The holidays can be the most wonderful time of the year, I seriously live for it. I love time with family, the festivities, all the December events with friends, the coziness and the movies. But, at the same time, it can be a period that’s really busy and consumes a lot of energy. After this happy yet hectic month, my heart is so full, but I also feel like need a good long nap and to refuel. So, here are a few ways I’m taking care of myself after the holidays through mindfulness and self care.
STAYING HYDRATED
This is something I’m working on in general, not just after the holidays. But, I find that I always feel particularly dehydrated this time of year. A mix of the weather, the increase of caffeine, and sometimes I just forget to drink water when I’m busy getting gifts or prepping for gatherings. I always feel so much better when I’m well hydrated! From my skin, to my headaches, to my general energy levels, staying hydrated just makes me more comfortable overall. I ordered this water bottle from Simple Modern that’s already helping me consume more H20. I’m not a huge teal gal, but love this color!
FOCUSING ON SLEEP HYGIENE
My sleep patterns always get thrown off a bit between Thanksgiving to New Years. A combination of excitement and later evenings, as well as a sprinkle of social anxiety. I get social anxiety even when I genuinely want to be somewhere or with someone! It has little to do with that. It’s more that I get internally overwhelmed and I enter this state of overstimulation. That feeling can keep me up all night, so practicing good sleep hygiene is key! Getting in bed at a certain time, turning off devices, reading my devotional, taking my CBD, and wearing cozy pajamas all help have a restful and restorative night.
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WALKING
I want to start by making it clear that the time after the holidays is not a period where you need to change your physical appearence! Health comes in many shapes and sizes, life is about balance, and what matters is that you FEEL good. For me, part of feeling good is movement. I see walking as two-fold, it’s good for physical health and it’s also incredibly beneficial for mental health. Walking allows me clear my mind, releases endorphins, helps with anxiety, and start the day with fresh air, sunshine and a change of scenery. I didn’t go on as many walks during the holidays as I normally do, and that is completely okay! But, I know that walking will help me in my post-holiday reset to start my days on a happy and clear mental note.
JOURNALING
A favorite way to practice mindfulness and reflect on how I’m feeling is through journaling. It can be a very cathartic and healing process. It’s actually helped me be more assertive with others about how I feel, something I used to struggle with immensely. I also find that journaling lessens my anxiety in general, because I just write everything out and work through it on paper. Aside from the healing properties of journaling, it’s also just a wonderful way to capture memories and preserve special moments from the holiday season. I hope to look back on my journals one day and feel that sense of nostalgia as I look back on what we did that year.
WORKING ON CREATIVE PROJECTS
Whether I’m working on a DIY project, painting a room, needlepointing, or anything in-between, I always have a creative project on deck. As a kid, I had a visual & auditory processing disorder that made a lot of things tough. But, artistic and athletic things were not stressful for me, so, I poured my heart into horses and art (yes, I was a horse girl!) Art really became part of who I am, I even minored in Studio Art in college. I say this because I’m not a great artist, I never really was, but I love art. I love creating. I think it’s so important to honor your interests and not focus on how “good” you are at things according to societal standards. Chances are, you probably are good at whatever it is you love, because when you love something, that’s when true greatness occurs! Creative projects fill my cup and bring a balance to my days. So whatever your hobby is, lean into it in this season whenever it feels natural for you.
Wise advice, especially the part about creativity.
This is an excellent collective of topics we touch upon daily. Thank you for sharing your highlights of best practices for healthy living, not only around the holidays, but applicable to year-round life as well.