How to survive the holiday season! Here are 5 self-care tips to take care of yourself.

The holiday season can be a wonderful time of year filled with love, laughter, and family. Unfortunately for many, it can also be a time of increased stress, anxiety, and depression. During this time, it is important to take care of yourself and prioritize your mental and physical health. Here are five self-care tips to help you stay healthy and happy during the holiday season.

1. Set Boundaries: The holiday season can often feel like a time where everyone wants a piece of your time and energy. It’s important to set boundaries for yourself to avoid feeling overwhelmed. This can include limiting the number of holiday parties you attend, saying no to commitments that don’t align with your values, and prioritizing time for yourself. Remember that it’s okay to say no and put yourself first.
(https://www.theskimm.com/wellness/setting-boundaries)

2. Move Your Body: Exercise is a proven way to boost your mood and reduce stress. During the holiday season, it can be easy to fall out of a regular exercise routine. However, even a short 10-minute walk can help improve your physical and mental well-being. Prioritize movement each day, whether that is a yoga class, a walk outside, or a quick workout at home. (https://www.calm.com/blog/9-ways-to-boost-your-mental-fitness)

3. Practice Gratitude: The holiday season is a time to reflect on what we are thankful for. Practicing gratitude can help you shift your focus from what you don’t have to what you do have. Take time each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This can help boost your mood, reduce stress, and increase feelings of happiness.

4. Get Enough Sleep: Getting enough sleep is crucial to your mental and physical health. With so many holiday commitments, it can be easy to sacrifice sleep to fit it all in. However, lack of sleep can lead to increased stress and anxiety. Prioritize sleep by setting a regular bedtime, avoiding caffeine and alcohol, and creating a bedtime routine that helps you wind down.

5. Get Cold!: We of course had to include Icebox. Cryotherapy is not just for physical health. It can also be an effective tool for improving mental health. The exposure to these extreme cold temperatures causes the brain to release endorphins and regulates hormones, leading to a reduction in stress, anxiety, and depression. Cryotherapy can also improve sleep patterns and give your body the rest it needs. See #4

The holiday season can be a joyous time, but it can also be stressful. Prioritizing self-care is crucial to stay healthy and happy during this time. These five self-care tips can help you stay calm, centered, and cool. Remember to take care of yourself so that you can enjoy the holiday season to its fullest.