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Looking for the best self-care tips for the holidays?
The holidays can be a busy time of year. There’s no rest for the serious blogger or business owner! This is especially true if you work retail or own an online store. I remember how stressful it was working as assistant store manager at a major retail store during the holidays, which I talk about in my book, Stress Size: How My Hunger for Control Almost Killed Me.
I’m all about pursuing personal growth, building your blog, and growing your business. However, I also believe in balance. Self-care is essential to optimal health, especially if you’re a blogger or business owner who’s also dealing with chronic illness or mental health issues. That’s why I’ve put together this list of self-care tips to help you get through the holiday season.
Keep reading and listen to the Chronically Conscious podcast to learn how you can take care of yourself during the holidays.
Holiday Self-Care Tips
1. Find ways of de-stressing.
Read an inspiring book, watch a holiday movie, sip some hot cocoa, or sit by the warm fire. Do something that calms you down, distracts you from the holiday hubbub, or recharges your batteries. You may have a lot to do, but you’ll feel better and be more productive if you schedule time for de-stressing.
As busy entrepreneurs ourselves, this is one of our biggest self-care tips: take a break. Relaxation is essential to stress relief and can help reduce anxiety and alleviate depression.
2. Don’t forget about savoring the moment.
In all of the hustle and bustle of the season, take time to enjoy the little things. Bask in the glow of the Christmas lights, taste a snowflake, or enjoy the company of your friends and family.
Savoring the moment can help you appreciate the magic and wonder of this time of year. Having an attitude of gratitude can also help stave off the seasonal “winter blues” known as seasonal affective disorder (SAD), which affects over 5% of the population each year.
Remember, the reason for the season isn’t to buy a bunch of stuff for people you don’t like or receive a mountain of gifts you don’t need. The best present you can give yourself and to your loved ones is presence.
3. Focus on simplifying your life.
Find ways to do less, not more. If you’re feeling pressure to do #allthethings, impress the in-laws, or cook up a Christmas storm, take a step back and ask yourself: What REALLY needs to be done?
Often, we stress out about things that aren’t really that important. To maximize efficiency, follow this piece of advice from real estate mogul, Gary Keller, in his productivity life-hack book, The ONE Thing:
“What’s the ONE thing you can do, such that by doing it, everything else will be easier or unnecessary?”
– Gary Keller
While it may seem that your shopping and to-do list is never-ending, there’s a light at the end of the Christmas tree tunnel, and that’s this little stocking stuffer of wisdom: you don’t really have to do #allthethings. Prioritize, do the most important thing(s) first, and let go of the rest.
4. Schedule time for resting.
Even if you’re busy blogging or building your business, resist the urge to work for hours on end. Create a routine of resting. You don’t have to take a nap if you’re not tired, but do something to give your body and brain a rest.
If you’re a blogger or online entrepreneur, it’s a good idea to periodically shift your eyes away from your computer screen, get up and stretch, or walk around your home or office. You might find it helpful to set a timer to remind you to take a break, like with the Pomodoro technique, or simply make it a point to rest on the hour or half-hour.
Plus, taking a break will give you an excuse to eat a ginger snap cookie!
5. Start finalizing your plans for the new year.
Plan your budget and set your goals for the new year. Creating a vision for your life, blog, and/or business will give you something to look forward to while you’re standing in line at the department store. So while you’re wrapping presents or attempting to chew your way through that suspicious fruit cake, remember that you have a bright future ahead of you.
Conclusion
Remember, the reason for the season is peace and love, not stress and anxiety. You can’t be the gift that keeps on giving if you don’t first give to yourself. Take care of yourself, and enjoy the holiday season. Self-care is the best way not just to survive, but to thrive, no matter what the time of year.
For more self-care tips, get your self-care checklist.
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