Cue the music! It’s the most wonderful time of year again. You know – the holiday season just in time to add to your already overflowing to-do list. Well, have no fear, today’s post is all about you. Specifically, how you can make time for yourself even when you’re in the midst of family gatherings, cookie exchanges, shopping ‘til you drop and digging your way out of the latest bomb cyclone.
In this post, I have 3 tips for you on easily adding more self-care even on the most hectic of days. But if you’d like a few more tips AND a free gift, check out the Anti-Diet Life Podcast with Leah Horton. I was recently a guest on Leah’s podcast and had a great time discussing how you can Stress Less This Holiday Season. Check it out here.
The holidays are about connection, giving, love and joy. But too often, because of everything that’s going on stress levels skyrocket, and before you know it, you’re counting the days until it’s all over.
But it doesn’t have to be this way. Even amidst the holiday madness, you can find moments of calm and clarity by using simple, effective stress-relief techniques. These methods take just a few minutes but can make a world of difference in your mood and mindset.
Prioritizing yourself isn’t selfish; it’s necessary. Taking care of your mental and emotional well-being helps you show up fully for the people and traditions that matter most.
On to the tips!
Prioritize What Matters Most
As we talk about in the podcast episode, the holidays are full of all kinds of expectations, but not all of them are yours. There’s so much pressure coming towards you from all sides that it’s easy to get caught up in trying to do everything perfectly, but stepping back and asking yourself, What really matters to me this season? can help you refocus.
Try This:
Make a list of your top three holiday priorities, whether it’s spending time with loved ones, carrying on a favorite tradition, or simply relaxing.
Let go of tasks and obligations that don’t align with these priorities.
By focusing on what matters most, you’ll free up time and energy to care for yourself. And strengthen your ability to set and maintain boundaries.
Mindful Moments
The holidays can pull your attention in a million different directions. Mindfulness helps ground you in the present, reminding you to savor the beauty of the season rather than rush through it. Mindful moments can help you develop those warm holiday memories that you’ll cherish for years to come.
Try This: A 1-Minute Sensory Check-In
Stop what you’re doing and focus on your senses.
Name 3 things you can see, 2 things you can hear, and 1 thing you can touch.
This quick exercise shifts your focus away from stress and brings you back to the here and now.
Music
Music can completely change your mood. Whether you need to calm down or boost your energy, the right playlist can work wonders.
Try This: Holiday Chill Playlist
Create a playlist of your favorite calming holiday tunes.
Put on your headphones, close your eyes and take 5 minutes to immerse yourself in the music, letting it wash away your stress.
Make self-care part of your holiday traditions by adding a festive twist. It’s like a two-fer, you get to care for yourself while celebrating the holidays.
BONUS!
Holiday-Themed Self-Care Activity
Try This:
Create a gratitude list of all the things you love about the holidays.
Sip hot chocolate while listening to your favorite holiday playlist.
Spend an evening reflecting on your intentions for the upcoming year.
By tying self-care to the holiday spirit, you’ll feel more connected to the season and yourself at the same time.
Prioritizing yourself during the holiday season, isn’t just a gift to yourself, it’s a gift to everyone in your circle as it’ll allow you to approach the holidays with more energy, patience, and joy.
Want even more tips to manage holiday stress and create balance? Tune in to my podcast interview on the Anti-Diet Life podcast: Stress Less This Holiday Season with Cassandra Martin-Himmons.
You can do this, it’s all about Making Time.
Let's talk. How will you prioritize yourself this holiday season? Let me know in the comments section.
Cassandra Martin-Himmons, LMSW is a stress management coach, speaker and the author of “5 Minutes to Me.” She believes in empowering her clients to help them more easily and effectively manage their stress while increasing their self-care. In her spare time, she enjoys papercrafting, afternoon tea, hand embroidery and travel. Connect with her on Instagram or YouTube.
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