GIFTS TO GIVE YOURSELF THIS HOLIDAY SEASON
Many of us spend a lot of time thinking about how to make the holiday season special for others. Our own needs and wellbeing often get less attention. Want to take a step toward righting that imbalance? This list will give you some ideas.
Treat Yourself To…
Extra sleep. Long, dark nights are a perfect opportunity to go to bed a little earlier. Getting enough sleep promotes brain health, supports mood, and helps us feel more energized for the busier parts of the holidays.
Conscious spending. Overspending during the holidays is common, with one study finding that 86% of millennials spent more than they intended to last holiday season. Additionally, a survey conducted by Consumer Affairs found that 17% of Americans are still paying back debt they accrued from last year’s holidays.
Financial stress can take a major toll on mental health, with people who have debt more likely to experience depression, anxiety, shame, and increases in suicidal thoughts. Spare yourself this mental health risk factor if you can. Make a gift budget and stick to it. To be more cost effective, consider experiences rather than things, buying secondhand, and homemade gifts. You don’t have to spend a lot to make the holidays feel magical.
Permission to do more of what you want and less of what you don’t. Ask yourself - what holiday rituals do I actually enjoy? Decorating the tree, baking, seeing lights, caroling, rewatching favorite holiday movies, drinking hot chocolate, something totally off the wall? Whatever you identify, make those activities your priorities. Bonus points if you can include your favorite people in them. And for those activities that fill you with anticipatory dread or exhaust you just to think about, try taking at least one off your plate.
Time in nature. Research has demonstrated that people who connect with nature tend to be happier and that spending time in nature promotes joy, calm, and creativity. Bundle up and get outside. Try to actually engage with nature using your senses – hear the birds sing, pay attention to what you’re seeing, smell the pine trees, etc. – to enhance these benefits.
A hug. Physical touch has been shown to reduce physiological stress markers, like cortisol levels. Hug someone you love, a pet, or give yourself a hug – the benefits hold across the board.
Less comparison. Nobody’s holidays are actually as perfect as they might look on social media. Take a step back from any content that makes you feel like there is something wrong with you or your life.
You are so worthy of your own love, this time of year and beyond. I hope you gift yourself some care this month.
Please note: This content is for informational and educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a licensed mental health provider or other healthcare professional for guidance related to your specific mental health or medical concerns.
