“Oh sure,” you said as you read the title; “there’s not enough time for everything I already need to get done. I’m supposed to add more to my list?” Well, yes, you are.
December is the busiest month of the year for many, but that’s not a reason to put your self-care on hold. In fact, there’s no better time to give yourself a little extra TLC. This month often becomes about doing umpteen tasks on an endless to-do list; putting yourself and your own needs somewhere on this list can make the difference between enjoying the season and starting to feel like a martyr.
Think about it. Right about now, aren’t you spending extra time to make everyone else feel special? You’re probably buying lots of gifts, maybe taking on a service project here or there, mailing cards and packages, all for the sake of letting others know how much they mean to you. Moms do so much for so many people, especially this time of year. Look for ways to extend this kindness to yourself too:
- Think small – even if large indulgences are out, there are lots of little things you can do for yourself. Put your feet up and sip hot cocoa with a favorite book for a few minutes. Pick up some fresh flowers to adorn your home, light a candle or a fire, turn on music you love. Whatever makes you smile, make it happen.
- Think quick – what friends have you been wanting to see? Social time is a wonderful gift to give yourself, and even with the busiest schedule you can fit in half an hour for coffee or an hour for lunch.
- Prioritize – with everything you have to do, a few things are bound to slip through the cracks, but somehow the most important tasks manage to get done. Be sure that self-care is high enough on the list to make the cut.
- Stay in shape – exercise may not be your favorite, but for stress relief (and to offset some of the holiday goodies) it’s extremely important. Don’t tell yourself there isn’t time; exercise usually gives you more energy, so you get more done, and you sleep better too. Besides – admit it – you always feel great afterward.
- Remember the basics – getting enough sleep and eating well aren’t especially exciting, but they’ll keep you feeling better overall, and help you resist all the flu bugs going around.
The more you keep yourself healthy and happy the more stamina you’ll have, and the better able you’ll be to tackle everything you still have on that to-do list. This is the season of giving – be sure you’re giving enough to YOU.
Your assignment: Think of one nice thing you can do for yourself this week (or better yet today) and make it happen. Set aside the time you need for self-care, call the friend you’ve been meaning to get ahold of, or just allow yourself some down time, even if only a little. Good luck!
