Take time to take to care of Yourself

The holiday season is here.  Between managing your classroom or child care business and preparing for the holidays for your family, there is so much to do.  The holidays can seem like a test of endurance rather than a sleigh ride. As you work to keep the holiday balls in the air, don’t forget to take a beat or two for yourself.  Taking time to care for yourself ensures you can remain present with the people you care about.

Here are some healthy holiday tips from Banner Health:

Embrace Hygge (pronounced hue-gah).  Hygge is the Danish concept of coziness and well-being.  Alyssa Bowman, licensed marriage and family therapist explains hygge as “It is all about creating a warm, comfortable space and enjoying the simple things in life. It is a wonderful way to be intentional about self-care and manage stress.” 

Examples of hygge:

• Creating a cozy space with blankets, pillows and soft lighting. 
• Enjoying comfort foods like hot cocoa, a bowl of soup or a nourishing meal.
• Finding a comforting activity such as prayer or meditation or an afternoon nap.  
• Walking outside in nature.
• Carving out quality time with people you care about over a special meal, taking a walk or hanging out together at home. 

Other healthy holiday tips:

Practice saying “no”

This is the season of giving, but you cannot pour yourself into someone else when the cup is empty.  Make those activities that bring you joy and fill your cup a priority. It is okay to say “no” to activities and gatherings that run your battery low. Be realistic about what you can and want to do. 

Focus on your physical health

It is very easy to let the essentials of healthy living go by the wayside during the holidays. Indulging is okay in moderation, but keeping to a healthy diet, exercise and getting plenty of sleep are key to surviving the holidays.  

As you celebrate this year, don’t forget to practice gratitude and remember the purpose of the holidays you observe.  Breathe, it will all work out in the end.

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