10 Self-Care Tips to get you thriving before the holidays

As the song goes, "It's the most wonderful time of the year". Although unfortunately for a lot of us, the impending holiday season and end of year can whip up feelings of high stress, pressure and expectations. You always have a choice in how you respond to these feelings, and we have put together 10 tips for how you can make this season, not so silly.

• Prioritise quality sleep and create a nighttime routine that works for you. You might include reading, sipping a herbal tea, putting the screens away an hour before bed or taking a warm shower. Aim for 7-9 hours of sleep a night.

  
  

• Practice mindfulness or meditation. Even as little as 5 minutes a day.

  
  

• Engage in regular physical activity. This is great for energising the body, clearing your mind and helping you to sleep better.

  
  

• Hydrate. Aim for 2-3 litres of filtered water each day. Get a big drink bottle, fill it in the morning and make it your mission to have it finished by the end of the day.

• Nourish your body with healthy whole foods. 

  
  

• Connect with loved ones. Make time for the people who fill your cup.

  
  

• Unplug & set boundaries with technology. Turn your phone to do not disturb during the day and sleep mode at night to avoid distractions. 

  
  

• Practice gratitude. A daily gratitude practice can go a long way. Practice being grateful for the simple things like access to clean, hot running water, a safe roof over your head, a comfy bed to lay in each night, and food to nourish your body.

   

• Engage in deep breathing exercises. Taking a moment in the day to focus on your breath by breathing deep into your body to help stay calm, regulate your systems, and reduce tension.

   

• Take your breaks at work. Even though end of year deadlines are calling, it is important to take regular breaks to refresh and reset. Breaks can be powerful for productivity, especially if you feel you don’t have the time.