The festive season is crazy-beautiful. It’s the most wonderful time of the year; a welcome opportunity to relax and reconnect with friends and family. But trying to see everyone and do everything can make it one of the most stressful times of the year, too.
Christmas is a time for giving, but it’s just as important to give to yourself in order to be emotionally and physically able to give your best self to others.
Here are six tips to help you practice self-care during the festive season.
1. Pamper yourself
The hardest part is finding a couple of hours to yourself, but once you’re there, an amazing day spa session is worth every single second. Carve out some intentional downtime and give yourself the gift of a massage, facial or healing body treatment; you’ll feel immediately energised and revitalised for all the socialising ahead.
2. Outsource
One of the best gifts you can give yourself is time, and outsourcing tasks is a great way to do that. Doing a lot of entertaining this festive season? There’s nothing wrong with hiring a cleaner once or twice to help ease the load. Use AirTasker or Gumtree to outsource jobs like putting up your Christmas lights or even doing the grocery shopping! Hosting Christmas lunch or a get-together at your place? Ask everyone to bring a plate to share so you’re not stuck with all the cooking.
3. Focus on giving
Giving to others is good for the soul; making others happy will bring you happiness, too! Rather than last-minute panic-purchases, take some time to ponder the people on your Christmas list and buy thoughtful gifts that you’ll enjoy giving a much as they’ll enjoy receiving. Don’t forget you can give the gift of self-care to others too – a voucher for a relaxing massage or facial is perfect for almost anyone!
4. Eat mindfully
What’s Christmas without all the delicious food? It’s easy to let healthy eating fall by the wayside in the holidays, so while you should definitely give yourself permission to indulge, try to maintain some balance with your normal eating habits. Alternate indulgent meals with smaller, lighter ones. Take your time over meals and enjoy your food, and stop when you’re feeling full.
