By Mary
12 Self Care Tips for Christmas 2020
We are just coming to the end of an exceptional year. In our wildest dreams as we approached Christmas last year did we think we would have been looking at a year like we have just had? The effects of Covid-19 is going to be felt by us for a long time to come. It is only now, that we are beginning to process its impact on us both mentally and physically. Christmas naturally is a time where we can feel stressed and overwhelmed so this year it’s really important for us to practice self-care and take the opportunity to re-charge and re-fresh.
- Be Kind to you. You have had to deal with lots of changes this year, lots of uncertainty, fear and the unknown but you are here, and you have gotten to today, so well done!
- Be Kind to others. We are all fighting a battle and some more than others at different times. When we are less patient with others this can cause us to feel guilty later!
- Keep a Routine. When we break for Christmas, we can find that we struggle to be productive with our days and they can meld into one and we can feel sluggish after our break.
- Get Fresh Air. Take time outside. Go for walks out in nature. The hardest step can be getting to the front door.
- Connect with Friends. This is a great time to catch up. Even though we cannot meet, maybe having a zoom catch or just a regular phone call.
- What do I need? Sometimes we can get caught up in the hype of Christmas and put ourselves into physical debt financially or emotional debt by overworking coming up to the end of the year. As yourself what do I need.
- Rest. It is important that we take down time. Watch a movie, read a book, take a bath, take a nap!
- Hydrate. We can spend a lot of time overindulging on food and alcohol. Keep your water glass full.
- Set Boundaries. You do not have to say yes to everything. Check with yourself if you are OK to say yes, or do you need to say no? No is good. It means you are saying yes to you.
- Acknowledge. If you are sad, let yourself feel it. If you are happy, feel it. Whatever emotion, all it to be.
- Pause before responding. Christmas can be a very emotive time. Before responding to a situation its always very helpful to ask yourself: Is it the truth that I need to say? It is necessary? If it’s yes for both, then look at a way in which you can respond in the nicest way possible!
- Best Present. Be Present. You owe it to you to spend time with you. Meditate, breathe and take time to be grateful for all that you have in your life.
Wishing you and yours a healthy, happy and peaceful Christmas and that you take time to care of you during these uncertain times from all at Irish Online Counselling & Psychotherapy Services.
Kind Wishes to you and yours
Mary McHugh
