I love this season. I really do. I love buying (and getting) gifts, parties, baking and all of the traditions my family celebrates year in and year out during the holidays. BUT, every year I find myself pretty well physically spent by the end of the season. Usually, as I am ringing in the New Year, I am feeling depleted and longing for more self-care in my life.

What is self-care? Self-care is comprised of those activities we engage in that replenish and rejuvenate our minds, bodies and spirits. Self-care activities make space for us to thoughtfully reflect on our lives, process the present, plan for the future and get in touch with feelings of centeredness, peace and even hope. 

My friend loves to camp alone for several days with no cell phone reception and no showers. This helps him recharge his body and mind…and reflect on the simplicity and beauty of life as he explores nature. This is his favorite version of self-care. Not showering for days is not for me, BUT there are things I do to also feel centered, joyful and grateful.

I enjoy getting up earlier than the rest of my house each day to drink coffee, read and simply have a few moments alone before the bustle of the day begins. I also enjoy walking, reading and spending time at the beach. My self-care practices are much different from my friend’s, but both produce the same result. After engaging in our preferred methods of self-care we just.feel.better.

In the personal piece on this blog, I will give you a specific strategy for building self-care into your daily life. But, for now, I encourage you take 15 minutes a day to do something you love that recharges your mind and body. If you are not sure what to do, grab a cup of coffee or tea and spend those 15 minutes dreaming about self-care strategies. At the end, jot down your ideas.

The holiday season can be extremely stressful for so many reasons–whether you are tired from celebrations and engagements or are dearly missing a loved one. Everyone needs a toolbox of self-care techniques that cultivate peace and hope during the holiday season AND in everyday life. If you are feeling overwhelmed or depressed, a seasoned Orlando mental health counselor can provide a warm, empathic environment in which you can process your feelings and identify ways to care for yourself well. Please contact Life Enhancement Counseling Services today at 407-443-8862 to schedule an appointment.