Holiday Self-Care: 2020 Edition

The holidays can be challenging even in the best of times- & this year? We are all dealing with a whole new reality!

As a health coach I always encourage my clients to have a "tool kit" that they can access before they enter "crisis mode". Identifying when you are beginning to struggle or when you foresee bumps in the road is a crucial skill, one that can take time to become proficient at. 

This year I encourage you to activate your "tool kit" of self-care earlier rather than later. Why? Once we are in "crisis mode" it's harder to make rational decisions and often times we will need more time to recover. This doesn't mean it's impossible to make a change at any time, but I am a fan of giving yourself a moment of peace now to help ensure wellness later on.

Read on for my top tips to do just that...

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Take a moment today and to identify what your needs are. Write them down instead of ​having them swirl around in your mind.

Break them into categories:

• Physical Wellness- What do you need to be physically present & taken care of? Movement? Food? Your favorite tea?

 

• Spiritual Wellness- (You don't need to be religious to do this) What fills your cup spiritually? What inspires you? A favorite author, quote or podcast? A meditation? When do you feel most grounded & at peace?

 

• Emotional Wellness- What are you grateful for right now? What do you need to feel supported & safe in your life? How are you feeling now and how would you like to feel? Don't sugarcoat your feelings, especially this year. 

 

• Relationship Wellness- Who are the people in your life that you can rely upon? Who are the loved ones you want to stay in connection with? 

After you reflect take a moment and breathe. This is not always easy to do when we are in the face of a challenge. However, when we step back and see our needs on paper they are validated. They are no longer invisible phantoms floating in our mind. They are concrete- they are present. This will allow you to create an action plan for self-care.

A Reminder- You are not getting graded on these tasks. For all my "I love a gold star/A+" readers- take a deep breath- there is no way to be perfect here! Practice releasing that desire...

Once you reflect think about simple ways to fulfill your needs. Including but not limited to:

• Warm bath or shower with your favorite essential oils or candle (be mindful & safe with flames! Never doze off or leave them unattended)
• Walk outside or your favorite online workout class
• Breath work & meditation
• Journaling or drawing
• Beat up a pillow if you are angry or frustrated
• Affirmations in the mirror 
• Hydrating with water, tea, fruit-infused water or coconut water (try to avoid alcohol as it can dehydrate you and is a depressant-see resource list below if you are seeking support around this)
• Rest, more sleep at night, 20 minute naps during the day
• Take a day off- when you are done with work- BE DONE! Put your phone & lap top away, read a book or draw instead

All of these reflections & planning can take as little as 15 minutes! If you don't have time to do this today- make a calendar appointment to do it this week. Block off the time on your planner or in your phone, get out a piece of paper and something to write with and GO. 

Sometimes we require outside support to reach our goals and take care of ourselves. This is not a sign of weakness! Human beings are community creatures and getting the help we need is something that I encourage you to explore.

That might mean working with a coach, connecting with a licensed mental health practitioner or checking-in with your medical provider. Start by searching what's available in your area, who is covered by your insurance if you have that resource and even non-profits that provide services for your local community. 

Mental Health Resources
www.noshameonu.org/mental-health-resources

How are you feeling going into the holidays?

What can you do now to take care of yourself during this season?

Seeking community support to reach your goals?
Join us as a member of STRONG@Home

Looking for personalized, private coaching with Lily?
Book a consultation today! 

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Lily Fontas, Ed.M is a certified fitness coach & helps busy people get strong and kick dieting to the curb. She is the founder of STRONG@Home- an online, diet-free fitness community. Lily has been featured as a wellness coach for Athleta, Title Nine Activewear, and works with clients worldwide as a health coach. She is a wife & mother and is based in the Bay Area of California.