‘Tis the Season for Self-Care

The holidays are a special time of year. They can also be incredibly busy, hectic, and stressful. That’s why it’s so important to set aside some dedicated self-care time in between all the family, friends, travel, and celebrations. This month, we’re sharing our top self-care tips and rejuvenation strategies to stay healthy through the holiday season (and beyond!).

Holiday Self-Care for Mental Health

Parties, family time, and gifts all sound fun. And usually they are! But, for some, they can also create extra mental load or be a source of stress and anxiety. The shorter days and colder weather may also contribute to a type of seasonal depression, known as S.A.D. Luckily, if you struggle with mental health during winter or just need some extra help during the holidays, there are lots of solutions to try.

Holiday Self-Care for Physical Health

The holidays often interrupt our daily routines, making it difficult to stick to diet and fitness plans. All the travel and celebrations in the midst of cold and flu season can also expose us to more germs than usual. But with a little extra effort, you can stay active and hopefully avoid getting sick.

Get Vaccinated
This is the best protection against the flu and COVID

Exercise

• Winterize your workouts to stay moving
• Try yoga, pilates, or any videos you like from home
• Get a walking pad or fitness ball for your desk
• Invest in an elliptical, stationary bike, or other equipment you’ll use
• Lift light weights while you watch tv or in between gift-wrapping

Stretch
Moving cold muscles can lead to injury so warming up and stretching in winter is extra important

Mindful Eating

• Make intentional choices during celebrations
• Wait 10-15 minutes before going for seconds to give yourself time to feel full
• Make sure to add some veggies and fruits to your plate
• Try not to sit right next to buffets if that’s too tempting
• If you’re cooking, try to limit butter, cream, sugar, and red meat
• Have a pre-party high-protein snack so you’re not starving when you arrive

Stay Hydrated
Make sure to get enough water, especially if you’re drinking alcohol

Wash Your Hands
Minimize your risk of catching and spreading germs

Clean Surfaces
Regularly disinfect high-touch areas and devices
 
 

Holiday Self-Care for Relaxation

Relaxation is important for physical and mental health. Even if you’re feeling good, setting aside time to do nothing but relax, however you like to, can work wonders for your overall well-being. If you’re new to self-care, we’ve got some tried and true strategies to help you get started.

Enjoy a Happy & Healthy Holiday

Whether you’ll be traveling to see family, party-hopping around town, hosting at yours, or having a more low-key quiet and cozy holiday, the best gift you can give to yourself and others is good health. So try out some tried and true or totally new self-care routines. They’re a great tool to maintain balance and wellness all year long.