Holiday self-care

Holidays can be very hard at the best of times. This will be the hardest year many of us have had. Remember we all come from different backgrounds, traditions and upbringing. Some had loving memories of time spent with people they cared about. Others struggled with negative memories. Stress and anxiety may not play kindly.

Whether you are relieved to spend time alone or you are missing people. Taking care of your physical and mental health is very important. You are important! If you are someone that takes vitamins please know the best mix for the changing seasons. If you don’t maybe talk to your doctor or alternative practitioner about what might benefit you. I switched my vitamins last month to help fight the blahs of longer, darker days. 

Setting a water goal can help. Clean water helps our bodies run better. Like an engine needs oil our brains and bodies need water to function. My friend and I were using the little Genies on the cell phone emojis that would be our “Water genies.” There is a blue one and a red one if I had hot water I would use the red one with how much water I drank. She did the same. We did better with keeping track.

I have made myself and my family stress reduction boxes. You can use whatever works to keep your things in. You want it to be portable so you can grab something on the go to aid in feeling better.  A care box is something you build to help when you feel stressed, blah, sad  or angry. If we need to distract, defuse or change our pattern of thinking. This box can be a blessing.

Things you can put in a shoebox, backpack, basket, really anything that is easy to pull out the things to aid you in feeling calmer and work towards healing. Non-alcoholic drinks like tea or a juice box, sparkling water. You can put a small craft in or game, gum, bubbles to blow ( they help with deep breathing and opening our lungs) writing pad, drawing pens a stress ball, a kaleidoscope, essential oils,  any small things that help you feel better. I found a plastic smiling poo in a dollar store for a box I made for someone, I called it when poop hits the fan box. They ready liked it. Handwarmer and a healthy snack can be great things to add. 

Eating at regular times can help balance you mood by keeping blood sugars regulated. People in the health field suggest small meals or snacks ever four hours. Healthy foods prompt wellness and give you better immune support.

Make a list of things that help you feel better. Maybe soak your feet, have a shower a bath while watching a funny show. You can add people to contact that promote your feeling better. Get into the fresh air, loving a pet or nature. Hang out in a cozy spot and read. Remember it is ok to take time for you.

Humor when we are having a hard go, sometimes it is hard to find humor. Laughter has health benefits and is very healing. Comedians I enjoy is Gabriel Iglesias and Michael McIntyre Tonight when I was finishing up the post, I had some of my own stress, my 16 year old dog was having a hard health night after making sure he was stable and calling to make a vet appointment for him I watch the above videos! I feel a bit better.

If you are on medication please remember this is part of keeping you healthy. Please follow the instructions from your practitioner. 

If you need help please contact a support line.

Take time to smile and be thankful.

The bath tub photo is by Photo by Taryn Elliott