As we all run around busy this season, I thought it would be really helpful to remind us all to slow down in light of missing out on the lovely things that surround us and more importantly taking care of ourselves.
What is self-care?
Self-care is really about the fun things. Self-care is letting yourself do anything you feel like doing! It is being in touch with yourself enough to know what inspires you and what you may enjoy. Self-care is a simple conversation with yourself and recognizing that “I am an important person in my life, and I too deserve joy”.
Self-care is propelled when you listen to your body. Our body is often telling us to take a needed break, but we simply aren’t hearing or heeding that request. If your mind is overwhelmed and you are trying to do too many things, this often results in spinning your wheels and getting nowhere. The opposite of productive. This is the perfect time to take a break and engage in something for you. It could be taking some time to meditate, journal, take a walk, get a haircut or massage - whatever feels good. So if you feel like doing something, do it in the moment, stop and enjoy it. Smell those roses or rather let those snowflakes melt on your tongue. Try not save it for later because sometimes later never comes.
It’s so important to make someone happy. Start with yourself. ~Unknown
Why is self-care so important this season?
The holidays are supposed to be about celebration, sharing, and reflection. Yet somehow the extra layers of stress and "to-dos" seem to pile on and get in the way of that enjoyment. Whether it’s scrambling to get last minute chores done, getting yourself and your family to all the holiday events or planning for big family meals, visits, and travel- there never seems to be enough time for it all, let alone time for yourself. With all that extra “busyness” of the season we are more vulnerable than at any other time of the year to getting run down, sick, depleted of energy and missing out on the "goodness" of the season.
Think about those health and safety videos you watch on the plane before take off. The critical message is always to put your own oxygen mask on first before you do anything else. The holidays should really be about more than just survival but breathing, deep breathing is a good start. Self-care has more impact on our lives than we can ever imagine. It is important for your physical health as well as your soul.
Did you know nurturing that wonderful soul of your leads to more positive thoughts and improves your overall confidence?
“Beware the barrenness of a busy life” ~Socrates
Barriers to self-care are easy to come up- “I don’t have the time to waste!” or “How can this really help me?” but ask yourself what do I really have to lose by giving myself even five minutes in a day? The work and chores will still be there and who knows, maybe with fresh eyes you’ll see things differently and discover something you hadn’t noticed before. Maybe that fresh perspective will ultimately lead you towards clarity and a better path.
Take the time to have a break and practice self-care
There are many ideas that can help us with self-care. Always remember that having a small break throughout your day can amount to the biggest gift. Here is a small list of a few ideas.
- Drink your your favourite beverage with your whole attention
- Reconnect with an old friend
- Engage an old passion, like painting, playing an instrument or singing
- Take a walk during your lunch
- Practice deep breathing - even for just a couple of minutes
- Take a long, hot bath or shower before bed
- Go somewhere beautiful outdoors, sit in the sunshine and get your Vitamin D
- Listen to soothing music instead of having the TV on
- Pet or walk an animal (good for you and them)
- Write down 3 things your grateful for
- Do a crossword puzzle or play Sudoku (brain health!)
- Plan your next vacation, or even just dream
- Download and listen to a podcast for your commute
- Spend time with the energy makers in your life and less time with the energy takers
- Reach out and hug someone (you get a hug back!)
Pick three of these ideas and see if they make a difference, then add more!
”Your mind will answer most questions if you learn to relax and wait for the answer.” ~William S. Burroughs
Doodle Lovely encourages you to take more time to create calm in your life and shows the steps to all you can achieve this season and the new year.
Calm
Inhale. Exhale. Doodle. Repeat. Marvel in the sense of calm you can feel amongst the daily chaos.
Clarity
With a calm mind, comes a clear mind. And suddenly life becomes more manageable. Ta-da!
Creativity
A clear mind becomes open to trying new things and approaching life from a new, creative perspective.
Confidence
It’s amazing where a little creativity can take you! You’ll be trying new things and taking life head on with vision and confidence!
You have already given yourself a gift of self-care today by reading this article. Throughout the busyness of the holidays, give yourself small breaks throughout the day as this is the greatest gift of all!
Wishing you all lovely things this holiday season!
If you are feeling extra giving, please share this article.