I am so excited to share with you this amazing approach to self-care during the holidays from Blissful Intent’s Heather Farris! In year’s past, I have spent much of the holiday season overwhelmed and taking care of everyone but myself. Today, we are sharing 5 ways you can make sure YOU are on your holiday to-do list.
You’ve made your lists and checked them twice, but the question shouldn’t be, “Do I have everything?” but instead, “Am I on the list?” All too often throughout the year we put ourselves last. When it comes to eating dinner, buying ourselves new clothes or shoes, and most importantly caring for yourself physically, mentally and emotionally. It’s time to put an end to that behavior and put yourself on the list. Do this by making yourself a priority. Let go of all the unnecessary stress that will consume you and do your best to enjoy your family while you can. After all, the holidays are meant to be about family bonding. Those connections will never be made if you have set unreasonably high standards for yourself.
5 Ways to Make Sure YOU on your Holiday To-Do List This Holiday Season
- Expectations
Let go of all the high expectations you have set for yourself. The table doesn’t have to be decorated just so and the house doesn’t have to have that perfect holiday scents burning. If you can’t get what you want done in a timely and efficient manner than let it go! You don’t necessarily have to settle for less, but it doesn’t need to be perfect either. Now, as far as those place settings are concerned invest in paper products. There are pretty ones you can buy now at a variety of different retailers. You can even grab some toss away baking dishes to save on cleanup time.
- Ask for help
Ask for help from your family, when it comes to cooking ask your family to bring their favorite dish to share. This will take a lot of the stress off of your shoulders. It will also allow the family to have a say in what they get to eat. Ask for them to help with cleanup. You could even ask them to bring their favorite game to play or movie to watch. This will allow you to focus your time and energy on what really matters to you.
- Give yourself permission
This seems to be a growing problem for a lot of us. You always think you don’t have time for yourself because that list you made isn’t going to complete itself. Since you are putting yourself on that list this year it shouldn’t be a problem for you to steal away and have a cup of hot tea. Remember, you cannot possibly give what you simply do not have.
- Eat
If you want to keep up with everyone and truly enjoy the fun then you need to eat and stay hydrated. Make sure when you’re at the store shopping for everything else to grab a couple things that you enjoy. Stick with items high in protein that are quick and easy to grab. Your routine will be thrown off track when you prep for holiday gatherings so the likelihood of you forgetting to eat is higher. Don’t let yourself forget to eat. Surround yourself with healthy options that will fuel your body.
- Get rest
It can be tempting to stay up late preparing for the holiday events to come, but try to resist. Take a hot soak and read a book until you fall asleep. Since your family will be helping out by bringing their favorite dish and party game you won’t have as much stress to worry about. Give yourself permission to turn the kitchen lights out and head to bed.
Putting yourself above all the stress inhibitors will reveal that you’re able to enjoy the family time that the Holidays represent. You don’t want to be the person staying up late preparing, running around cleaning up after everybody or even eating cold food. You want to be at the table laughing and enjoying the bonding time you were meant to have. Don’t leave yourself feeling unappreciated or overworked. That is a recipe that isn’t meant to be included in the self-care box.
Heather is an accountant by day and blogger by night. She’s raising a family with her husband as well as her business while working full-time. Her girls are 1 and 6 respectively, so she’s knee deep in diapers and attitude on a regular basis. You can find more of her work at Blissful Intent.
Connect with Heather at www.blissfulintent.com or on Facebook!
I know for sure I am making rest a priority this during the holidays! How will you ensure you are making self-care a priority this holiday season?
celeste says
I think it’s so important to be reminded that it’s more about presence than presents this time of year. Happy holidays.
xx
Celeste
ohhelloceleste.com
TwoLittleRippers says
I love this! Well said!
Latasha | Arts & Budgets says
Such an amazing post! 🙂 I will definitely be getting some rest this holiday season. It’s been a busy year because I just had my first child. 🙂 Happy Holidays.
TwoLittleRippers says
Thanks! I was so lucky to have Heather as a guest!