invited to and that’s okay. It doesn’t matter the reason. In the words of Marie Kondo, “it must spark joy.” If you see an invite and immediately feel dread or a sense of obligation instead of excitement and joy, then don’t go. Say no to yourself. Set boundaries on what you watch. This season may be difficult for you for a variety of reasons. It might be helpful to not watch Christmas movies.
Complete Goals for Self Care
Check off a goal you haven’t completed yet. We’ve all set goals in the beginning of the year and some of them go without being touched. As a commitment to yourself, think about one of those goals or anything that you’ve been putting off and complete it during this season. You will have a sense of accomplishment and show that you are a priority in your own life.
Remember to take time out for yourself this holiday season to minimize stress and have a joyful time.