As the holiday season approaches consider this an invitation and a reminder to take extra good care of yourself over the next few weeks and months.
Self-care during the holidays will help you feel better and more relaxed. Also, perhaps it will inspire you to create new habits and interest in putting yourself first in the new year and onward.
Here are our top 5 ways to introduce self-care…
1. Get Outside!
Whether it’s for a light walk or some epic skiing make it a point to enjoy the outdoors. Bundle up and head out with the intention of noticing the magic nature provides. We are so lucky in Calgary to have such a great network of parks and be close to the mountains. Nature is truly all around us, so make sure you take advantage of it.
Spending time outdoors is great for our mind and body. It has been found to:
- lower blood pressure,
- reduce stress-related hormones, and
- improve our mood.
Being outside truly makes us happier. So, what are you waiting for? Get outside and enjoy that fresh air :).
2. Take Time to Relax
Have you had time for that luxurious bubble bath? Taking time to read a book just because? Or booked a massage treatment, when nothing was sore? Make it a point to schedule some pure relaxation time, just for you. Mark it in your calendar and keep your commitment to yourself.
Being able to set aside a bit of time to relax will allow you to get more done when it’s time to get back to our to-do lists.
3. Laugh
One of the best feelings in the world is a good deep belly laugh. By laughing, you release endorphins, which can help ease chronic pain and make you feel good all over. Spend time with someone that you can always have a good chuckle with. Go to a comedy show or put on that funny movie that always gives you the giggles.
Laughing reduces our stress hormones and blood pressure. A good belly laugh session can also count as a mild workout triggering our ab muscles and getting your heart pumping.
Did you know that laughing can burn a similar amount of calories per hour as walking at a slow to moderate pace? Remember to always keep an open mind and find opportunities to laugh.
4. Stay Kind and Generous
A great way to be less stressed, stay calm, and be joyful this time of year is to approach your day with kindness and generosity to those around you. This doesn’t mean you have to buy a big expensive gift. You can be generous and kind with your compliments and a listening ear. Offer to run an errand for someone, enjoy a meal together, or invite a friend out for a walk. Consider gifting a relaxing spa or massage treatment for a loved one, including making their appointment (with their approval), something you know they might not do for themselves. It always feels nice when others go that extra mile for us.
Generosity and kindness towards others have been linked to increased satisfaction in life and have been shown to have a positive impact on physical and mental health. The best part is kindness and generosity not only impact us in a positive manner but also those around us.
5. Try or Learn Something New
Learning should be a lifelong pursuit and is part of good self-care. There are many benefits to doing new things. Ever wanted to learn to paint or cook a fancy meal? Maybe you’ve been thinking about trying out a new sport or hobby.
Give something new a try, you don’t have to commit to anything long-term. There are many one-day courses and lessons being offered around Calgary. You just have to look.
Trying something new has health benefits for our brains, our souls, and our physical well-being. When you learn something new you are exercising your brain, which can help improve concentration and memory. Our mood and confidence improve as well, knowing we’ve learned and achieved the unfamiliar.
What will self-care look like for you this upcoming holiday season?
Will you choose something from the list above? Scheduling a treatment with us? Or do you have your own rituals and wisdom for self-care?
We’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below.