15 Ways... To Practice Self-Care For the Festive Season

We're headed towards the holiday season and we couldn't be more excited. For most of us, it's a chance to relax, spend time with family and friends, enjoy ourselves and just generally eat, drink, and be merry! However, there is a downside to all the festivities. In the run up to the celebrations, this period can be hectic and overwhelming, especially if you're catering for large groups of people, have family or friends staying with you over the holidays, or if you're just feeling the financial strain of it all. So what should be a happy and relaxed occasion, can have you feeling stressed, exhausted, and in desperate need of a holiday in order to recover from it all!

So with that in mind, Peppermint Teal have come up with fifteen ways in which you can practice self-care throughout the holiday season, ensuring that you take the time to nurture yourself physically, emotionally, and spiritually so that you're in tip-top condition health-wise to enjoy all the festivities.

THE FESTIVE SEASON BEGINS. WHAT CAN GO WRONG?

When we talk about the 'festive season,' we're not just referring to the most obvious one - Christmas - but also Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, New Year's Eve, and New Year's Day. In fact why don't we throw in Thanksgiving as well! At this celebratory time of year, nobody should be feeling anything less than peace and goodwill to all men (and women of course!) The season is a special, magical time for many of us; a time filled with family fun, seasonal traditions, great food and festive cheer.

Unfortunately though, the festive season isn't always the joyous occasion we want it to be which can leave people fraught and ridden with anxiety.

• It can be a very expensive time. Having people over to stay; staying over with others; buying gifts; visiting places... It can all be a little heavy on your pocket! Especially when we feel pressurized into purchasing things we don't need or want either because we feel we have to have it; we don't want our families to go without, or because we don't want to come across as mean.

• It's often a time of chaos, clutter and a cacophony of noise! Our homes, fridges, calendars and heads are overflowing with things we need to have, do, and remember. So for people who thrive on peace, quiet, and calm, it can be an incredibly overwhelming time.

• The festive season is known for being a time for family. But family rifts, rows and politics can leave you dreading having to spend the happiest time of year with people whose company you don't enjoy or who you can't trust to behave themselves. Furthermore the period is also a reminder of loved ones we've lost or live far away from, creating more feelings of sadness.

• The festive season is also party season! There are invitations to parties, events, lots of activities to do... It's great for the social butterflies among us but for those who are more introverted, or those who see the festive period as a chance to relax and unwind, the non-stop socializing can be a bit of a nightmare as you find ways to avoid or at least reduce the amount of times you go out.

• Festivities often come complete with food and alcohol - and lots of it! So it's not an easy time for those battling eating disorders, alcoholism, food allergies and intolerances.

• As we wrap up yet more gifts to place underneath an elaborately decorated tree, we struggle with feelings of guilt as we think about people who don't have as much as we do, and will not be having as a good Christmas as we are.

1. REFLECT ON WHAT THE HOLIDAY SEASON MEANS TO YOU

One of the reasons for stress and headache around this time is because you're so focused on making sure that everyone else is happy that you've not given much thought to what you would like. And when everyone else's wishes are not in alignment with what you desire, this can lead to feelings of overwhelm and resentment, not to mention dread as the big day approaches. Naturally compromises may have to be made - especially if you live in a household with other people. But this doesn't mean that you shouldn't strive towards having at least a little bit of the Christmas you'd like.

First and foremost, think about what what the holidays mean to you and what you absolutely can't do without. Is it about family and friends? Rest and relaxation? Indulging on some fine-quality food and wine? Nostalgia? Maybe it's your only chance in the year to jet off for some winter sun or snow. You might decide that you want to ditch the over-the-top consumerism and embrace the true spiritual side of what the holidays are all about. Perhaps you'd rather volunteer than go from party to party. Or maybe after working so hard, you just want to chill in your own home with an extra large pizza rather than indulge in your mum's festive fare - as good as that is!

So in order to be true to yourself and enjoy the festive season as you wish, think about what's important to you - what you absolutely must have and what you can do without. Have this as the main priority of your holiday season, and then have all other plans centered around your main focus, remembering not to be overly rigid with your plans and allow some room for flexibility.

2. SET A BUDGET

Sadly most of us are not Jeff Bezos so when it comes to the festive season, we do not have an unlimited budget. So once again think about what matters the most to you, what you cannot do without, and what you don't mind ditching. Maybe you've decided that you want to splurge on luxury food items, or buy those shoes you've had your eye on, ready for the party season. Perhaps you've decided that you need that winter break after all. Or maybe you'd like to make a sizeable donation to charity. Then there's the presents you'll need to buy. Work out how much it'll all cost and what is or isn't possible within the realms of what you can realistically afford.

And this is the important bit... Be HONEST with yourself about what you can afford when setting your budget. We've all heard of at least one person who goes mad every Christmas and then spends the next year having to pay it all off. No one wants to start the new year with a massive debt, spend all year clearing the debt - and then get straight back into it come December!

3. START SHOPPING EARLIER

Shopping for Christmas might be fun but it can also be very stressful - as those of us who have left our shopping to the last minute will know. There's a lot to be said for buying all your necessities and spreading the cost throughout the year. It may be the same amount of money that you're spending, but you'll feel the pinch a lot less than if you have a lot of money going out in one hit. Furthermore you can take your time and feel less overwhelmed when you start earlier plus you might even come across bargains throughout the year which means you might make some savings.

4. TREAT YOURSELF

The festive season is a time for giving and it only comes around once a year - so why not give to yourself to something well-deserved as well as everyone else. It could be an experience like a spa day, a weekend break (very handy for after Christmas!) or an outdoors activity.

But treating yourself doesn't always mean you have to splurge. It could just be something as simple as having a lie-in (considered by some to be a real luxury!) or a bubble bath with chocs and a glass of something bubbly. Or maybe even a Christmas movie marathon with loads of frothy hot chocolate. The decision, as they say, is yours!

5. CONNECT WITH FAMILY AND FRIENDS

We live in an age where people, more often than not, don't live in the town in which they were born. So we understand how important it is to be digitally connected to family and friends 'back home.' But what about when you do get together with your nearest and dearest - and you spend the whole time glued to your device wanting to know what everyone else is doing? Take this opportunity to spend some quality time and connect with the people around you, without the distraction of devices and social media (you can always catch up with those who live far and wide later on) and be present with those you’re actually with. Taking a few pics to remember that moment is fine and you can post them to your socials later. But don't see every second as a photo opportunity for the 'gram!

6. GET OUT THERE

One of the reasons why people don't like the winter season is because they think of cold, dark evenings with absolutely nothing to do. That might be fine if you like the idea of hibernating under a cozy duvet with a book for three months (totally up to you!) But for those who prefer to be out and about, the thought of not being able to mingle with the crowd fills them with horror.

But of course it doesn't need to be that way. There are still lots of things that you did during the warmer months that you can do now - like going to the cinema, bowling, out to dinner etc. But there are lots of seasonal activities that are only on for a limited time which will make you glad that it's winter so you don't want to miss out. You could drive around town and look at the Christmas lights and decorations that are in your neck of the woods - complete with hot cocoa! If you're lucky enough to live near a drive-in movie theatre, you might be able to catch the showing of some holiday movies. Events and places like outdoor ice skating; winter fairs; ski resorts, and the all-important pantomime if you live in Britain... who says you need to stay in throughout winter!

Go online to see what events are available in your local area.

7. GIVE SOMETHING BACK

'Tis the season to give and to give from the heart so embrace the spiritual side of the festivities. The festive season sees many people counting their blessings; practicing gratitude and giving back. Aside from doing something good to help someone in need, it also makes you feel good within yourself when you focus on giving to others.

And don't think that the act of giving revolves solely around money. You could also give by giving up some of your time to listen to someone who has a problem and give them advice, or giving up up some time to volunteer at the local shelter; giving someone a helping hand with a job that needs doing; giving a call to a friend you haven't caught up with in a while, or giving a smile or seasonal greeting to your barista/server/bartender to boost their spirits (trust me they'll need it! - Angel, someone who used to work in retail!)

8. DON'T BE AFRAID TO SAY 'NO'

It's a simple enough word but many of us struggle with saying 'no.' The people-pleaser in some of us doesn't want to let people down or make people think badly of us. So at a time when we have more to deal with than we normally do, we end up taking on more than we should; shelling out for more than we should, and end up feeling stressed, harassed, and resentful. But of course we don't let anyone know that!

There's a difference between saying no because you don't want to do something, and saying no because you genuinely can't do any more. And if it's the latter, then just say a polite but firm 'no.' Never follow this up with a reason because pushy people will just talk you out of it. Though to be reasonable, you can try to compromise - something along the lines of "I'm sorry I won't be able to do that now but maybe tomorrow afternoon?" Anything that's not suitable for them means that they'll need to make alternative arrangements (even if it is begrudgingly!) but never let anyone make you feel bad. It's better to say 'no' than agree to something that will seriously compromise your inner-peace and emotional wellbeing.

9. THE POWER OF LISTS!

We all tell ourselves that there's no need to write anything down as we'll remember. But then we waste time by having to continually dash out and battle the crowds to pick up bits and pieces we've forgotten, which does precious little for our stress levels.

So to make sure you don't forget Aunty Joan's Christmas present, make sure you write lists for all the things you need to get, and for the tasks you need to get completed. Keep adding to it as you remember things. You can also include deadlines to ensure you stay on schedule.

10. SPREAD OUT THE FESTIVITIES

Realistically there's no way you can see all the people you'd like to spend the festivities with on the one day. Spreading the celebrations out over a period of several days, means that not only do you ease some of the pressure off the big day, but you also have things to look forward to after the main event. When you've spend so much time planning and prepping, and there's a build up to the big day, it's a bit anti-climactic when it's all over and you feel as though you have nothing else to look forward too. So plan for the days following the main event in order to have some great things lined up that you can enjoy with different groups of family or friends.

11. BE FOOD-SAVVY

If you invite a large group of people over, there's a good chance that there might be at least one person who has different dietary requirements to the others due to health, religious or ethical reasons. Of course you want to be the perfect host and cater to everyone's needs. But realistically it's just not possible to create all these different dishes without tiring yourself out. By the end of it all, you'll never want to see another piece of tofu again!

After finding out your guests various requirements, plan for one main meat dish and a vegan, gluten-free alternative that's also allergen-free if any of your guests have serious allergies. Then for side dishes and desserts, keep everything gluten-free; swap dairy for plant-based and eggs for egg substitutes, so that everyone can dig in with no problem and you won't have run yourself ragged.

12. ADVANCE PLANNING AND PREPPING

If you're one of those last minute people, you'll know how stressful it is to be running around, feeling totally out of control, trying to get everything done at once - sometimes with little or no help. Organization is not everyone's greatest strength - even though we all say that it is on our CVs! But being disorganized means a lot of time gets unnecessarily wasted; you feel completely stressed; you don't get to socialize with your guests and by the end of it all, you feel anything but festive cheer!

This is where your lists will come in very handy so be sure to make your lists as early on as possible, and plan and prepare in advance as much as possible. This includes working out your budget; the menu; gifts, to managing the big day and the days leading up to it.

13. BE HAPPY TO RECEIVE

We're taught that it's better to give than receive and while we won't argue with that, receiving can make you feel loved and appreciated. We're not just talking gifts here but things like compliments on your festive decor; accepting offers to give you a hand; enjoying yourself more and giving yourself permission to celebrate, eat, drink, and socialize more. Allow yourself to stay up later and start that exercise plan in the new year!

So allow yourself to receive the festive cheer of the celebratory period. It can be very uplifting and can give you a much needed boost.

14. CARVE OUT SOME 'YOU' TIME

Although you want this time to be special and for everything to run like clockwork, it's important to remember that a lot of the work that you're doing is essentially for a few days. So don't stress if things are not perfect - half the time people are too busy enjoying themselves to notice the slight imperfections. So instead of working relentlessly during the prepping stages, take some time out for yourself. Listen to music; watch an episode of your fave show with a glass of wine; read... Also make sure to find time to eat healthily; drink water; sleep well, exercise and meditate so you're well enough to handle anything.

And how do you make sure that the work continues while you're taking time out? Why, you delegate of course!

15. GET NOSTALGIC!

There's something so endearing and meaningful about traditions that have existed in the family for decades. You might not always have appreciated them when you were growing up but it's amazing how much meaning those traditions have when you move away or you're not able to be with your family. Family traditions bring back happy memories of childhood and family events, filling you up with that warm, fuzzy feeling.

There are still many traditions that you can keep alive that will keep you connected to your family - especially if they're not with you during the holidays - and help bring back memories of the good old days which is great for that much needed feel-good factor. You can still put up the the nativity crib; watch your fave holiday movies, and make your nan's famous shortbread - though admittedly it won't taste quite like hers do but it'll still be fab!

Hope every one has a very happy and stress-free festive season.

Photos: Pixabay

Word Cloud: Angel Noire