25 Tips For Coping With Holiday Stressors – Tip 9 – Treat Yourself To A New Self-Care Routine

So, on to day 9 of our 25 Tips For Coping With Holiday Stressors.  Yesterday, in Tip 8, we showed some of the benefits of colouring books for adults as a technique to help reduce stress.  Today, we will examine why it’s important to focus on YOU.

Day 9 – Tip 9: Treat Yourself To A New Self-Care Routine

Introduction

The festive season brings joy and excitement, but it can also be overwhelming, especially for individuals dealing with anxiety or high levels of stress. To combat these challenges, adopting a self-care routine during Christmas can greatly benefit mental health. Today, we’ll explore the importance of self-care during the holiday season and provide practical tips to alleviate anxiety and stress. Embrace the upcoming Christmas with a renewed sense of well-being and take care of your mental health with these self-care strategies.

Recognising the Importance of Self-Care at Christmas

The holiday season often becomes a whirlwind of obligations and expectations, making it crucial to prioritise self-care. By intentionally taking time for yourself, you can reduce anxiety and stress levels, ultimately improving your mental well-being. Self-care allows you to recharge, refocus, and maintain a healthy balance throughout the festive period.

Create a Calming Environment

Decorating your home with soothing colours, playing soft background music, and using aromatherapy with scents like lavender or vanilla can help create a calming atmosphere. These elements can promote relaxation, reduce stress, and provide a sanctuary for your mental health.

Set Realistic Expectations

The pressure to create a “perfect” Christmas can be overwhelming (and, to be honest, unachievable). Instead, set realistic expectations for yourself and your loved ones. Understand that imperfections are a part of the holiday experience and that it is okay to prioritise your mental well-being above all else.

Prioritise Restful Sleep

Adequate sleep is essential for mental health. Establish a consistent sleep schedule during the holiday season, ensuring you get enough rest each night. Avoid excessive screen time before bed and create a relaxing pre-sleep routine to enhance the quality of your sleep.

Engage in Mindfulness and Meditation

Practising mindfulness and meditation can significantly reduce anxiety and stress levels. Set aside a few minutes each day to focus on your breath, engage in guided meditation, or practice yoga. These activities can help promote relaxation, boost mental clarity, and increase self-awareness.  If you’re new to meditation, you can check out our Meditation section and our YouTube meditation videos, which are free for you to use and benefit from immediately.

Stay Physically Active

Regular exercise releases endorphins, which are natural mood boosters. Engaging in physical activity not only improves your overall well-being but also helps reduce anxiety and stress. Embrace winter activities such as ice skating, skiing, or even a brisk walk in nature to reap the mental health benefits.

Engage in Creative Outlets

Expressing yourself creatively can serve as a therapeutic outlet. Whether painting, writing, playing a musical instrument, or crafting projects, allowing yourself time for creative pursuits can alleviate stress and promote a sense of accomplishment.

Practice Gratitude

Christmas is a time of gratitude and appreciation. Take a moment each day to reflect on the things you are grateful for, whether it’s the support of loved ones, the beauty of the season, or personal achievements. Cultivating gratitude can shift your perspective and enhance your overall mental well-being.

Final Thoughts

This holiday season, prioritise your mental health by adopting a self-care routine at Christmas. You can alleviate anxiety and stress by recognising the importance of self-care, setting realistic expectations, and engaging in activities that promote relaxation and well-being. Remember, taking care of yourself is not selfish but rather a necessary step towards enjoying a fulfilling and peaceful festive season.

Remember the importance of caring for yourself if you’re feeling overwhelmed during the holiday season. One way to do this is to establish a new self-care routine. This might involve taking a few moments each day to relax and rejuvenate.

Perhaps you could take a warm bath with scented candles (remember to stay safe with lit candles), read your favourite book, or take a nature walk. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy and makes you feel good. A little self-care can go a long way in helping you avoid holiday stress.

That’s the end of Day 9 in our 25  Tips For Coping With Holiday Stressors.  Look out for Day 10 tomorrow.

If you missed any of the previous tips, you can check them all out here.