Self-Care in a Jingle Bell Rush

As the holidays approach, I want to talk about something important: self-care. With all the hustle and bustle, it’s easy to forget about our own needs. So let’s talk about some quick and easy routines that you can easily fit into your day. These are routines that I’ve found helpful in my own journey to prioritize well-being all year long, even during the holidays.

Morning Routines

Start your day with a dose of mindfulness. Before the holiday whirlwind kicks in, take a few moments for yourself to clear your head and center yourself. Whether it’s a short meditation, deep breathing exercises, or simply sipping a cup of tea in peace, let this be your morning ritual to set a positive tone for the day.

My morning routine includes a series of things I do to really set the tone for the day.

• A warm cup of coffee. I love starting my day with a warm cup of coffee. The smell of the coffee brewing and the taste of the hot liquid are both comforting and energizing.
• My morning devotion. I take a few minutes each morning to read my Bible and pray. This time helps me connect with God and reminds me of His love and peace.
• A quick run-through of my to-do list. I take a few minutes to look over my to-do list for the day. This helps me to stay organized and focused. It also helps me to set realistic expectations for myself, which is important for avoiding stress.
• Telling my family I love them. This is one of the most important things I do each morning. I make sure to tell my husband and kids that I love them before I start my day. This simple act of love sets a positive tone for the day and reminds me of the importance of family.

Mini Breaks

The holiday season can be a lot, even for the most enthusiastic people. Between shopping, cooking, and decorating, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos and forget to take care of yourself. That’s why it’s important to take some mini breaks throughout the day to do something that brings you joy.

These micro-breaks can be anything, even if it’s just for a few minutes. Taking a few deep breaths of fresh air, listening to your favorite song, or spending time with loved ones are all great ways to recharge your energy and de-stress. Even a small act of kindness, like holding the door open for someone or giving a stranger a compliment, can make a big difference in your mood.

When you take the time to appreciate the little things, it’s easier to find joy in the midst of chaos. So next time you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a few minutes for yourself and do something that makes you happy. You’ll be surprised at how much better you feel.

Here are a few more ideas for mini breaks of joy:

• Read a holiday book or watch a holiday movie.
• Light a scented candle or burn some incense.
• Take a warm bath or shower.
• Cuddle up with a pet.
• Do something creative, like draw, paint, or write.
• Go for a walk or bike ride.
• Spend time in nature.
• Volunteer your time to help others.

No matter how you choose to spend your mini breaks, make sure they’re something that you enjoy and that brings you a sense of peace and happiness. And don’t forget to smile! A smile is contagious, and it can brighten your day and the days of those around you.

When I start to feel overwhelmed, I have to take a step back and recenter myself. I find that it’s helpful to remind myself of what I have control over and to check my attitude. For example, if I’m feeling annoyed that something is taking too long, I try to remind myself that I can’t control how fast it happens. I can only control my reaction to it. I also try to focus on the things that are most important to me and let go of the things that aren’t. This helps me to feel more in control and less stressed.

Another thing that I find helpful is to take some deep breaths and stretch. When I’m feeling overwhelmed, I often find that I’m holding my breath or hunched over. Taking a few minutes to relax my body and mind can help me to feel more clear-headed and in control.

Finally, I always find that listening to holiday music and baking helps to lift my spirits. There’s something about the warm, fuzzy feeling of the holidays that always seems to put me in a better mood. Baking is also a great way to relax and de-stress. I find that focusing on the process of creating something delicious helps me to forget about my worries for a while.

Evening Wind-Down Routines

Create a Soothing Evening Routine to Unwind from the Day’s Festivities

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season can take its toll on our physical and mental health. It’s important to take some time for yourself each evening to unwind and relax. A soothing evening routine can help to do just that.

Here are a few ideas for creating a soothing evening routine:

• Take a warm bath. Soaking in a warm bath is a great way to relax your muscles and soothe your mind. Add some Epsom salts or essential oils to the water for an extra boost of relaxation.
• Do some gentle stretching. Stretching can help to improve your flexibility and range of motion, and it can also help to relieve tension in your muscles.
• Read a book. Reading is a great way to relax and de-stress. Choose a book that you find enjoyable and lose yourself in the story.
• Listen to calming music. Listening to calming music can help to lower your heart rate and blood pressure, and it can also help to promote relaxation.
• Meditate. Meditation can help to quiet your mind and focus your attention. There are many different types of meditation, so find one that works for you.
• Journal. Writing in a journal can be a helpful way to process your thoughts and feelings. It can also be a way to release stress and anxiety.

No matter what you choose to do, make sure to create a relaxing and enjoyable evening routine that you can look forward to each day. Taking some time for yourself each evening can help you to recharge and come back refreshed the next day.

As the holidays approach, I find myself drawn to the warm and cozy scents of the season. I love to diffuse spruce or fir essential oils in our home to create a festive atmosphere. I also enjoy a good cup of tea right before bed to help me relax and unwind.

One of my favorite holiday traditions is to watch Christmas movies with my family. We have a long list of favorites that we try to make it through every year. Some of our favorites include “The Santa Clause,” “Elf,” and “White Christmas.” We also enjoy watching new movies each year to find new favorites.

I love the way that Christmas movies can bring families together and create memories that will last a lifetime. I look forward to spending many more years watching Christmas movies with my family.

Gratitude Reflections

With all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, it’s easy to forget to appreciate the good things in life. That’s why it’s important to take a moment each day to reflect on gratitude.

There are many ways to practice gratitude. You can write in a gratitude journal, make a list of things you’re grateful for, or simply take a few minutes each day to think about the people and things in your life that you appreciate. When you focus on the positive, it can help you put things into perspective and make you feel more grateful for what you have.

Gratitude is also a powerful emotion that can have a positive impact on your health and well-being. Studies have shown that people who are grateful tend to be happier, healthier, and more resilient. They’re also more likely to have strong relationships and be successful in their careers.

So the next time you’re feeling stressed or overwhelmed, take some time to think about the things you’re grateful for. It might just be the thing you need to put a smile on your face and help you enjoy the holidays.

Here are some specific ways to practice gratitude during the holidays:

• Write a gratitude letter to someone who has made a positive impact on your life.
• Spend time with loved ones and express your gratitude for them.
• Volunteer your time to help others in need.
• Take a moment each day to appreciate the beauty of nature.
• Notice the small things that bring you joy, such as a warm cup of coffee on a cold morning or a child’s laughter.

When you practice gratitude, you’re not only making yourself happier, you’re also making the world a better place. So take a few minutes each day to reflect on gratitude and let the good vibes flow.

Self-care doesn’t have to be a big production. These quick rituals are designed to fit seamlessly into your holiday routine, so you can make sure to take care of yourself even when you’re busy. Here’s to a season filled with joy, balance, and moments of self-care magic.