The twinkle of holiday lights, the scent of fresh-baked cookies, and the joyous melodies of carols filling the air—there’s no denying the magic of the season. But beneath the festive glow often lies a whirlwind of to-do lists, jam-packed schedules, and the quiet (or not-so-quiet) stress of making everything perfect.
For some, it truly is the most wonderful time of the year. But for others, the holiday hustle can feel overwhelming, leaving little room for personal peace and well-being. Amid the holiday hustle, it’s easy to forget one very important gift: the gift of self-care. Imagine a season where you feel recharged instead of run down, connected instead of overwhelmed, and present in every cherished moment. That’s the magic of protecting your peace.
Former immunologist turned bestselling author and mind-body wellness expert Jaya Jaya Myra asserts that: “Self care shouldn’t be something you practice every now and then, it should actually be a part of your daily or weekly routine. I know the holidays can be hard because it’s such a busy time of the year, but everyone deserves to protect their peace, especially when surrounded by family and friends. This time of year can be incredibly taxing for peoples’ physical and mental health, so it’s okay to step back and prioritize self care.”
Practicing self-care might sound simple, but in the midst of packed schedules and endless obligations, it can feel elusive. It is important to understand why self-care is vital. Jaya Jaya Myra shares the phrase “conscious character development.” This is the notion that through introspection and intentional efforts at reflection, an individual can craft their character in greater bounds. If an individual is incapable of taking care of themselves, then it is far from possible for them to make conscious developmental decisions to enhance their character.
Now, if you’re unsure where to start, don’t worry. Jaya Jaya Myra offers practical, actionable ways to make self-care a cornerstone of your holiday season.
- Mindfulness
Taking even 5-10 minutes to be intentional and mindful with your thoughts and actions can help regulate your body and calm you down. Everyone needs a moment without distraction, and mindfulness is a great way to be present with your own thoughts and have gratitude for the present moment.
Mindfulness doesn’t require elaborate rituals or significant time commitments. It can be as straightforward as sitting quietly with your eyes closed, taking deep breaths, and focusing on what you’re grateful for. Alternatively, you might try mindful walking, paying attention to the sound of your footsteps and the crisp winter air.
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Savor holiday spices
Engaging your senses with warm, comforting spices like cinnamon, nutmeg, clove, and ginger can be both soothing and grounding. These spices not only enhance holiday treats but also offer therapeutic benefits. For instance, cinnamon can help regulate blood sugar levels, and ginger can aid digestion, making them perfect additions to your favorite tea or baked goods. Slow down and savor the aromas and flavors of the season as part of your self-care routine.
When preparing your favorite holiday recipes, take a moment to savor the experience. Appreciate the textures, smells, and tastes, and let yourself be fully present. It’s a simple way to ground yourself and find joy in the little things.
- Treat yourself
We spend so much time at the holidays thinking of gifts for everyone else that we forget ourselves. Make sure to treat yourself this holiday season! Do small things daily you enjoy, or get yourself that big gift you want. Making yourself a priority will make it easier to handle the rest of the holiday stress.
This doesn’t mean you need to splurge on extravagant gifts – though if you’ve had your eye on something special, go for it!. Treating yourself can also mean doing small, daily things that bring you joy. It might be taking a bubble bath, buying a cozy blanket, or indulging in your favorite holiday movie with a mug of hot cocoa.
The holidays are a time of connection and celebration, but they can also be a time of emotional and physical strain. From managing family dynamics to balancing a packed schedule, the season can challenge even the most resilient among us. That’s why it’s crucial to carve out time for self-care.
So this year, amid the shopping, baking, and decorating, don’t forget to give yourself the gift of self-care. Take a moment to breathe, savor the season’s delights, and treat yourself with the same kindness you show to others. After all, the greatest gift you can offer is a happy, healthy version of yourself.
