With the holidays fast approaching, it's easy to forget about taking care of yourself.
There are gifts to buy, food to cook, and decorations to hang. With so much to do, it can quickly feel overwhelming to even the most organized person.
But there are steps you can take to make sure you get to enjoy this season, too. Here are four ways to give to yourself this season.
1. Make Time for Exercise
With so much to do, it can be really difficult to find time during the day to exercise. Yet, exercising regularly will help you get more done.
Exercise helps you sleep better. It also gives you more energy. And helps your brain function better.
So even if you only have 15 minutes each day, get some exercise. You can practice yoga, take a walk, or just dance to your favorite music.
Best of all, exercise doesn't have to be done alone. Get your family involved or take the time to catch up with friends. But if you need a few minutes of "me time," that's okay, too.
2. Remember to Eat Healthy
'Tis the season to eat lot's of sugar and fat. Don't get me wrong, it all tastes really good. But eating too much of the wrong types of foods negatively affects the way your mind and body function.
So try adopting the 80/20 rule. This rule stipulates that you try to eat 80% healthy foods like fruits and vegetables. Try buying some healthy snacks to keep you on track when you get hungry.
But 20% of the time, you can eat whatever you want. It's a great way to stay healthy and productive while still enjoying all the treats this time of year has to offer.
3. Give to Yourself by Buying Yourself a Gift
You probably are the type of person who does a lot for other people. But are you doing anything for yourself?
Remember that airplane rule with the oxygen masks? You're supposed to put on the mask first so that you can help others.
Do the same thing now. Buy yourself a massage and then go during the holidays to enjoy it.
Or buy yourself a beautiful bouquet of flowers. Or that dress you've been eyeing.
It's more than okay to treat yourself well. You deserve it. Treating yourself well also lets others know that you deserve to be treated well.
So teach others a great lesson, that you're just as worth as they are.
4. Strive for Excellence Rather than Perfection
It's hard not to want to make the holidays perfect for you and your family. Yet, perfection really doesn't exist.
One person's idea of a perfect holiday might include all the relatives around a table with turkey. Another person's idea of the perfect holiday might just be them and their spouse eating out at a great restaurant.
So strive for excellence. Do your best. You're never going to make everyone happy. Trying usually just means you'll get in your own way.
Learn how to say "No" when you don't have time. Only say yes when you want and can actually help out in a situation.
Give to others when it feels right, rather than out of guilt. And let the small stuff go.
Happy Holidays. I hope you enjoyed this post. For more helpful and healthful tips, keep coming back to read my blog.