In the week before Christmas, there is a lot of emphasis on the countdown to the holidays. As a coach, I throw out the challenge of the Self-Care Count Down. A 14-Day Self Care Challenge! What would you like to commit to doing for a restorative holiday season?
Body Must Haves:
Physical Exercise, Sleep, Nutrition
The holidays are a time that we typically skimp on the physical needs that our bodies require. As you plan your holiday time, notice ways to value these three elements by your time, effort, and choices. Plan ahead to make these physical components easy and attainable. Obstacles ahead? Arrange ways to make it work for you. This can be asking for support, doing something a little differently, or adding what you need into the holiday mix.
Ideas to support your body must haves:
Walks outside
Set bed times
Cooking ahead
Menu planning
Choosing nutrition over craving
Try a new YouTube work out!
“Make time daily for your well-being.” ― Lailah Gifty Akita, Think Great: Be Great!
Mental Must Haves:
The holidays are filled with light but sometimes the red and green can feel like stop and go. Focus on the gold this year with SLOW DOWN. Our minds need time to relax, take it easy, and appreciate what is going well. What options do you have to make the mental break happen? One way to quiet down the mind is gratitude. Notice what brings a smile and warmth to you. How would you like to express that through the holidays? What would you like your focus to be? The mental must haves are all about keeping the mindset focused on the present moment and oriented to how you want to be feeling.
Ideas to support your mental must haves:
Start the holidays with a goal: I want to be (peace), (kind), (receptive).
Give the gift of acceptance: love like you are looking at a 5 year old (self and others). Notice what’s important to you and honor it.
Keep focus on what you have control over and away from what worries you.
Practice empathy.
“It is as it is. Whatever the present moment contains, accept it as if you had chosen it. Always work with it, not against it. Make it your friend and ally, not your enemy.” ― Eckhart Tolle
What do you want as you look ahead? Next week, we’ll look at structures of schedules and growth as we ease into the New Year.
Namaste,
Laura