7-Ways to Reduce Stress and Practice Self-Care before the Holiday Madn

As we head into what is typically the busiest, most hectic time of year, now is an excellent time to tune into our bodies and prioritize self-care. Our physical and mental health should be first, not last, on our lengthy to-do lists.

We live in a fast-paced culture of overdoers and multi-taskers, and just because we have everything we need at our fingertips doesn’t mean we HAVE to fill every spare moment with work or chores.

Like many women who have a full life with families and careers, I admit to feeling the pull to do everything every day. And when I’m not hyper-focused on being productive, I feel a twinge of guilt or that I’m somehow falling behind.

Many of us find ourselves in one or both of these camps…

We ignore our bodies and disconnect from our authentic selves until exhaustion or illness knocks us down. Why do we push so hard?

We find it challenging to be still, to slow down, quiet the brain and just sit with our thoughts. What are we avoiding?

What would happen if you didn’t do ALL the things?

Would the world come crashing down around you?

Would anyone even notice?

These are legit questions I ask myself more and more often. And more often than not, the answer is a resounding ‘no’!

So instead of piling more stuff onto your list, I’m going to challenge you to set some boundaries and ease into the holiday season with a holistic approach that allows for self-care while you’re still checking things off the list. You might even find those tasks become more effortless and those goals easier to reach when you prioritize your health and well-being.

Take the soft challenge with me today to carve out daily self-care time.

Choose one or more ways to get started. Your body will thank you!

Take a walk or hike. If your neighborhood is walkable, perfect! Stick close to home if you feel short on time. Take 10, 20, or 30-minutes to get outside. Connecting with nature is one of the best ways to improve your mindset and boost your immune system. My favorite hiking trail is just 3 minutes away, and favorite beach just 30 minutes, and I go to both as often as possible on my own or with my fiancé Steve.
Find a cozy little spot to sit and read. This could be a quiet little nook in your home, the local library, or your neighborhood coffee shop. I love to visit Grounded just down the road. It smells incredible there, and they have the best coffee.
Indulge yourself! Fall is the perfect time to buy a handmade knit scarf, a juicy new book on your read-it list, or a unique piece of jewelry. You don’t need a birthday or a special occasion to spoil yourself a little, and you don’t have to break the bank either!
Meet a friend for coffee or lunch. Take the time to connect with the people that mean the most to you. Laughter, reminiscing, and good conversation are so good for our well-being. So many people have shifted to working from home, making it too easy to isolate themselves. You’ll never regret making time for friends and family.
Make some art, learn to knit, or try a new recipe. Even if you think you’re not good at these things, our brains love to be challenged. Taking the focus off work to learn something new is refreshing and a great way to recharge your battery. Your work and to-do list will still be there when you come back to it. I promise!
Meditate, practice yoga, or journal. Focus on gratitude for what you already have and celebrate daily wins, even the smallest ones. When we shift our thoughts to positivity instead of negativity, our energy is amplified, attracting more of what we desire. If you’ve wanted to start a meditation practice, check out the I Am app for guidance.
Learn to say ‘no’. This might be the most powerful of all self-care practices. No is a small word with big rewards. Trust that you don’t need to say yes to every request, project, or invitation. If it fills you up and is in alignment with your values, go for it. If not, graciously decline.