12 Ways to Practice Self-Care

It’s the most wonderful time of the year! Well, that’s what it’s supposed to be.

The holidays can be a stressful and difficult time for many. That’s why we are rolling out 12 Ways to Practice Self-Care!

Without slowing down and taking time for yourself, how are you supposed to be holly and jolly? Below are 12 ways to prioritize yourself and your mental health this holiday season. 

1. Write down "me time" on your to-do list
Those to-do lists during this time of year can get long and tough to accomplish. Write down “me time” as one of your daily tasks! It will act as a reminder to give yourself the time and space you need to focus on your mental and physical well-being, giving you the motivation to tackle that long list!

2. Turn those HO HO HO's into NO NO NO's
It’s the time of year of wanting to do everything with everyone, and sometimes that’s just not physically or mentally possible. It’s ok to say no in order to slow down and take the time you need to enjoy the holiday season. After all, it’s your magical time of the year too!

3. Drink plenty of water
Most of us are fueled by anything but water during these busy times! The best way to avoid those 3 o’clock headaches is by drinking plenty of water. Fill up that big water bottle and make it a goal to finish it, pack a small cooler with water bottles to keep in your car, or set multiple reminders on your phone telling you to drink up. Staying hydrated will give you the boost you need and is important for your overall health!

4. Treat yourself when doing your shopping for others
Prioritize doing something nice for yourself during the hustle and bustle! Grab a coffee, buy a treat from the local bakery, or finally purchase that item that has been in your shopping cart for months. It’s the season of showing others love, but it’s ok to show that to yourself too!

5. Keep one day a week free of obligations or events
With school events, holiday concerts, and family gatherings, it is easy to get overbooked fast. Make sure you are taking time for you and your family by marking off one day a week on the calendar to take it easy and relax. All the holiday festivities and activities are fun, but you can’t enjoy them if you’re exhausted.

6. Write down the things you are grateful for
Stay focused on the positives this holiday season. As merry and bright as the holidays can be, it can also be a period when we struggle with our mental health. Keeping a journal of all the things you are grateful for can help serve as a reminder that the difficult times are temporary when you’re feeling down.

7. Get outside even if it's cold
Whether it’s a walk, cross-country skiing, or sledding, it’s important to get outside for some fresh air despite the snowy, cold weather. It’s one way to reset your mind and focus on the beautiful wintry sights around you. The best part is you can reward yourself with some hot chocolate after!

8. Start your day with quiet time
Pencil in some quiet time first thing in the morning to help start your day on a positive note. Wake up before the rest of the house, sit with a cup of coffee, and set your intentions for the day ahead. With the holiday busyness, it’s important to carve out time to be with yourself.

9. Keep your phone out of your nighttime routine
Between all the holiday festivities and activities, there is enough to keep us awake at night. We don’t need our phones before bed to make it worse! Good sleep is vital for making it through the holiday season. Leave your phone outside of the bedroom or on “Do Not Disturb” so you have time to clear your head before bed and get a full night’s sleep.

10. Talk through feelings with someone you trust
The holidays are not always easy. Planning holiday festivities and celebrations while grieving, juggling busy schedules, or struggling with mental health issues can be isolating and tough to navigate alone. Make sure to talk through your feelings and emotions with a friend, a family member, a professional, or someone else you trust. When you feel like the holiday season is catching up to you, the worst thing to do is to keep it all in.

11. Motivate yourself to stay grounded
Admit it, sometimes our Grinch side can show during the holidays. Busy schedules and long to-do lists can mean lack of patience. It’s important to stay grounded, especially when situations or unexpected changes come up that are frustrating, but entirely out of your control. Surround yourself with people, podcasts, or inspirational messages that motivate and remind you to stay present. It’s best for your mental health to focus on the things you CAN control.

12. Check envy at the door
Avoid comparing yourself to your friends and family as you visit for the holidays. The self-inflicted need to have as many or as nice of things as others can cause a lot of unnecessary stress. Instead, examine and prioritize what you and your family really need to be happy and healthy. At the end of the day, that is all that matters.

For more helpful self-care tips or more information on the ways above, visit our Pinterest page. Wishing you and your family a wonderful holiday season from all of us at WESTconsin Credit Union!