Neglecting Self Care

Over-indulging in food and alcohol, over-spending and jam packed holiday schedules have unfortunately become our cultural norm. This in combination with the stress and expectations of the season can leave us feeling pretty depleted with symptoms like sleep disturbance, fatigue, irritability, digestive issues, headaches and reduced immunity.

One of the most important things we can do to combat this is to prioritize our physical and mental health during the holidays. Stay hydrated, keep a consistent bed time as much as possible, build in down-time for rest and naps and move your body. Enjoy your favorite holiday foods and beverages. There's no need to deprive yourself, but know and honor your limits.

If you were to ask me what one thing to prioritize to minimize collateral damage to both physical and mental health during the holidays, my response would be to reduce sugar intake. Read about the wide-reaching impacts of too much sugar on our systems here. Health and wellness expert JJ Virgin refers to the time between Halloween and New Year's as "high sugar impact season". You can find her tips on reducing sugar impact through the holidays here.

Lastly, be sure to carve out time for self-care. Self-care doesn't have to be elaborate or time-consuming. In fact, it can be done in 5-minutes or less and still provide a benefit. Need ideas? Try my 30-days of 5-min. self-care calendar here.

Keeping Outdated Traditions

Not Saying No

Over Spending

Unmet Expectations

Whether we're consciously aware of them or not, the holidays are loaded with expectations. Finding the perfect gifts, hosting amazing and fun holiday parties and meals, getting to see or spend time with certain people and having enough time to do all of the holiday activities we want are just a few examples. Unconscious and unmet expectations can leave us feeling disappointed or even a bit blue or depressed during the holiday season but not entirely sure why. If you're feeling this way, take a few minutes to think about what expectations might be at play here for you. Next, take some time to reflect on what's important by writing down the 2-3 things you want to prioritize this season, and then make a plan to make them happen. Remember it's up to you to communicate what you want and/or to bring those things to life. Ask for support if you need it, but don't wait or leave it up to someone else to do it for you. If you don't get to do these things during the holidays for whatever reason, plan them in the new year!