It may be “the most wonderful time of the year,” however, after all the hanging out with colleagues, friends, and family, not to mention going to parties and buying gifts, it’s understandable if you experience seasonal burnout. Our daily routines, like scheduling time for workouts and meditation, are tossed out the window while we all indulge in seasonal festivities, holiday shopping, and chaotic travel. All of this can cause our batteries to feel depleted, and our cups to feel half filled—which is why it’s important to practice self-care during the holidays. BUST spoke with self-care pros to get expert tips on how to give TLC during the holidays to the most important person in your life—YOU!
1. Create Boundaries
“Be specific with your intention when it comes to protecting your energy from people or environments you know can be draining. The easiest way to do this is to meditate, visualizing a sphere of white light shielding your body from negativity you don’t want to seep in, while allowing positive energies to be received and sent.” – Jerico Mandybur (@jerico.mandybur), Tarot Reader, Self Care Advocate, Editorial Director of Girlboss, and Host of Self Service Podcast at Girlboss Radio
2. Practice Positive Thinking
“When things aren’t going your way ,it’s so easy to want to stay in a funk—to just be sad and cry. At the end of the day, we are human. It’s okay to feel! There is power in vulnerability—allowing yourself to feel creates balance. But what’s even more powerful is positive thinking and being about to see the good in a negative situation. It’s all about retraining your brain to replace negative thoughts with positive ones.” – Kesaine Walker (@kesaine), Reiki Practitioner and Healer
3. Ask For Help
“If you are the one hosting or organizing a holiday event, do not shy away from putting people to work. Delegation does not make you weak, it makes you sane! Once you’ve asked for assistance, work yourself up to actually accepting the help. This will obviously mean relinquishing some control—you can do it!” – Blue June (@bluejunetarot), Tarot Reader, Teacher, and Witch
4. Stay Organized
“Since the holidays are SO BUSY, it’s easy to get overstimulated and stressed out about all the errands and preparations that come with the season. I abide by a simple three things a day rule: each morning, I make a list with three objectives, small or large, that need to be completed so my obligations don’t pile up. Once you’ve checked off each item, you can reward yourself for a day well spent.” – Renee Watt (@rainbowglitterstar), Professional Witch, Tarot Reader, Psychic, and Host of Witch Doctorate Podcast
5. Be Kind To Yourself
“Be compassionate, kind and gentle with yourself during this time. Provide yourself plenty of still, quiet, and calmness as needed. Self-care is more than face masks and a Netflix binge. There is a level of understanding and mental well-being that needs to be resolved.” – Nancy Hayes (@Astrologyangelmediums), Intuitive Practitioner
6. Make Time For Meditation
“Downloading a meditation app like Insight, Calm or Headspace and doing a brief five to ten minute meditation every morning during the holiday season will help you to stay grounded, refreshed and present while interacting with family and traveling. Making time to meditate as soon as you get up in the AM can drastically cut down on that holiday ‘frazzled’ feeling and gift you some extra holiday cheer to spread to the world.” – Darla Downing (@themysticalsister), Bay Area Ambassador for Moon Club
7. Maintain Your Activity Level
“Try to maintain your exercise regiment throughout the holiday, instead of waiting till the New Year’s to keep yourself on track.” – Chris O’Day (@fitnesswitch), Esoteric Life Coach at The Fitness Witch
8. Take A Bath To Chill Out
“When all else fails, good, old-fashioned salt. Salt baths to clear the energy, relax the body, and for a brief moment make you forget your body might be more Brie and champagne than human form. Don’t have a bath, no problem—make a salt spray to cleanse your aura or pillow, or soak your feet. Add some flowers, drink some eggnog, and make it fun—but also relaxxxxxxx.” – Anna Toonk (@annatoonk), Spiritual Worker and Tarot Reader
Top photo: The Holiday (2006)
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