Silly Season Self Care: Top 10 Tips
By Fleur Marks,
Wellbeing Expert & Founder of Byron’s latest: The Wellbeing Store
Let’s face it, after the year we have had, we might want to go a ‘little crazy’ in silly season. Or we might find ourselves more stressed as we head into the Christmas festivities. It’s totally understandable whatever you are feeling. After all, we’ve faced adversity, craved connection, wanted to stay safe and desired freedom all year long. More than ever, it’s important to nourish yourself - so here are my stop self-care tips during the silly season:
1. Take some proper rest
Listen to your body. Many of us are simply exhausted from ‘holding on’ all year long or perhaps we haven’t taken a break until now. Go to bed earlier, sleep in, lie in bed a little bit longer in the morning, or take an afternoon ‘nana’ nap. Stop yourself from doing household chores and give yourself permission to rest. The amazing gifts of rest are renewed energy and a fresh perspective.
2. Take a moment to de-stress
Breathe through the family dynamics or stresses of Christmas preparation. If you are feeling overwhelmed, or noticing your stress levels rise, the fastest way to find calm is to take three deep breaths. Take yourself away from a stressful situation, even if you hide in the bathroom, and take a moment to breathe. Three deep breaths calm your parasympathetic nervous system and allow your body to calm down quickly.
3. Do something you love
Reconnect with something you love to do. Perhaps you love reading a book on the beach, dancing, or cooking. Whatever it is, take some time out to do something that brings you joy for the ultimate silly season self-care act.
4. Watch a sunset/sunrise
Making a point to watch a sunset or sunrise every day is a wonderful way to indulge in self-care and improve your wellbeing. The simple act of finding a beautiful spot to watch the sun set or rise is the perfect opportunity to slow down, centre your mind and de-stress.
5. Practice presence
Disconnect to reconnect - put away your devices, even for a couple of hours, and just be. Give yourself time and space to allow yourself to just be happy in the moment. Spend time on being, not doing.
6. Random acts of kindness
Be kind to others. We often get so caught up in our own lives and the daily busyness that we forget that the simplest things can make the most significant impact on someone else. A smile, a compliment, holding the door open, buying someone a coffee, letting someone in the queue... We have all struggled this year so why not give the spirit of kindness and practice random acts of kindness to strangers?
7. Spread the love
Building on the spirit of kindness, tell someone why they matter to you and how grateful you are that they are in your life.
8. Overindulge
if you have had a few too many or eaten one too many Christmas mince pies, that’s okay. Life is for living. Plan ahead - if you know you’re going to be eating more than usual and maybe eating dinner late, start the morning with water and a light breakfast, and exercise before breakfast. All things in moderation.
9. Renew, reflect, manifest
Make some time during the break to rest, reflect and reset your intentions for the year ahead. Reflect on what you are proud of, what you have learned, what you need to let go of and what you really want for the coming year. Think about what you want to manifest in 2021.
10. Celebrate
Take this time to celebrate life. Having a healthy body. All the small pleasures of life. Just enjoy and go gently.