Tips for Holiday Self-Care
Welcome!
I’m Susan. As an integrative leadership coach, I show emerging HR leaders and new C-Suite Executives how to increase their impact, confidence and results so they can thrive at work and at home.
Well, here we are, just a few short weeks before we wrap up the end of 2021. I know this time of year can be incredibly hectic and stressful, especially for HR Leaders.
Let me guess...
You're trying to tie off all the loose ends on projects so you don't forget where you left off when you return in January while managing what seems like daily fire drills and preparing for Covid testing and tracking of our unvaccinated employees starting in January. And not to mention, get your holiday shopping done, planning and preparing for get-togethers with friends and family, all the while trying to remain cheerful in the process.
Sound familiar? Not such an easy feat, huh?
I hear ya...so what's a gal to do?
Now's not the time to slack off on our self-care (as if we did that regularly anyway?!). After all, if we don't take care of ourselves, who will? We get tied up in making sure everyone else's needs are served and then we're left feeling depleted and not showing up at our best.
I came across these 20 Tips for Holiday Self-Care that made a lot of sense to me and thought I'd share them with you as well (credit to the Health Coach Institute for compiling this list).
Here are my personal Top 5 that I find really work for me:
1. Make Healthy Choices (Most of the Time). Processed foods typically contain a lot of added sugar, salt, and fat and can really impact your motivation, mood, and energy. For those who know me, I'm a total foodie and I enjoy my indulgences from time to time. In the past few months, thanks to my awesome fitness coach Becky Williamson at LifeSport Fitness, I have realized how much my diet impacts not just how I look, but my mood, and energy levels. I have learned to incorporate "planned indulgences" into my diet so that I can enjoy this time of year without feeling blah afterward. My rule of thumb, eat healthfully when at home (where I have greater control over what's to eat) and indulge (in moderation, not a complete bender!) when going out with friends. I find I feel better, have more energy, and show up better for me, my family, and my clients.
2. Be Active. Regular exercise is another big one for me. I not only feel less stressed and anxious during the day, but I sleep WAY better at night when I've done some sort of exercise that day that gets my heart rate up. And here's the best part - it doesn't have to be a high-impact bootcamp class that leaves you feeling like you can't even get out of bed the next day. Now that I'm well into my forties and my joints aren't what they used to be, I find that lower-impact interval training that is a mix of cardio and strength training is just right for me. Experiment with what works for you and fit it in where you can. Taking regular breaks throughout your day for even a 5-10 minute walk (outside ideally) can really help clear your head and mentally help you reset for what's next.
3. Say No. This can be a tough one for a lot of us, as we'd really like to be able to do it all. "So much to do and so little time" is our mantra this time of year. It's important to know yourself and those things that drain you or stress you out. I have learned how to under-commit, especially on weekends which is my time to rejuvenate myself for the following work week. Typically, I'll commit to only one (2 max) social engagements each weekend, as I need downtime to recharge between events. We're all different, so be realistic with yourself about your needs. At work, try and limit the number of new assignments you are taking on this month. Focus on the ones already in flight and perhaps limit new work to scoping and planning potential projects for the new year.
4. Ask for Support. Many of us are not good at doing this, but if you're feeling overwhelmed, reach out and be clear about the support you need. This applies both at work and at home. At work, consider having a priorities discussion with your boss to make sure you are crystal clear about what's most critical to get done this month and stay laser-focused on those items. I am a big fan of outsourcing work at home that I don't particularly enjoy. For the past 3 years, I have relieved myself of the burden of gift wrapping by outsourcing it to someone who absolutely loves it. Talk about a win-win!
5. Be Intentional. This is something we should be doing all the time, but it can be particularly crucial during the holidays, as we often get caught up in the hype of the season and really lose sight of what's most important to us. I like to start with asking myself the question of "How do I want to feel?" as that will help me get clear on what activities, interactions, events will help me to feel more of that and which will draw me away from those desired feelings. It really makes it clear what to say "yes" to and which to decline (see tip #3).
Be sure to check out the full article as there are lots of other great tips in there that may be better suited for you. Which tips stand out for you? Any small changes you can implement this month to help you be at your best (for you, your family, and those you serve)? Comment below…
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