Category: Navigating the Holiday Season with Self Care

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Self-Care is Essential for Your Mental Health

Self-care involves dedicating time to activities that enhance your overall well-being, benefiting both your physical and mental health. This practice can aid in stress management, reduce the likelihood of illness, and boost your energy levels. Even small acts of self-care in your daily routine can yield significant results.

Self-care is about body, mind, and soul. It’s about finding your purpose and meaning in life so that you have joy and fulfillment. There are numerous studies and research that will tell you that mindfully focusing on our holistic wellness creates more resilience and enables us to better manage the challenges that life throw’s our way.

When we talk about wellness and self-care, there are 6 areas that encompass wellness: Intellectual, Spiritual, Emotional, Occupational, Physical and Social. They are more commonly referred to as The Six Dimensions of Wellness. Dr. Bill Hettler of the National Wellness Institute developed the model you see below. Addressing all 6 dimensions of wellness in our lives builds a holistic sense of wellness and fulfillment.

The 6 Dimensions of Wellness, National Wellness Institute

Let’s look at each dimension more closely:

Spiritual wellness encompasses organized religion and other spiritual practices, acknowledging a quest for meaning, purpose, and adherence to spiritual principles. It includes activities like worship, study, meditation, and conversations.

Emotional wellness involves being aware of one’s thoughts and feelings and having healthy outlets for expressing them. It includes nurturing supportive relationships, gaining self-knowledge, and practicing self-care.

Intellectual wellness is about engaging in stimulating mental activities and interacting with others and the world. It emphasizes continued learning, critical thinking, and processing information to expand knowledge and connect with others through meaningful conversations.

Social wellness promotes healthy relationships with ourselves and others, including friends, family, and social networks. It emphasizes engaging with others to cultivate healthy relationships.

Physical wellness is embracing and maintaining a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise, a balanced diet, sufficient sleep, and other health-related practices.

Vocational wellness emphasizes finding personal satisfaction and value through one’s skills and abilities in work, community, volunteerism, and other contributions to life.

In today’s world where people are expected to work long hours and skip their vacation days, there is an underlying belief that we must always be productive – which can take away from opportunities for self-care. But by taking some time out to engage in self-care, you may relieve the pressures of everyday life and reset yourself to get back to a healthy point where productivity is once again maximized. Considering the costs associated with mental health services, lost wages and more, spending some time on yourself may ultimately benefit everyone.

Pushing yourself to the limit with work and life comes with significant consequences, which may include but are not limited to burnout, depression, anxiety, resentment and a whole host of other negative implications. Engaging in a self-care routine has been clinically proven to reduce or eliminate anxiety and depression, reduce stress, improve concentration, minimize frustration and anger, increase happiness, improve energy, and more. From a physical health perspective, self-care has been clinically proven to reduce heart disease, stroke, and cancer. Spiritually, it may help keep us in tune with our higher power as well as realize our meaning in life.

As we close out the month of May and Mental Health Awareness month, I invite you to think about your own health and wellness.

How would you answer these questions for yourself?

  • Which areas of your wellness are you investing the most energy in for your wellness? (hint, think about the 6 dimensions I shared above)
  • Which areas are you spending the least energy?
  • What would dedicating time for your wellbeing look like for you?
  • What areas of your overall well-being would you like to focus on?
  • What do you need to start doing to make self-care a discipline in your life?

If you’re looking to make self-care a priority in your life but need little help, consider working with a coach. I help many clients who want to focus on their self-care. It all starts with just one step; make today the day you decide to focus on YOU!

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Navigating the Holiday Season with Self Care

The holiday season is often hailed as a time of joy, celebration, and togetherness. However, for many of us, it can also bring about a whirlwind of stress, anxiety, and overwhelming responsibilities. Balancing family gatherings, gift shopping, and end-of-year work commitments can take a toll on our mental and emotional well-being. In the midst of the holiday hustle, prioritizing self-care can ensure a more peaceful and fulfilling season.

Before diving into self-care strategies, it’s essential to acknowledge and understand the sources of holiday stress. Common stressors include financial pressures, social obligations, travel hassles, and the expectation of creating the perfect holiday experience. Identifying these stressors allows us to address them more effectively and proactively.

Self-care isn’t just a trendy buzzword; it’s a fundamental practice that contributes to overall well-being. During the holiday season, self-care becomes even more critical as it helps us manage stress, maintain a positive mindset, and navigate the demands of this busy time.

Practical Self-Care Strategies:

  1. Set Realistic Expectations: Instead of aiming for perfection, set realistic expectations for yourself. Understand that not everything will go according to plan, and that’s ok.
  2. Prioritize Your Well-Being: Make time for activities that bring you joy and relaxation. Whether it’s reading a book, taking a walk in nature, listening to music, or practicing meditation, prioritize activities that nourish both your mind and body.
  3. Establish Boundaries: It’s okay to say no. Assess your commitments and set boundaries to protect your time and energy. Communicate openly with friends and family about your limits and be realistic about what you can handle. Ask yourself, “If I’m saying yes to this, what do I need to say no to?” to keep balance.
  4. Ask for Help: Asking for help is a sign of strength, not weakness. Where can you delegate some of your tasks, both at home and work? Who could help you? Start small and try asking for help with some of your more mundane tasks and then build from there.
  5. Stay Active: Physical activity is a powerful stress reliever. Whether it’s a quick workout, a yoga session, or a leisurely stroll, incorporating movement into your routine can help alleviate tension and boost your mood.
  6. Mindful Breathing: Practice deep, mindful breathing to calm your nervous system. Take a few moments each day to focus on your breath, inhaling slowly through your nose and exhaling through your mouth.
  7. Connect with Friends and Loved Ones: While the holiday season can be hectic, make time to get together and celebrate those relationships that mean the most to you.
  8. Unplug: Take breaks from social media and technology to disconnect from the digital world. This can help reduce feelings of comparison and create a more present and mindful holiday experience.

In the midst of the holiday chaos, practicing self-care is not a luxury but a necessity.  For many this doesn’t come easy, so start slowly and build up from there. By intentionally incorporating self-care strategies into your routine, you can navigate the holiday season with greater ease and truly savor the joy and warmth the season has to offer. Remember, taking care of yourself is the best gift you can give to both you and those around you during this festive time.