This Holiday Season…Take Time for Number One
17 Dec 2008 ~ Categories: blog • face • mind • wellness
This time of year it’s so darned easy to get pulled into the holiday momentum in a not so healthy way.
Are you feeling obligated to attend every last get-together while simultaneously crunching in work deadlines, shopping for gifts amidst the retail mayhem, hosting family, hanging decorations and trying to do it with a tighter budget and a smile on your face?
Well, that’s just crazy, isn’t it? Things can quickly become very overwhelming. Overwhelming and stressful.
I find it useful to remind myself that it’s normal to feel a little sluggish as the days get shorter and chillier. There was frost on the ground this morning as I took my morning walk. It even looked like there was snow in San Francisco on Monday morning since all the hail that fell the night before had piled up on street corners. It was a rare site and proof that winter is mere days away. Here she comes, the season of hibernation. We either choose to invite her in with a warm welcome or she comes blowing the door down anyway.
Biologically, in fact, our bodies are designed to go into a semi-state of hibernation this time of year. Of course, that’s not what ends up happening in our modern Western world. Still, there are ways to slow down even during the frenzied month of December. Here are some effective tips I’ve cultivated in my own life to help ease the pandemonium of the holidays.
Just Say No…To Evites
Ask yourself, if I say no to this party, will I really be missed? Okay, so you’ll be missed. But will you be missed to the extent that it’s worth stretching yourself thin to make this happen? Pick and choose your social outings based on what will make YOU happy, not what you feel obligated to attend.
One for Me, One for You
While you’re opting out of mad socializing, take the extra time to do something nice for yourself. Indulge in a restorative yoga class, treat yourself to a relaxing massage, or maybe just a nice hot bath.
You at the Top of the List
Put yourself at the top of your holiday shopping list. Even if it’s just a candle or some bath salts, give yourself a token of appreciation. Truly, I believe that we best serve others and the world by taking care of ourselves first so we are better equipped to give wholeheartedly and generously to others. I’m still working on this one myself, but I’ve made a lot of progress that shows me this lesson is a good one. Give it a try with me.
Wallow in Sleep
Get in bed a little earlier, at least once a week. Light a candle. Sip a warm cup of tea, hot milk with honey or hot apple cider. Crack open the book that you’ve been wanting to read, but have been too tired and too busy to pause for. Read a few well-deserved pages. Drift off into a sweet slumber. (Remember to blow out your candle first. A house fire would not be relaxing.)
Revel in Food
‘Tis the season. This time of year a little more food is called for. Go ahead, have some comfort food. Satisfying a yearning for comforting food can help prevent over snacking on sweets or junk. If you go easy on the alcohol then having a little more comfort food won’t result in weight gain. Enjoy the warmth of stews and soups. Remember to eat foods in season like root veggies and dark leafy greens with fortifying vitamins and minerals. Opt for cooked foods instead of raw for easier digestion during cold winter months. Keep your internal system warm and well fed. You’ll be healthier and more satisfied.
Don’t Worry Your Pretty Head
Go easy on yourself. Worrying less results in a sparkling glow from the inside out and fewer wrinkles. It’s proven. Don’t worry too much about the consequences of these simple suggestions above. None of these things are harmful to your health. Any lingering guilt you may have, toss it away. Plus, that’s what New Year’s Resolutions are for.
Have a little fun with taking care of yourself, as well as others, this season. Give yourself permission to hibernate a little too and send yourself into the New Year feeling healthy, balanced and recharged.
Take time for number one,
Amy
