The Holiday Season.
It is called "the most wonderful time of the year". But between attending gatherings, buying gifts, hosting family or a party, trying not to break your healthy habits, and the bank, this time of year can be the most stressful and less wonderful time of the year.
It is especially important to take a pause. To connect to yourself and not forget to use some self-care and self-love tools to stay balanced. I cannot overstate how important it is for self-care during the Holiday Season.
Below you can find some tips and ideas, mostly what I use, not just during the Holiday Season but as an every day routine.
Pause/Check-in with yourself
Find the Pause.
It is ok to stop what you are doing and regroup in what you are doing. It's not just ok, it is an absolute must.
Ask yourself frequently throughout the day;
Does this resonate with me? How can I better take care of myself? How do I truly feel right now?
Be intentional.
2. Get enough Sleep
It may be tempting to clock some late nights shopping, wrapping gifts, celebrating, and cooking/baking, but adequate sleep is critical for us to feel our best in mind, body, and spirit and help keep our immune system strong, because no one likes to get sick.
3. Stay Hydrated
We tend to underestimate the importance of adequate water intake and forget to hydrate altogether when we’re busy, but dehydration can often take a toll on the body and make you feel downright crummy. So drink up, make it fun. Flavor your water with Lime, Lemon, etc. And refrain from consuming alcohol.
4. Deep Breathing
Yes. So take a minute before you start your day and take a few deep breathe in and out. Count them. 5 breathes in, 5 breathes out. Deep breathing will help you get more air flow into your body. It will help to reduce anxieties, stress, and will calm your nerves. It helps with lowering your pain level and improves your attention spam. So take 10 mins each morning.
Try maybe some Alternate Nostril Breathing also called Nadi Breathing.
5. Oil pulling
Oil pulling is an ancient practice that swishes oil (coconut oil, sesame oil) in your mouth.
Benefits of oil pulling; can kill harmful bacteria in your mouth, could help to reduce bad breath, maybe help prevent cavities, may reduce inflammation and improves gum health.
It is a cheap and easy way to add to your routine. To get started, set aside about 20 mins for oil pulling. I love how it slows me down, by me adding this routine, I will not rush through my morning routine.
6. Stay active
Because this time of year is especially busy, make a pact with yourself to crave out time to get active. Even if it is 15 mins. Take that walk (leave your phone at home), or run or gentle Yoga practice. Your mind, body and spirit will thank you for it.
7. Make healthy choices
Yes, we rush around and everything comes to food has to be quick and fast, but not always healthy. Stop! Pause. Regroup. Meal-prep if necessary.
Remember: Eating healthy food fills your body with energy and nutrients. Imagine your cells smiling back at you and saying: THANK YOU!
8. Set firm Boundaries
Mostly with yourself. Ask yourself what works for you and what not. Then go and follow through with your new found boundaries- unapologetically. And remember, you can't make everyone happy. You are NOT pizza, French Fries, Wine or a cookie. And that is ok.
9. Smile
Yes. Smile. A simple smile will reduce stress, and transform your energy. It will relax your nervous system, boost your immune system, elevates your mood, reduces blood pressure and more.... So yes, put that frown upside down.
10. Rolling out your face
Yes, your read that right. Rolling out your face. Invest in a good facial roller. They are made out of crystals such as Rose Quartz or Jade. I absolutely LOVE mine. I use it daily. Benefits of rolling out your face; decreases puffiness and stimulates lymphatic drainage. And, it is the best feeling ever to roll out your forehead, it is so relaxing and for me it reduces anxieties.
Most of all, archive optimum health you got to be honest with yourself. You cannot just give, you have to find the balance to receive.
As William Londen wrote:
To ensure good health: eat lightly, breathe deeply, live moderately, cultivate cheerfulness and maintain an interesting life.
Wishing you a Happy Holiday and an amazing start into 2022! Stay safe!
XO
Silvia