Be “Selfish” This Holiday Season
Holiday cards need to be sent, there’s shopping to be done, the
presents await wrapping, the holiday dinner needs planning, and of
course, there are all the parties, school pageants, and “required”
family visits. Happy Holidays!
During the busy holiday season, it’s easy to get caught up in the “doingness”
of life, and to forget why we celebrate this magical time of year,
not to mention forgetting to take care of ourselves. And, when the
stresses of life begin to pile up, it’s even more important to
remember that only by putting yourself first can you truly give your
best to everyone around you.
The word “selfish” gets a bad wrap. We often equate selfishness with
caring more about oneself than others, being ego-centered, etc.
Another perspective is that by making sure that our own needs are
met first, we are better able to genuinely care about, take care of,
and be generous with others. Just as the flight attendant tells us
to “put your own mask on before placing the mask on a child”, we
must take care of our own needs before we can have the reserves and
energy to fully meet the needs of those around us.
Being “Selfish” is the healthy way to take responsibility for our
own happiness, health and emotional balance versus trying to get
those feelings from others. So how can you get started? Here are ten
easy ways to be “selfish”, and actually enjoy the hustle and bustle
of the holiday season.
1. Start each morning with 15 minutes of gratitude. Find a quiet
place to journal all the things in your life that you are thankful
for. You’ll be amazed at how good you’ll feel as you start your day!
2. Set intentions for each day. After your gratitude meditation,
declare what you want for the day ahead. What will you create that
will make it a great day? By focusing on what you want, you attract
it to your life.
3. Get rid of anything you are “tolerating” to make room to move
forward. If it bugs you, stop doing it, get rid of it, or fix it!
4. Take mental breaks throughout the day. Even one minute can
reenergize your soul.
5. Get enough sleep. Sleep is the greatest restorative vehicle you
have for your body. When your stress is high, it’s even more
important that you get the sleep you need!
6. Eat light and healthy. Nourish your body with whole foods,
including lots of veggies. Your body will thank you!
7. Get moving! Even 20 minutes a day of brisk walking gets your
blood pumping, clears your mind, and re-centers you on what’s
important.
8. Drink lots of water! A good rule of thumb is to take your body
weight in pounds, divide by two and target that number of ounces of
pure water everyday.
9. Don’t over schedule yourself. You don’t HAVE to go to every
holiday party, tree trimming, and caroling event. Pick the ones that
bring you the most joy!
10. Just breathe! Deep breathing oxygenates the blood, and oxygen is
fuel for the brain and body. Good, clean air will support your
mental and physical performance and help to lower stress.
And most importantly, remember that being Selfish is the ONLY way to
truly be your best for others!
Here’s to a healthy, happy, stress free holiday season.
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