10 Self-Care Ideas for Christmas
My family means everything to me. It's why I've always loved Christmas because it is one of the few times in the year when everyone is home and together.
This will be the first time that I am not spending Christmas in Jersey with the people I love. Being such a home-bird I suspect that there will be some homesickness that creeps in closer to the time but I also know that I have the tools to support myself if and when those feelings arise.
It's not lost on me that I am incredibly lucky in the fact that Christmas conjures images of roasted chestnuts, a cozy fire, silly games and laughter because for many people, friends and clients included, Christmas is a tough time that comes with overwhelming stress, awkward interactions, family arguments and memories of loss.
Christmas Day itself is wrapped in expectations:
creating the perfect day
giving and receiving 'thoughtful' gifts
being a super-host
preparing a feast worthy of queens
having the most fun
taking the best photos
ensuring everyone gets on
living up to other people's Christmases
having the most magical, wonderful time
It rarely lives up to the fairy-tale story book that many of us remember from childhood.
Whether the festive season is your favourite time of year, fills you with dread or brings out your inner grinch, it can be a LOT and take it's toll on your mental health if you're not careful.
Giving is central to the Christmas narrative. And of course this is such a wonderful thing to celebrate and there is a huge amount of science that shows the psychological benefit of giving , but you deserve to offer some of that kindness, compassion and love to yourself.
And so my gift to you is the gift of self-care. An opportunity for you to use this time to look after your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual self. I’ve rounded up a few of my favourite self-care practices and tips for when the holidays get a little too much. You deserve this.
Schedule in ‘ME’ Time
Give yourself the permission to slow down this Christmas and take time out to nourish yourself. The best way I know to do this is giving myself five minutes each day to sit in meditation, watching my breath as it flows in and out. It’s amazing how such a simple practice gives you energy, mental clarity and a sense of peace and wellbeing. If meditating isn’t your thing you could use your ‘me time’ for a lie in, a bubble bath, a massage, watching sport or reading a book. Whatever it is, make time for you - without feeling guilty!
Listen to Your Needs
Write a list reminding yourself of what this time of year means to you. Is it quality time with family and friends? Is it disconnecting from work and recharging your battery? Or celebrating your religion? If ever you find yourself overwhelmed or stressed, you can check in with this list and see if it aligns with your holiday needs. If it doesn’t do you really need to do it?
Make Exercise a Priority
It’s your holidays, this doesn’t have to be a full blown gym workout or a 10k run, but exercise has been proven to reduce levels of stress. Fitting in a daily dose of exercise clears the mind and improves the quality of your sleep meaning that you will be on top form every day. Even something as simple as a brisk walk will help stop stress in its tracks. Get some friends and family together for a boxing day walk together!
Spend Time Outside
I know, I know it’s so cold - I feel you - the cold gets into my bones. But getting outside, changing my environment and perspective has such a profoundly positive impact on my overall mood that is makes it absolutely worth it. I’ve learnt to love wrapping up warm in coats, hats and scarves and embracing nature in the knowledge that it will lift my spirits.
Practice Compassion
Don’t forget to be compassionate towards yourself! If you end up eating more than you wanted, or drank one too many free glasses of bubbles, then that’s okay. Don’t beat yourself up over it or question yourself as a person. The last thing we need is to be making ourselves feel unnecessarily guilty with negative thoughts. Self compassion also means taking the opportunity to reflect on the year you have had. Smile to yourself at all the things you have achieved or accomplished. Acknowledge all the hard work you have put into your work, friends, hobbies and self.
Contact a Friend
If you are feeling lonely or blue try reaching out to someone rather than isolating yourself. Perhaps there is a community cause that you can volunteer with to keep yourself occupied. Not only are you doing good to the society, you will create good feelings within yourself. Extra volunteers are always needed at Christmas time. If you’re not sure where look at local soup kitchens or homeless shelters.
Digital Detox
I don’t know about you, but I know that when I spend long periods of time on my phone or social media, that anxiety levels rise. Seeing other people’s perfectly airbrushed and curated instagram feed can leave me feeling as if I’m missing out or not ‘doing enough’. Put away the phone for a few hours, or even a day and give yourself the gift of the presence.
Say No
As my brilliant coach says “if it’s not a hell yes it’s a hell no”. Give yourself the permission to say no to the things that don’t serve you, especially when you feel like you are stretching yourself too thin. Whilst you don’t want to bail on everything or everyone, you also don’t want to feel like you are obliged to say yes to it all either. Know what’s important to you so that you can prioritise those events and politely decline the ones that will drain you.
Do Something Fun
It’s so easy to get caught up in the stress of the season and forget to enjoy all of the things that the holiday does have to offer! Whether it’s going to a festive market, a Christmas light show or a silly pantomime, there are plenty of activities that can help you to forget about the stress of life and just enjoy the present moment. Let go of being an adult and striving for perfection and embrace your inner child.
Journal
When we are busy, stressed, overwhelmed or feeling down, our mind is full of thoughts, feelings and experiences. It can be a lot to handle and complicated to make sense of. Journaling is an opportunity to process the abstract and make sense of it. What I love about journaling is that there’s no right or wrong way to do it. Use it as a brain dump, a space for reflection or manifesting your perfect day. This is yours and yours alone.
Remember, Christmas is just a day like any other. It doesn’t have to be perfect. Be clear on what’s important to you and prioritise that. And if you are struggling, or know someone who finds this time of year challenging, drop me a message - no-one should feel like they’re alone in their suffering.
Much love
Alexandra xx
