Holiday season is around the corner, and although it is an exciting time, it can also be stressful. The winter months are already a period of transition for our bodies due to the shorter days and cold weather, but adding the tasks surrounding the holiday’s add another list of things to do during this time. It is easy to get caught up in the stress that comes during the holiday season, so it is important to have moments to prioritize yourself. These are six things to keep in mind during this time period if you are in need of some self-care.
- Schedule some time every day for yourself
An easy way to prioritize yourself during the winter months is to dedicate time for yourself every day. Whether that be five minutes or twenty minutes, putting some time aside to spend time with yourself every day can help keep yourself grounded. This can be something as simple as having your morning coffee without the distraction of your phone or TV, or listening to a guided meditation before breakfast. Any small routine that you can do for yourself every day will help you feel prioritized in your own life during these hectic times.
- Stick to your daily routines (morning and night)
It is easy to get lazy during the winter months because of the cold weather and the short days. During the winter, all I want to do is sit in bed and watch movies. And while that is a nice way to spend the day every once in a while, it is easy to fall into that routine most days. This is why it is important to stick to your routines during the winter months. If you implement a routine for yourself during the year, try to stick with it despite the change in weather and the length of the day.
Also, being consistent with your self care routines, like your morning and night skincare routines or your hair care routine, really helps you prioritize yourself. This could be the time to incorporate new products into your routine as the cold weather can cause changes in your hair and skin. The winter weather can cause dryness, so it is important to opt for moisturizing products. For your skin, switching to a thicker moisturizer during the winter months can help combat dryness. For your hair, dryness can lead to frizz, so look for more moisturizing products in your shower routine as well as your daily hair routine to hydrate and retain that moisture to prevent that dryness. For example, the Kazani Intensive Hair Mask and the Kazani Intensive Hair & Scalp Oil are great options. The Kazani Intensive Hair Mask is the best hair mask for nourishing your hair in the shower, and the Kazani Intensive Hair & Scalp Oil is the best hair oil for instant hydration upon application. All in all, starting new products can also be a way to excite your days during the winter.
- Maintain your health practices
Just as it is important to stick to your daily routines, it is also important to maintain your health routines. If you go to the gym or take workout classes, maintain that routine. It is easy to get caught up in the priorities of the holiday season, such as gift shopping and preparing for events. However, keeping your progress going even during the busy holiday season will help you with prioritizing yourself and your health.
- Pick up a fun activity
Another way to practice self-care during the holiday season is by doing an activity that makes you happy. It can be a group activity or even a solo activity, finding something to do in your free time that brings you joy can help relieve some of the stress that comes during the holiday season.
- Socialize
Although it is important to make time for yourself, it is also nice to find time to spend with the people you love and care about. The holiday season is all about spending time with your loved ones, but it does not have to only be on holidays where you see the people who are important in your life. Try to make plans frequently during the winter months to avoid the loneliness that can sometimes come during this time of year.Â
- Prioritize your sleep
Finally, making sure you are getting enough sleep is not just important during the holidays, but year round as well. Sleep is our body’s way of resetting after a long day, so getting the recommended 8 hours every night can cause an improvement in your personal health. Don’t let the stress of holiday planning impact your sleep, and even after a long day of celebrations, it is important to unwind and recharge during the night. Put your phone down at least 30 minutes before bed to limit the impact of blue light on your sleep, and relax!
All in all, amidst all the excitement of the holiday season, prioritizing yourself during these busy times will help reduce the stress that comes with this time of year. The holidays are about yourself just as much as they are about others, so take the time to prioritize yourself this holiday season!
