Self-care is often overlooked. Especially this year, as stress and uncertainty has taken over a majority of our lives. Nonetheless, the concept of self-care is extremely important, as it helps encourage maintaining a healthy relationship with yourself and others.
With the holidays coming up, stress seems to consume us even more due to the pressures that accompany the holiday season — travel plans, hosting relatives and finding the perfect gifts for all your friends and family. So this year, gift yourself by filling your December calendar with some holiday self-care!
Below is a list of self-care ideas to get you started so you can nourish yourself for the holidays.
Write Yourself a Love Letter
An important aspect of self-care is being kind to yourself and practicing self-love, so start by writing yourself a thoughtful love letter. Write down things you love and admire about yourself, no matter how big or small they might be. If you are in need of a place to begin, check out this printable self-love letter to get you started.
Take a Walk
Lace up your walking shoes and get outside for some fresh air. Even if you can only get out for a small increment of time, taking a walk in nature provides both physical and mental health benefits. Research suggests that spending time outside reduces stress levels, lowers heart rate and stimulates the immune system. Exercise also helps release endorphins which helps boost your mood so kill two birds with one stone by making it a hike or jog.
Self Reflection Journaling
One fantastic way to calm the mind and unwind after a long stressful day is to journal. Practicing self-reflection journaling can help you set goals for yourself, become more mindful or have a safe place to vent your feelings. If you aren’t sure where to start, check out this free journal entry printable complete with mindful prompts.
Meditate
Research has proven that regular meditation undoes the damaging effects of stress on our cells, so try and make meditation a part of your daily routine. Even just a few minutes of quiet and mindful meditation can do wonders for your mental state. During this time, focus on your breath and clearing your head of any negative thoughts or feelings.
Do Something Nice For Someone Else
Since the holiday season is a time for giving, try doing something nice for someone else, whether it's volunteering at a local organization, donating to charity or buying a meal for the person behind you in line at the drive thru. Another fun and cute way to brighten someone’s day is by surprising them with one of these punny and positive holiday cards! You can put these in a neighbor’s mailbox, on the windshield of someone’s car or mail them to a friend to let them know you are thinking about them.
Self-care is all about pampering yourself and making yourself feel good, so do whatever makes you happy and feel nourished! For more ideas, download this 25 days of self-care calendar, complete with 25 treat yourself ideas courtesy of FragranceX to wrap up the year and start the new year feeling refreshed and rejuvenated!
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