December is usually a busy month for all. Businesses are trying to close out their year, families and friends are planning their gatherings, students are looking forward to ending their semester and possibly heading home or away for their break and there’s an endless list of invitations being ticked off the calendar. It’s especially important to take time to care for your physical and mental well-being amidst the hustle and bustle.

 

We’re bringing 5 tips to show a little love to yourself this holiday season.

 

1- Get enough Sleep

This is always important when it comes to health, during the holiday season it’s even more imperative you get the sleep your body needs. Getting enough sleep will help keep your immune system strong, your head clear and assure you have energy for all the festivities you might be taking part in.

 

2- Exercise

Even though your schedule is packed, don’t ignore your fitness routine. Even if you might need to scale back a bit, make sure you fit in 3-5 days of light to moderate exercise. Not only does it keep your body healthy, but the serotonin also it releases will help your mental state as well. It’s easy to become overwhelmed this time of year and many people even find themselves feeling a little depressed if they have lost or are missing a loved one. Keeping your routine consistent will help keep your spirits up when it’s easy to feel a bit down. It’s even a great time to try a new activity. Grab that specially priced package and participate in something new. Knowing it’s a limited time and the excitement of trying something different will help power you through the season.

 

3- Easy on the Alcohol

We know you’ll be celebrating and socializing and who doesn’t love a nice holiday toast, but indulging too much will affect your sleep cycles, mood, and physical appearance. It may also run down your immune system leaving you susceptible to illness. Studies have also shown that alcohol consumption tends to cause people to overeat and with all the sugary treats around, it’s easy to go way off your normal eating habits, adding to a change in your health and mental state.

 

4- Meditation

Some people cringe when they hear the word meditation, so you can call it what you like. Just be sure to take a few minutes each day to sit in a peaceful, quiet spot and empty your mind. There are plenty of guided meditation tools out there and meditation music if it helps more than total silence. The goal is to let your body and mind empty and relax. This helps regulate your nervous system and helps keep your mental clarity sharpened. It’s easy to get overwhelmed in a season that is going nonstop. A few minutes each day can make a world of difference.

 

5- Music

Rounding out our five tips for holiday self-care is music. While many people have a holiday party mix, not many take the time to make themselves a holiday slow down playlist. Find songs that make you feel happy, at ease, relaxed and all around mellow. When you feel stress setting in put on the playlist and watch your anxiety start to subside. If you can, grab a cup of tea, coffee, hot cocoa, whatever your nonalcoholic comfort beverage is and spend a few minutes letting the music take you away. Or grab the headphones and take a walk out in the sunshine, especially if you are in a colder climate. Dress appropriately for the weather and get that fresh air.

  

We hope these tips help make your busy season less stressful and help you stay in good health.