31 Ways to Practice Self-Care this Holiday Season.
“No cost,” “low cost,” and “some cost” self-care ideas to help you live this season of giving more fully.
Sitting on an airplane between our two daughters, I was recently reminded of one of my favorite self-care analogies.
“Put your oxygen mask on first,” the flight attendant said to me, explaining what I should do if we lose cabin pressure. “Then assist your children.”
The idea that my “oxygen tank” must be full in order to do things for others made sense. This, essentially, is self-care. It’s pouring into yourself so that you can pour into others. You can’t give if you are depleted yourself.
So why do so many people, mamas especially, feel guilty about self care? Why do we feel like we should go and go without stopping to “fill up”? Our bodies were made to rest and recharge (God gave us a whole day for that in His creation plan), so why is it hard to make rest and self-care a priority?
I think the first step in improving self-care is realizing its importance. Once we understand that we need to rest and fill up our tank before we serve others, then we will start looking for ways to do this.
When we’re aware of our need for self-care and see that we not only deserve it, but need it to live life abundantly, only then will we find ways to prioritize it.
The holiday season is an especially busy time, which means burnout and overwhelm can creep in if we’re not balancing action with self-care.
Here are different ideas (“no cost,” “low cost,” and “some cost”) for working self-care into your schedule this Christmas season:
No Cost self-care ideas:
Mindfully step outside and taking three deep breaths of cool December air.
Bundle up and watch the stars with someone you love.
Smell things intentionally while grocery shopping (lotions, candles, flowers, that bag of cinnamon scented pine cones, the bin of gummy bears).
Watch a sunrise or sunset (walk or drive to a good spot if you need to).
Give your kids extra snuggles when you read them stories.
Journal.
Wake up early and meditate for 20 minutes (that might mean going to bed earlier, too).
Write down three things you’re thankful for at the end of each day.
Visit an assisted living facility and listen to people’s stories (bring your kids).
Take a 20 minute power nap.
Spend extra time in prayer (find a beautiful place in your home or go somewhere peaceful).
Call a friend.
Listen to a good podcast. (Here’s one on self-care!)
Low Cost self-care ideas:
Treat yourself to your favorite coffee drink.
Bake cookies or some dessert you like.
Visit a nearby bookstore and explore new titles.
Spend a morning in a museum.
Buy blank paper and a pencil and sketch.
Go for a drive to look at Christmas lights with your family and pick up hot chocolate on the way.
Buy or make seasonal peppermint ice cream, crush candy canes on top, and have dessert with your kids.
Buy silly holiday glasses and take funny pictures with your kids.
Some Cost self-care ideas:
Hire a babysitter for two hours and use that time to do things that “fill you up.”
Diffuse essential oils in your home.
Hire someone to clean your house.
Try a new class at a nearby gym.
Go out for dinner at your favorite restaurant.
Get a massage.
Schedule an acupuncture session.
Take your family ice skating at a local rink.
Go to the movies.
Start a blog about something you’re passionate about.
Incorporating self-care into our holiday routine doesn’t have to be pricey, but does need to be priority. Let’s participate more fully in this season of giving by keeping our own tank full throughout it.
Put a few of these self-care suggestions on your schedule for next week. Then observe how much more you’re able to give and serve those around you. I’m guessing you’ll find “wearing your own oxygen mask” is worth it.