Oakland, CA-How to Practice Self-Care at the Holidays, Hypnotherapy, Eastbay, CA

The holiday season brings family get-togethers, timeless traditions, and good tidings. However, we often get overwhelmed trying to find the perfect present or prepare the ultimate feast that we become so stressed that we don’t even enjoy the holidays. You can’t give to others unless you take care of yourself so try some of these self-care tips this holiday season.

• Make time daily for meditation and exercise. Start the day with some breathing to release any stress, and make time to meditate. Yoga or brisk walking are also excellent forms of relaxing exercise.
• Practice good nutrition. If you’re always on the go, make sure you still follow your regular eating schedule so you’re not just eating dessert at holiday parties.
• Learn to say NO. There are always too many holiday gatherings this time of year. It’s okay to say no, and that you’d rather spend the evening with friends, or evening at home, just recuperating from the day. Practice speaking your mind about where you really want to spend the holidays.
• Detox from social media. Remove yourself from social media as much as possible. You won’t feel as much anxiety when your sister is bragging about the deals she found or your MIL is talking about Christmas dinner. While your family may not mean to be stressful, these comparisons on social media are harmful.
• Spend time outside. Grab your partner or a friend and take a walk at night to enjoy the brightly lit up neighborhood. The fresh air and the Christmas displays will do you good.
• Simplify holiday shopping. Remember that not every gift has to be expensive or perfect. Consider doing your holiday shopping online so you don’t have to deal with an excess of crowds. More people are putting their wish lists online, which makes it easier to track what you bought people.
• Spend some holiday fun with the kids in your life. Children love the holidays and their joy and laughter are contagious. Spend some time with your children or niece or nephew and plan something fun. I always bake Christmas cookies with my young niece and we both love decorating Santa and Christmas trees.
• Enjoy a night in yourself. However, maybe you need some quiet time with a cute and cheesy holiday movie and a cup of hot chocolate. These movies often have you smiling and seeing the fun of the holidays.

We all struggle to remember to take care of ourselves during this holiday season. If you need self-care ideas on how to slow down this holiday season, please contact us at (510) 949-8668.