Ways To Care For Yourself This Holiday Season
Every year during the holidays, I run the risk of getting sick. The combination of all the extra socializing, increased client load, and perhaps the abundant sugar leaves me feeling run down. Although I love this time of year, even the wonderful activities that bring me closer to others or thrill of getting gifts can add stress. From my clients, I hear about the stress of holiday travel and dealing with family members with whom they have fractured relationships. All in all, the holiday season can be overwhelming in many ways and self-care can fall by the wayside. So here are a somatic therapist’s tips on how to remember to care for yourself this holiday season.
Somatic therapy San Francisco’s top tips for self-care this holiday season
1) Embrace the power of “no” and “let me get back to you.” A common mistake that leaves us drained this holiday season is when we overcommit to things this holiday. Whether it is from actual desire or due to perceived obligations, we can say yes to too many things during the holidays and pay for it later. If you are unsure how much energy you will have, it is perfectly ok to say “let me get back to you” to give you time to consider your options. If you already KNOW that you have no more bandwidth, feel free to say “no” to what is being asked of you. Your mental health and your nervous system will thank you!
2) Carve out intentional time for you to be by yourself. Use this time to check in with yourself and your emotions. What are you feeling? What do you need? By simply paying attention to your own needs and feelings, you are ensuring that your self-care during this time does not cease and that you can be more resilient during the holiday season.
3) Make sure to incorporate things that bring you joy. Sometimes, in the joy of holiday giving, we can forget to savor some joy for ourselves. It makes sense to find activities and people that give us joy in the holiday season, not just provide joy for others. Remember that you deserve to feel good in the holiday season just like your loved ones.
4) Prioritize getting some movement. It is so tempting to hunker down during the holidays and avoid any type of physical activity. However, to keep yourself and your mental health in a good place, exercise. . .even gentle movement, is essential. So take a walk or do some stretches. Your body will thank you!
5) Check in with yourself. Take two minutes each day and do a self check-in. Scan your body, noticing any physical sensations, feelings, or emotions. Whatever appears is welcome. Allow yourself to acknowledge what is present without asking “why” or trying to create a narrative around what you feel. Lastly, after making space for your feelings, ask yourself what you need. It may be biological needs (such as thirst or hunger) or emotional needs that must be tended to. Again, whatever needs you find, try and embrace them without judgment.
I hope these tips for self-care help you throughout the holidays. If you need extra help in managing your stress or emotions, or more ways to work on your self-care, please contact me at lisa@lisamanca.com. I would be happy to assist you in your self-care journey.