The holidays are upon us, which–for most of us–means hours spent planning, shopping, decorating and celebrating all that the season has to offer. Yet, while this time can be full of fun and enjoyment, it can also be quite stressful as well. After all, all of this running around leaves all of us with a little less time to ourselves.
This holiday season, let’s do things differently. Let’s resist the urge to run ourselves ragged by making sure to schedule some down time as well. Not only will this help you to be at your best when taking care of everyone around you and juggling all the many things you have on your plate, but it will help you enjoy the season more too. Need some ideas? Here are four ways to take care of yourself this busy holiday season.
4 Ways to Take Care of Yourself This Holiday Season
1. Say No to Extra Commitments
Between class parties, church activities, volunteer opportunities and fun festivities as a family, it doesn’t take long for your December calendar to fill up quickly. Instead of agreeing to every opportunity that comes your way, take a minute to decide which activities are most worth your time. Limit your family’s activities to a manageable number and you’ll be able to enjoy each of them more.
2. Schedule Downtime into Your Calendar in Advance
Of course, no matter how diligent you are about turning down new opportunities, things inevitably creep into your schedule that you didn’t expect. This is why it is also important to schedule downtime into your calendar, whether that is a night that your whole family will stay home together or a morning that you are able to sleep in without obligations. No one can keep running at full power all day long without taking a break. Make sure you schedule one in.
3. Keep Healthy Habits
Between holiday baking and festive holiday parties, it seems as though junk food is never more than an arm’s reach away during the holidays. While it is good to enjoy a little, be careful to enjoy them in moderation. Prep meals in advance, have healthy snacks on hand, and don’t forget to drink plenty of water as well. This will help energize you for whatever you have on your plate!
4. Enjoy the Moment
Lastly–and most importantly of all–make sure that you take some time to really enjoy the moment over the next month. Go outside and enjoy the falling snow. Stop and really watch how adorable your children are. Take it all in and take lots of pictures. It’ll be over before you know it.
Do you tend to run yourself ragged trying to do too much? Is your December calendar already jam packed? What other tips do you have for taking care of yourself during this busy time of year?
Teacher turned work-at-home mom, Brittany loves using her words to help people improve their faith, marriage and parenting. And with one awesome husband and two very rambunctious little boys, she’s always got a lot to say! In addition to writing for Love and Marriage, she also owns her own site, Equipping Godly Women, where she regularly shares helpful tips, tricks and encouragement to help women be the amazing women God created them to be.
Betty says
I like the part about scheduling down-time. I will remember that this Christmas.
Brittany at Equipping Godly Women says
Yes! You have to schedule it in or it will never happen! At least, it never does for me anyways 🙂