The Top Ten Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays

The holidays can be a difficult time for many people. They can be stressful and overwhelming, especially if you're not taking care of yourself. In this blog, I share the top ten ways to take care of yourself during the holidays. These tips include getting enough sleep, eating healthy foods, exercising regularly, and spending time with loved ones. I also talk about how to indulge in your favorite activities and how to practice self-compassion. If you follow these tips, you'll have a much happier and healthier holiday season!

1. Get enough sleep.
Most people need around eight hours of sleep per night. If you're not getting enough sleep, you'll be more stressed and unable to handle the demands of the holiday season. Make sure to get plenty of rest so you can enjoy the festivities!

2. Eat healthy foods.
During the holidays, it can be tempting to indulge in your favorite foods and treats. However, eating unhealthy foods can make you feel tired and sluggish. Instead, try to eat balanced meals with plenty of fruits and vegetables. This will help keep you energized and healthy during the busy season.

3. Exercise regularly.
Exercising regularly is a great way to relieve stress and tension. It also helps boost your energy levels and mood. During the holidays, try to stick to your regular exercise routine as much as possible. This will help keep you feeling strong and energized throughout the season.

4. Spend time with loved ones.
The holidays are a time for family and friends. Spending time with loved ones is a great way to relax and de-stress. Make sure to schedule some time for fun activities with your loved ones this holiday season.

5. Indulge in your favorite activities.
The holidays are a time for fun and relaxation. Indulge in your favorite activities, whether that's watching your favorite Christmas movies, reading your favorite holiday books, or spending time outdoors in the snow. Enjoying your favorite activities is a great way to relax and unwind during the hectic holiday season.

6. Practice self-compassion.
Self-compassion is an important part of a healthy holiday season. It can be difficult to be kind to yourself during the busy holiday season, but it's important to remember to be gentle with yourself. Practice self-compassion by forgiving yourself for any mistakes you make and by being accepting of your own flaws. Remember that you are only human and that it's okay to make mistakes sometimes.

7. Stay hydrated.
Staying hydrated is essential for maintaining your energy level and minimizing stress during the holiday season. Make sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day, especially if you're busy or traveling. dehydration can lead to fatigue and irritability, so it's important to stay hydrated during this time of year.

8. Take breaks throughout the day.
It's important to take breaks from work and other holiday obligations throughout the day. This will help prevent burnout and allow you to recharge your batteries. Schedule a few minutes each hour to step away from your tasks and relax for a few minutes. This will help you stay focused and productive during the day.

9. Try to Laugh.
Laughter is one of the best forms of self-care. It's free, it's fun, and it's good for your health. Laughter releases endorphins, which have mood-boosting effects. It also helps you relax and reduces stress. Laughing also helps you bond with other people, which can be beneficial during the holiday season when you may be spending more time with family and friends.

10. Take care of your mental health.
The holiday season can be a difficult time for people with mental health issues. Make sure to take care of yourself mentally during this time. Seek out support from friends and family, and if needed, consult a professional therapist. Taking care of your mental health is just as important as taking care of your physical health during the holiday season.

If you're struggling with your mental health this holiday season, we urge you to reach out for help. Our team of experts are here to support you every step of the way. Please leave us a comment below about how you take care of yourself to have a healthy and happy holiday season!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

The Holiday Blues: Why High Expectations Can Lead to Disappointed

The holiday season is a time of joy, love, and cheer. But for some people, the holidays can be a tough time. There are high expectations surrounding the holiday season, and sometimes those expectations can lead to disappointment. This can be especially true if you're dealing with mental health issues like depression or anxiety. In this blog post, we'll explore how high expectations can affect mental health during the holidays and offer some tips on how to manage those expectations.

This time of year is when people are expected to be happy, festive, and full of cheer. But what happens when those expectations aren't met? Disappointment. And for people who are struggling with mental health issues like depression or anxiety, that disappointment can be even harder to deal with.

The pressure to have a "perfect" holiday season can be overwhelming. There's pressure to spend time with family, buy the perfect gifts, decorate the perfect tree, and so on. And if things don't go as planned, it can be easy to feel like you've failed. That sense of failure can lead to negative feelings and make it even harder to enjoy the holiday season.

So how can you manage your expectations and avoid being disappointed during the holidays? Here are a few tips:

• Make a list of things that are important to you and try not to stress about the rest

• Focus on quality over quantity when it comes to gift giving

• Remember that your family is imperfect and that's okay

• Take some time for yourself during the holidays and do things that make you happy

• Talk to someone if you're feeling overwhelmed or down

The holiday season is a time for joy and happiness, but it can also be a time of stress and disappointment. By managing your expectations and taking care of yourself, you can make sure that the holidays are a happy and enjoyable time for you and your loved ones.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or down this holiday season, remember that you're not alone. Talk to someone if you need help managing your expectations or dealing with your emotions. And most importantly, focus on what's important to you and try not to stress about the rest. Wishing you all a happy and healthy holiday season!

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place

Setting Boundaries

Setting boundaries can be scary; it can feel like you are a "bad” or “selfish” person. More realistically, it is just about standing up for yourself, which you have the right to do. I speak with many people who are doing things over the holidays that they feel they "should" do. I tell them, "you are 'should-ing' all over yourself." It's normal to have obligations you don't always want to do. However, if you're consistently putting yourself and your needs last to make everyone else happy, you might start feeling resentful, burnt out, sad, depressed, anxious, irritable, incapable, or like a disappointment.

Start setting boundaries with people in your life! This is likely to be difficult because people will not be used to your new boundaries. They may push back against you but remain firm in your resolve. You may feel guilty because you have been conditioned to think that way; however, there is absolutely no reason for you to feel bad for taking care of yourself. There is a reason why on airplanes they instruct you to put on your oxygen mask first and then your child's mask. If you're unconscious, you can't help your child. It's the same concept with self-care. If you're exhausted—physically, mentally, and emotionally—you won't be much good to anyone else either.

So say NO if you don't have time, the ability, or want to do it. Be direct, be consistent and be kind.

Here are some examples of direct statements that help set boundaries:

• "Thank you for the invitation, but we are already busy on that date."

• "I am unable to complete the task due to my workload currently."

• "I would like more help around the home. We will be doing chores more equally."

• "We have a smaller budget for the holidays this year, and I can't buy everyone gifts. Can we draw names instead?"

• "I realize that in the past we have always come to your home, but I am in a relationship now, and my partner's family wants to see us also during the holidays. Here are some suggestions."

• "Unfortunately, due to my current commitments, I cannot help with that project."

Set those boundaries and watch the stress begin to disappear! Happy boundary setting.

Blog written by:
Lisa Anderson
Owner of A Healing Place