It’s important to take care of ourselves during these challenging times, especially with the upcoming holidays and the long pandemic winter ahead. If you supervise others or have children, it’s a big responsibility to have others count on you. Therefore, you must first care for yourself before you can effectively help others. Below are some ways to care for yourself physically, mentally and emotionally this holiday season and throughout the new year. (Please see hyper-links below for tips on engaging in these activities.)

• Eat healthy. (Minimize processed foods, sugar, saturated fats, sodas, etc.)
• Get enough sleep (7-8 hours each night). – (Here are some tips to get better sleep.)
• Drink plenty of water (6-10 glasses each day).
• Exercise regularly (cardio, strength training, and stretching).
• Take vitamins daily.
• Eliminate tobacco and alcohol.
• Monitor and limit the amount of media you take in (ex: news, social media, etc.).
• Engage in meditation or deep breathing exercises.
• Practice mindfulness (being present).
• Engage in positive self-talk (affirmations).
• Stop mental rumination.
• Engage in laughter as much as possible.
• Nurture interpersonal relationships. Connect socially while social distancing. (Use FaceTime, Zoom, phone, text, email, social media, etc. to stay connected to family, friends, and colleagues.)
• Practice daily gratitude.
• Engage in activities that bring you joy and fulfillment.
• Get enough sunlight. If that’s not possible, then take a vitamin D supplement or try light therapy using a SAD lamp or light therapy box.
• Have a sounding board. Find a therapist, coach, minister or other objective party to confide in about your challenges and problems. We all need someone who will listen without judgment while we talk things out to find solutions.
• Make a plan for this pandemic winter.

I wish you good health and abundant joy this holiday season. May you take care of yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally in the weeks and months ahead in order to strengthen your resilience and overcome any obstacles that may come your way.

“Self-care is giving the world the best of you, instead of what’s left of you.” – Katie Reed

“An empty lantern provides no light. Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.” – Unknown