The Season for Self-Care

40 Self-Care ideas to help you through the holidays

‘Tis the season… for self-care!

 

Holidays can be stressful even when you are excited about all of the festivities, so it should come as no surprise that if you are going through any type of difficulty or crisis, the holiday season will likely be complicated. Many people are struggling with hidden grief, illness, depression, anxiety, financial difficulties, or just increased stress in general.

It is normal to feel sad or angry about memories related to the holidays, or to feel triggered by familiar routines, songs, and gatherings that you “should” be enjoying.  You might notice tension, dread, or even feel numb, as if you are operating on autopilot. It is important not to guilt or shame ourselves about these feelings but rather acknowledge them, and place a higher importance on caring for ourselves, first. Don’t worry- your ability to care for others will return, but balancing your own system takes priority.

 

 

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40 ways to begin caring for yourself this season

1. Check in with your current feelings, and determine what your biggest need is (use the wiseheart worksheet here)

2. Take a walk outside.

3. Stretch or practice yoga.

4. Try a meditation- the Headspace app is a great place to start.

5. Take a photo of something that makes you smile (bonus if you use that picture as your screensaver on your phone or computer).

6. Hug yourself or someone you love for at least 1 minute.

7. Light a candle and breathe deeply. If negative thoughts arise, acknowledge them, then let them go.

8. Make a list of people you can call if you’re having a rough day – or moment. (BONUS: CALL ONE!)

9. LAUGH

10. Listen to a positive playlist, or make one of your own.

11. Read a new book (BONUS: read an uplifting, spiritual, or motivating book)

12. Pet an animal

13. Smile at a stranger

14. Play a fun board game

15. Dance with reckless abandon

16. Set a healthy boundary

17. State a need you have out loud

18. Create a gratitude journal entry

19. Add one healthy ritual into your daily life

20. Sing loudly without caring who hears you

21. Visit a place you have never been to before

22. Garden or get your hands in some dirt

23. Eat a healthy, veggie-rich meal

24. Drink 1/2 your body weight in ounces today (so if you are 120 lbs, drink at least 60 oz of water)

25. Paint, draw, build, color – allow yourself to be creative for at least 5 minutes

26. Organize one area in your living space

27. Find one way to give to others that also brings YOU joy – and do it

28. Watch a comedy

29. Breathe deeply while reciting a prayer or positive mantra

30. Schedule at least 5 minutes of spontaneous play into your day

31. Try one new thing and don’t think about it or plan it too much

32. Ask for help even if its with something small

33. Think about what you’re especially good at, and do it today

34. Take care of a nagging task that keeps getting ignored

35. Curl up with a blanket and drink a cup of hot lemon water or tea

36. Give some purposeful attention to something you usually ignore

37. Cook or bake a favorite meal/treat

38. Watch the sunrise or sunset

39. Write a letter to someone you are thankful for

40. Do nothing and cross this number off just because you deserve it

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This list is meant to help you begin a self-care routine, and I encourage you to start with this list, note which activities refresh you the most, and add more ideas as you go. It is also important to remember that holiday celebrations can be changed in any way we wish them to be; we only need to take time to decide what those changes look like to us, and communicate those with friends and loved ones.

In addition, while self-care is a great start, if you have experienced trauma, grief, or are spending much of your time feeling worried or sad, counseling is an important way to filter out what you need most, and gain coping skills for your specific situation.

For more information on self-care basics, click here. 

Want to join me for FREE parent & tot yoga this holiday season? Click here for more details

For weekly inspiration & updates, follow Aspire New Braunfels on instagram & facebook. 

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Gillian Amaro, LPC-S

I believe that we, as individuals, can create joy, love, and purpose in our lives through authentic connection. I love empowering women, couples & teens to find insight as they balance their bodies, minds & hearts. I am a Licensed Professional Counselor & Supervisor and I  offer individual, family & couples sessions, as well as group therapy. My passion for counseling & healthy communication includes stepping out of the office to facilitate workshops and CEU trainings.

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