How often do you think about Christmas self care in the lead up to the big day?
With the hustle, bustle and excitement of the festivities, have you taken a moment to think about yourself?
The festive season can be a hectic one. It can be so easy to get lost in the Christmas celebrations. It’s also very likely that you’ll forget about looking after yourself at some point in the build up.
But that should serve as a reminder that this period is one of the most important times to consider self care.
After all, how are you going to enjoy being with your loved ones if you’re feeling burnt out? This time of year is supposed to a joyful one, not your downfall.
If you find yourself heading towards this direction, today is the perfect day to enjoy this post, and indulge in some festive self care.
Take a wintery walk
You might be thinking that it’s too cold, but getting out and about will do wonders for your mental wellbeing as a self care activity.
In amongst the wet and windy winter days, there’s still time to enjoy a brisk walk in the cold. As long as you bundle up, you may not even feel it!
There’s something beautiful about going out and taking the time to be present in nature, and to see how winter has transformed your surroundings.
Staying active will help you keep your mind and restless thoughts at bay. It will also give you the time to enjoy the great outdoors.
Whether it’s a quick 10 minute walk around the block, driving out to the forest, or a coastal walk to blow the cobwebs away, getting out and about is one of the best things to do if you find yourself in a rut.
Use a Christmas bath bomb
When we think about self care, we often think about pampering ourselves. Whilst that’s not all that it means, it’s a good part of it.
Make the most of the darker, cosier nights by setting aside some well needed ‘me-time’. Run yourself a warm bath and use a Christmas bath bomb to bring the festive vibes back to self care.
Not only can a festive-themed bath bomb be fun, but can also have different beneficial qualities!
The Lush bath bombs are a great example of this, because not only do they have so many fun ones to choose from, they also have the added benefit of aromatherapy.
For example, the use of lavender oil in Sleepy Bear can be calming and relaxing, where as the lime oil in Snow Fairy can be energising. Or the bergamot oil in Penguin is literally referred to as ‘sunshine in a bottle’, ideal for creating a sense of wellness on a cosy winter night.
Using a Christmas bath bomb is a simple but timeless way to incorporate self care into the busy festive period.
Say no when you need to
Self care isn’t always about the physical actions you take. The best self care can often be the one that requires the least. Sometimes, all it takes is just saying ‘no’.
But that is much easier said than done, especially over the Christmas period.
The festive season can quickly become very busy, and very overwhelming. It’s important to remember that whilst you’re trying to stay on top of everything, you have to think about yourself as well.
There’s so much to consider: decorating, buying presents, wrapping presents, getting the food shop done, making sure everyone else is ready for Christmas. It can all pile on top, quite quickly.
If someone is asking for your time, energy or money, and you don’t have it in you to do so, it’s best to just say no. The alternative is draining yourself, and then you won’t have any energy to celebrate properly with your loved ones.
That’s not fun for anyone involved!
They will understand if you can’t make it because you need to look after yourself. If they don’t, maybe they’re not the type of person you want to meet up with anyway.
Listen to some old favourites
One of the best things to do around Christmastime is to listen to some festive hits! This is particularly useful, as music can be a great tool for self care.
Listening to music can help to improve your mood, as well as reduce some of that stress that builds up over the holidays.
Putting on your favourite, classic festive hits can also feel incredibly nostalgic, helping to bring back happy memories from previous Christmases.
The next time you’re feeling a bit stressed out, remember what this time is all about and reflect on the happiness you have shared in past years.
There’s also the physical benefit too. How many of you can resist dancing along to the classics?
Put on your favourite Christmas playlist, and enjoy a dance around the living room like no-one’s watching!
Connect with a loved one
One of the most important parts about Christmas, is reflecting and being with your loved ones. It’s a quality part of self care too.
Whilst it’s important to make time for yourself and say no when necessary, it’s also important to make time for your friends and family.
Quality time is valuable for all involved. It could simply be a chat over a coffee, going for a dog walk, watching a movie together or having dinner.
Or if you can’t find the time to see them in person, all it takes is a phone call or a text.
Cherish these moments and connect with a loved one to remind yourself that people are there, and people care.
Christmas can be stressful. Take the time to look after yourself, and surround yourself with the people that matter.
This post has explored 5 cosy Christmas self care ideas! You may also like:
- Best Self Care Gifts For Christmas
- The Ultimate Sunday Self Care Checklist
- 5 Cosy Autumn Self Care Ideas
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