As fun and exciting as the holidays are, this time of year can lead to stress, anxiety, and sometimes seasonal depression. From having a demanding schedule, attending school, and being in the middle of a world-wide pandemic, developing self-care habits can enhance your overall health and wellness. Self-care is essential for your mental health and can help you stay balanced and boost your mood. It is important to prioritize your needs and take care of your emotional, mental, physical, and spiritual health.
Here are five simple self-care ideas to practice over the holidays:
1. Plan a morning routine
Make time for yourself in the morning and start the day with activities that are stimulating and energizing. Begin your morning with a healthy, balanced breakfast, and use your time to sip on some tea, read, or write down your thoughts. Taking time to recharge and creating a structured routine each morning can reinforce better habits and lead to living a healthier life.
2. Take a mental health day
It can be challenging to deal with stress and anxiety each day, and it is essential to take a break and check-in with how you are feeling. Taking a day for yourself can help you come back with a clearer, sharper mind and even a new perspective. During this time, you can try practicing mindfulness and journaling. Try to reflect on the current stressors in your life, things that drain you, and re-evaluate your priorities. This self-care practice can help lead to more positive mental health and a calmer state.
3. Do an at-home face mask
Skincare is the ultimate self-care. Trying an at-home face mask can be very relaxing and stress relieving. Doing a face mask can be a fun activity to do with friends and a great way to wind down at night. Face masks are a great wellness tool that can nourish the skin and comfort the mind with many therapeutic factors. Here is an easy DIY face mask you can try: 1 tablespoon rolled oats, 1/2 avocado, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 teaspoon coconut oil. Mix all ingredients and let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
4. Go for a walk or run
Many of us do not know how to process and effectively handle our stress, which results in us living in a constant state of elevated stress until we crash. Exercising can help reduce stress and anxiety and decrease cortisol levels in the body, linked to stress. It can boost serotonin in your brain that can improve your mood. Exercising can also be an effective way to cope with depression and improve your mental state. Try to go on a 10-minute, brisk walk each morning to begin your day the right way. beneficial for your body and mind
5. Disconnect from technology
A good self-care tip is to turn off all of your electronic devices and reduce your screen time. During this time, you can journal instead and write down your thoughts and feelings to help clear your mind and de-stress. Being stuck at home during the quarantine can seem tedious and monotonous, but it is better to fill your time with more productive habits. If we can eliminate the use of technology every once in a while, we can better reconnect with ourselves and enforce better practices.
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