The Importance of Holiday Self Care

how to stay grounded, balanced and connected during the busy holiday season

by Elizabeth shelhart

As the Holidays approach and our obligations increase, often our self care routines are the first to feel the effects of the time crunch.  When we prioritize our To Do list over our own personal needs, we can get a lot "accomplished" but how do we feel at the end of the day? Tired? Ungrounded? Disconnected? 

Here are some simple ways to be productive while treating ourselves with kindness and care:

Don't rush in the morning:  Prep lunches, lay out clothes, clean the kitchen after dinner, and put things by the front door that you need to remember to take with you.  This goes a LONG way to setting the tone for your day.  Even if you have to move quickly, you'll need to do less which cuts down on morning chaos. You might even be able to enjoy a slow cup of coffee or tea.  Even just 5 minutes to sit quietly and just be with your morning warm drink can soothe your nervous system at a deep level.  Try feeling your breath as you sip.  Be mindful of the pleasant sensations and flavors as you drink.  If you've indulged in wine or alcohol the night before, try warm water with a half lemon squeezed in.  This will support your liver and digestion.

Learn to say NO:  I am a people pleaser so this is one of my most challenging self care tips.  When I was first practicing saying no, I would panic.  Now, with practice, I can see that I don't lose friends, the world doesn't stop turning, and I'm actually much happier setting these boundaries.  On Sunday evening, I write a list of the week's obligations.  I go down the list and star the items that are top priority. I say to myself, "Is this absolutely necessary" and/or "Can someone else do this instead of me?"  Then if possible, I cross a couple of items off my list or ask someone else to take it on. :) 

Take an hour to play: Yes, your yoga class or meditation group counts as play. At least in my mind.  Play helps you unwind, enjoy life, and provides perspective.  Schedule in your hour or so once or twice a week of doing something nourishing for yourself and make it as important as any other meeting or appointment. Don't cancel and don't be late.  Get that massage. Take a walk with a friend. Create art. Chat on the phone. Watch your favorite show or movie.  Window shop or people watch.  Your mind literally NEEDS this unstructured time to digest, repair, and turn on other parts for balance and sanity. 

Weave in inspiration into your day: I am a big fan of author and researcher Brene Brown and have listened to all of her audiobooks.  When I'm driving, I turn on one of her books about courage or embracing imperfection and let her words sink into my mind. The same thoughts that circulate over and over are interrupted and replaced by words of wisdom and inspiration.  Other audiobooks I love are anything from Pema Chodron, Tara Brach, and Elizabeth Gilbert.  I also listen while I'm cooking, gardening, and cleaning the house.  I download them to my phone, put in my headphones, hit play, and poof!  I'm in my own little world getting things done but also taking care of my mental health at the same time.

Be kind: Before bed, try to take a moment to feel gratitude for something that happened during the day. Don't obsess over the things that didn't get done but rather recognize what you did accomplish.  Or just be grateful the day is over.  This moment of gratitude is an act of kindness toward yourself because it's sending the message that you are enough.  Gratitude goes hand in hand with acceptance.  This practice will set you free in SO many ways!

Elizabeth is offering her ‘Empowerd Birth Workshop’ on Saturday, December 7th from 12-3pm, sign up using the link below!

Elizabeth Shelhart has been on the healing path since she was young. Teaching yoga, crafting herbal teas, supporting women in birth, meditating daily, offering massage therapy, and studying Chinese medicine are some of her greatest passions. As a doula and childbirth educator, Elizabeth weaves together 25 years of experience into her classes and workshops. She teaches Restorative Yoga on Sundays at 5.30pm and Gentle Prenatal Yoga on Mondays at 6.15pm, both in San Rafael.

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