The holiday season is upon us and, as we make our lists and check them twice, there’s no greater gift than self-care. With so much to do, it’s easy to forget the most important way we can enjoy this time is by taking care of ourselves.
While the holiday season can get complicated, we can unwrap simple ways to keep ourselves healthy, happy, and the season merry and bright. In the spirit of our well-being, give yourself the gift of health:
- Do your body some good: Experts say aiming for 150 minutes of exercise a week is a good target — so lace up your sneakers and get moving!
- Schedule your annual check-up with your doctor and make preventative screening exams a priority.
- Recharge with a good night’s sleep by having a cooler room temperature and creating restful nighttime patterns (try Calm’s Sleep Stories, like ‘Wonder,’ narrated by Matthew McConaughey) to help you drift off to dreamland.
- Join a fitness class to add more movement to your day.
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Support your mental health: The holidays can be a challenging time for many, especially as the COVID-19 pandemic continues.
- Balance time alone with time for family and friends if needed – it’s important to identify your needs, communicate them, and maintain your boundaries.
- Feel good by doing good: Research shows that providing support to others activates a neural pathway in the brain that boosts well-being.
- Find a local holiday toy or food drive to spread the holiday cheer in your community.
- Show a random act of kindness to a community member or a neighbour – it’s a difficult time of year for some and your thoughtfulness will go a long way.
- Bring a smile to a family member or a friend by making a surprise phone or video call.
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Make the most of where you are, every day: When we enjoy the physical spaces we’re in, we experience a greater sense of comfort and less anxiety.
- Take 10 minutes at the end of the day to tidy up your space so you can start the mornings fresh and clutter-free.
- Deck your halls with sustainable décor like coniferous greens that release fresh oxygen to the air (and smell great too).
- Have a good time without spending a dime: Find new and creative ways to have fun.
- Gather the family, bundle up, and enjoy a local park or trail for a cost-free adventure.
Happy Holidays!