With Thanksgiving just last week, and December already upon us, I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels the inevitable frenzy of the holidays/year end. Celebrations, obligations, and extra tasks on our plates can leave us feeling depleted rather than festive. It’s important to me to end my year feeling like I really enjoyed my holiday activities, really connected with the people I am spending time with, and took the best care of myself that I can in the midst of it all.
To make sure self-care doesn’t go completely out the window, I find I usually need to simplify. Several months ago I shared my “Self-Care Non-Negotiables”. I know that in order to feel my best, I need to get my regular training sessions in, move my body daily outside the gym, eat foods that make me feel good, and give myself a little quiet time everyday.
Of course, this time of year I expect that it will be a bit harder for me to do all those things with so many other activities and commitments. So, I don’t beat myself up if I don’t check all of those self-care boxes perfectly every week. But, I do make sure that overall I’m staying as consistent as I can, and not giving up entirely when something doesn’t go according to plan.
I look for ways to modify, or get back on track as quickly as possible. If I miss a scheduled training session, can I at least get my walk in, or reschedule to a different day? If I have a week where I have to rely on take out more than home cooked meals, can I make choices that will still make sure I am getting enough protein and veggies? If I miss a morning meditation, can I give myself a hot bath and some deep breaths at the end of the day?
I know that taking care of my own health means simplifying some of the “extra” holiday commitments. I try to make sure I only say yes to things I have to do, and things I really love and want to do. Things that don’t mean that much, or that don’t absolutely have to get done right now will take a back seat. If I’m short on time, presents might arrive in gift bags instead of fancy wrapping. Cookies might get purchased instead of baked. I might get pre-chopped veggies at the store. I might decline a last minute invite, or depart a gathering a little early to get a better night’s sleep.
This time of year, the things we do to take care of ourselves seem to be the first things to go when we are feeling busy and over-committed. But you don’t have to do everything perfectly, all the time. Keep it simple, Superhero! Just stay as consistent as you can overall, and you’ll end your year feeling like the Superhero you are!