The hustle and bustle of the holidays can be a source of stress for many. If fatigue, pain, and any number of other symptoms are already a part of your daily life due to autoimmune disorders and/or other health challenges, there’s a good chance there will be a few times over the holiday season when having the energy to even sit up straight, let alone put a smile on your face, is a challenge.
The good news is that with some planning and commitment to YOURSELF, you can limit those down times and make this a wonderful, perhaps even magical, holiday season.
I’ve put together five key areas to help you get started. It’s not always easy, but if you consistently do these five things, you’ll get more joy from the season.
5 Tips for Your Self-Care this Holiday Season
1. Get adequate rest.
If you want to be ENGAGED, cognitively and physically in conversations and good times with your family and loved ones, focus first and foremost on getting the rest you need. Your body needs quality sleep to heal and function at its best. Skip the late-night movies and do your best to stick with a regular bedtime routine.
2. Fuel your body with quality nutrition.
I know. Temptations are everywhere. Go ahead and treat yourself to special treats, just choose wisely. When faced with a temptation, think how much more you will enjoy a special treat with a loved one or friend over simply loading up on a variety of sweets and other less nutritious food items simply because they are there.
3. Take a little time for yourself each day.
When you give yourself the gift of time each day, you will be able to share your best version of you with others. Pick an activity that rejuvenates you and make time for that each day. Ideas include a nap, meditation, a walk in nature, reading or journaling, or yoga. As little as ten minutes each day can make a BIG difference in how you feel.
4. Prioritize your activities and set boundaries.
Between cooking, traveling, shopping, and attending events, the truth is, if you want to feel your best and make the most of the holidays, you will need to say no to some of the activities. Don’t be afraid to kindly decline an invitation in order to feel your best all season long. And perhaps it’s time to let go of some traditions that require a lot of energy.
5. Ask for help.
Chances are, certain holiday activities might trigger a flare-up. Maybe wrapping presents or cleaning the house for guests means a day (or more) of rest in bed. Can you ask a friend to come over and help wrap presents? Can you hire a friend of the family or a company to clean? Weigh the consequences of the activity to the outcome and be creative in finding ways to work around those activities that cause flare-ups. If you step back and look at your options, you’ll likely find that being able to be present with your family, friends and loved ones will bring you more joy than doing everything yourself.
And remember, enroll the support of those closest to you. Let them know you WANT to be there for them, you WANT to enjoy your time with them and you WANT to share your best with them. And then let them help you troubleshoot, hold you accountable, and be there to support you.
If you accidentally overdo it (it’s so easy to do so!), here are tips for Making the Most of an Autoimmune Flare-Up Over the Holidays.
BEFORE YOU GO… Twelve Days of Relaxation, Rejuvenation & Gratitude
10 minutes is all you need to take a break and rejuvenate a little each day! Download this 12-day checklist and give yourself the best gift you can give yourself… time.
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