caring for yourself:
It’s the most wonderful time of the year. There is so much hustle and bustle, shopping adventures, and festivities to enjoy. There are church and school events, work events, friend events and then there are also personal things we want to do. On top of it all, there are jobs to work, children to care for, and relationships to maintain. They are all good things! Don’t get me wrong. But in the middle of caring for home and caring for others, sometimes we put ourselves last and forget to care for ourselves. But let me tell you a little secret. Your favorite self care is the best self care. Let’s talk about it.
Are you a reader?
Do you love to snuggle in with a warm drink and read a couple chapters? Sometimes the pleasure of reading is that it takes us away from our own world for a few minutes. Suddenly, we are transported to another timeline, with interesting characters, and mysteries and adventures. It is a good way to escape for a moment or two and indulge in something other than our own lives.
Maybe reading is a luxury for you. Don’t think you can’t still enjoy a good storyline, though! Right now Amazon is offering .99/month for the first 3 months. That’s a LOT of reading a person could enjoy. Here’s the link to the offer… https://amzn.to/43N9QvN (affiliate link). Offer closes December 16.
So whether you enjoy a good read with a book or an e-reader, or by simply listening to a recorded book, if reading is your favorite form of self-care, then it is your best form of self care.
Do you enjoy exercise?
I love a good exercise break. I used to be a runner and for me, running was my best form of self care. Whether I was upset from a day at work, overwhelmed by a crazy task list, or just physically tired, running gave me the energy burst I needed, and the endorphin rush to get me through the rough patches.
These days, I find walking a couple miles outdoors to be just the thing I need. The fresh air, the sunshine – if we’re lucky enough to have sunshine, and the brisk cold on my cheeks. I love it. No matter if I’m feeling anxious or need a break from the same four walls, getting out and walking will almost always lift my spirits. There is something so amazing about connecting to nature.
However, if you prefer a good workout in the gym, or maybe on a treadmill, or a rebounder, then that can give you the energy burst you need to help you through your day. But know yourself in this, too. If you’re a morning person, by all means, try to work in a quick 15-20 minutes in the early part of your day. If you’re someone who needs to unwind after work, then shoot for a quick workout a few hours before bedtime. Your body will thank you, and so will your mental health.
If exercise is your favorite self care, then it is your best self care. Try to get in a little exercise every day and you’ll see and feel the difference in no time.
Is organizing your therapy?
Are you one of those people who can’t focus if their surroundings are in disarray? I understand completely! The problem with this form of self care is that in the middle of a busy season, finding the time to organize something else is difficult. So here’s a pro tip. May yourself a list of things you want to organize, and jot down an estimated time it will take you to do it!
It may look like a simply checklist, something like this:
| Organize hall closet | 20-30 minutes |
| Organize bathroom cabinet | 30-45 minutes |
| Organize kitchen spices | 5-10 minutes |
| Organize sock drawer | 10 minutes |
There is something therapeutic about organization – especially when we do it in small chunks of time. The art of organization can take us from feeling overwhelmed to in control with even the smallest improvement. Having a quick list like this one allows you to indulge in this form of self care, in small stints of time. If you find yourself with a few spare moments, why not practice a little organizational self care?
So, if organizing is your favorite self care, then it is your best self care!
How do you charge your social battery?
There are people I know that need social connection. Their social batteries get recharged and refilled when they have a coffee with a friend, or plan an evening out with co-workers. Even an hour sitting by the fire pit can have amazing benefits for them.
Other people need time alone to recharge and refill their social batteries. They need a couple of hours alone to reconnect with themselves and refill their cup so they can continue to enjoy being around people. I tend to be this type of person. I love a great social gathering, but I will need a day to recover from it, as well.
So, in a season filled with opportunities to be around others, know your social battery, and take the time you need to recharge if you need it. If you find yourself on the other side, then by all means, plan a holiday lunch with co-workers, or an impromptu dinner with neighbors. But know which works for you! Knowing your social battery is your best self care.
Your favorite self care is the best self care…
This holiday season will give you all the joy the season has to offer. But there will also be moments when life feels hectic and chaotic. Knowing the activities that feel like self care – and giving yourself permission to enjoy them – will help you enjoy the holidays instead of dreading them.
So ask yourself what activities you enjoy that bring you that feeling of being recharged, of being rested, and of being renewed. There are so many ways to do this. You can grab a book and read for a few minutes, make a coffee or tea and sit by the candle light, or you can buy a lovely bath gel and enjoy a few moments in a hot bath. You could commit to going to bed 15 minutes early each night, or getting up 15 minutes before everyone else. Take a walk, lift some weights, or do some stretches. Eat a meal that you know will nourish your body – or a comfort food that will nourish your soul.
Whatever you choose this holiday season, remember that your favorite self care is your best self care. And work time into your life for those little moments!
Until next time, happy holidays!
xo, Billie
You may enjoy reading: Simple Life Self Care, Transform Your Evening Routine, or Simple Ways to Alleviate Holiday Stress.
