It’s that time of year again. Perhaps your house has already been decorated with lights and all-things-North-Pole since November, or maybe you have awoken in a cold sweat thinking about wish-lists and family dinners; I think it’s safe to say the holiday season is among us. As with any holiday, there can be mixed feelings. Sure, snow-days and sweaters can make this a time of cozy rejuvenation, but for some, the holidays can seem more like navigating a blizzard. For those festive and not, self-care can be a shining guide- much like the nose of a certain reindeer. Here are some tips for self-care this snowy season.
1. Know what self-care looks like for you.Like snowflakes, we are all unique, and that goes for how we self-care as well. Think back to a time when you were relaxed- what was the environment like? What were you doing? Are you noticing any themes? Oftentimes, our self-care can take root in how we cope when we are stressed, but the main difference between that and a potentially unhealthy-coping mechanism is that self-care is CARING. It does not come wrapped up in self-destruction. We feel recharged afterwards, no strings attached.
2. Make a list.
Check it more than twice. This list of your self-care strategies can come in handy during those times when we have too little time for frolicking in the snow, but perhaps just enough time for a cup of hot cocoa (or other yummy beverage- no judgements).
3. Give Yourself Permission
Many people can get self-care mixed up with being selfish, and nobody wants coals in their stockings. Remember, self-care is not hurting or neglecting others in favor of yourself- self-care is giving yourself the time and effort to lift yourself up. So give yourself some of that love you’ve been giving to others! This may be difficult at first, since not everyone feels comfortable with giving themselves a “present”. If this is the case, start small. What if you tried saying something nice to yourself in the mirror today instead of a put-down? What if you DID take time tonight to watch that movie that’s been on your watch-list for weeks? Would Santa put you on the naughty list for how you’ve been treating yourself? If so, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Contributed by: Agatha Mroz, MS-CMHC, LPC-IT
1. Know what self-care looks like for you.Like snowflakes, we are all unique, and that goes for how we self-care as well. Think back to a time when you were relaxed- what was the environment like? What were you doing? Are you noticing any themes? Oftentimes, our self-care can take root in how we cope when we are stressed, but the main difference between that and a potentially unhealthy-coping mechanism is that self-care is CARING. It does not come wrapped up in self-destruction. We feel recharged afterwards, no strings attached.
2. Make a list.
Check it more than twice. This list of your self-care strategies can come in handy during those times when we have too little time for frolicking in the snow, but perhaps just enough time for a cup of hot cocoa (or other yummy beverage- no judgements).
3. Give Yourself Permission
Many people can get self-care mixed up with being selfish, and nobody wants coals in their stockings. Remember, self-care is not hurting or neglecting others in favor of yourself- self-care is giving yourself the time and effort to lift yourself up. So give yourself some of that love you’ve been giving to others! This may be difficult at first, since not everyone feels comfortable with giving themselves a “present”. If this is the case, start small. What if you tried saying something nice to yourself in the mirror today instead of a put-down? What if you DID take time tonight to watch that movie that’s been on your watch-list for weeks? Would Santa put you on the naughty list for how you’ve been treating yourself? If so, perhaps it’s time for a change.
Contributed by: Agatha Mroz, MS-CMHC, LPC-IT
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