How to Practice Self-Care this Holiday Season
How to Practice Self-Care this Holiday Season
It’s here! The most wonderful time of the year. Right?
The holidays certainly look different this year, and while the convenience of curbside shopping and the cancelation of complicated family reunions may have reduced a few of the usual stressors, that doesn’t mean that the hustle and bustle of the holidays has disappeared.
2020 has really shown us the significance of self-care and wellness, but it’s still so easy to get swept up in the “busyness” of things. As yoga teachers and owners of Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga, Natalie and I teach the importance of connection, flow, and intentionality on the yoga mat, but it’s just as important to carry that intention off the mat. That’s why we’re sharing five simple ways you can practice self-care and wellness this holiday season.
1. Move for 15 minutes each day.
Our schedules tend to get jam packed around the holidays. Often our exercise plans are the first thing to go in order to make time for something else. But you don’t always need to block an hour for a yoga class or thirty minutes for a run. When you find yourself struggling to exercise this month, set a goal to move for at least fifteen minutes each day. That can be playing with your kids on a playground, going for walk at work, taking a short jog around the block…anything!
2. Get outside daily.
Since we’re a little more homebound this year, it’s easy for an entire day at the home office to go by without ever stepping outside. Set an alarm and get out for a few minutes each day. Rainy or cold day? Grab that all-weather gear and get yourself outside. You might dread it initially, but you’ll be happy you did.
3. Practice Simplicity. Less is More.
It’s easy to feel the need to buy lots of gifts or gadgets to pick up the mood this year. But don’t get pressured into spending too much money or having the perfect outdoor holiday lights. Find some small intentional gifts (support local with wellness products, pre-packaged health foods, candles, and more) and stick to what you know and enjoy. Remember, true joy comes from inside and has nothing to do what others do, say, or think of you. When you find things getting stressful or chaotic, take a deep breath and use the mantra, “Keep it Simple.”
4. Just Go With the Flow.
There’s a good chance that even the reduced holiday plans you have will see some changes. With COVID restrictions and unexpected exposures, you might find yourself having to unexpectedly pivot and adapt (there’s that word “pivot” again…). Set your expectations low and keep them simple. Deep breaths. You will get through it. 2020 has been tough, but so are you.
5. Practice Gratitude.
Although this may seem obvious, many of us forget to actually do it. Make a point to inhale, exhale, and list three gratitudes each day. I promise, everyone has something to be thankful for. Remember, “it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Steindl-Rast Looking for more help staying mindful or well this season?
Wishing you wellness and happiness this holiday!
Christina & Natalie of Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga
Check out our Christmas DropSound Pentatonix Yoga class December 10th or the Intentional Ten Podcast for more inspiration on your wellness journey!
The holidays certainly look different this year, and while the convenience of curbside shopping and the cancelation of complicated family reunions may have reduced a few of the usual stressors, that doesn’t mean that the hustle and bustle of the holidays has disappeared.
2020 has really shown us the significance of self-care and wellness, but it’s still so easy to get swept up in the “busyness” of things. As yoga teachers and owners of Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga, Natalie and I teach the importance of connection, flow, and intentionality on the yoga mat, but it’s just as important to carry that intention off the mat. That’s why we’re sharing five simple ways you can practice self-care and wellness this holiday season.
1. Move for 15 minutes each day.
Our schedules tend to get jam packed around the holidays. Often our exercise plans are the first thing to go in order to make time for something else. But you don’t always need to block an hour for a yoga class or thirty minutes for a run. When you find yourself struggling to exercise this month, set a goal to move for at least fifteen minutes each day. That can be playing with your kids on a playground, going for walk at work, taking a short jog around the block…anything!
2. Get outside daily.
Since we’re a little more homebound this year, it’s easy for an entire day at the home office to go by without ever stepping outside. Set an alarm and get out for a few minutes each day. Rainy or cold day? Grab that all-weather gear and get yourself outside. You might dread it initially, but you’ll be happy you did.
3. Practice Simplicity. Less is More.
It’s easy to feel the need to buy lots of gifts or gadgets to pick up the mood this year. But don’t get pressured into spending too much money or having the perfect outdoor holiday lights. Find some small intentional gifts (support local with wellness products, pre-packaged health foods, candles, and more) and stick to what you know and enjoy. Remember, true joy comes from inside and has nothing to do what others do, say, or think of you. When you find things getting stressful or chaotic, take a deep breath and use the mantra, “Keep it Simple.”
4. Just Go With the Flow.
There’s a good chance that even the reduced holiday plans you have will see some changes. With COVID restrictions and unexpected exposures, you might find yourself having to unexpectedly pivot and adapt (there’s that word “pivot” again…). Set your expectations low and keep them simple. Deep breaths. You will get through it. 2020 has been tough, but so are you.
5. Practice Gratitude.
Although this may seem obvious, many of us forget to actually do it. Make a point to inhale, exhale, and list three gratitudes each day. I promise, everyone has something to be thankful for. Remember, “it is not joy that makes us grateful; it is gratitude that makes us joyful.” – David Steindl-Rast Looking for more help staying mindful or well this season?
Wishing you wellness and happiness this holiday!
Christina & Natalie of Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga
Check out our Christmas DropSound Pentatonix Yoga class December 10th or the Intentional Ten Podcast for more inspiration on your wellness journey!
Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga
Christina is a wife, mom of three, plant-based food enthusiast, and co-owner of Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga!
Inspired to change her lifestyle after a stress-induced illness, she slowed down and redesigned her life to improve her mental and physical health. She created the Intentional Ten Podcast, Blog, and Journal to share these life-changing habits with others, focusing on Mindfulness, Gratitude, and Intentional Living. When she's not recording episodes or writing posts, Christina enjoys a hot cup of coffee, sitting outside in the rain, and dance parties with her kids.
Christina is a wife, mom of three, co-owner of Charlotte Pop-Up Yoga, and host of the Intentional Ten Podcast. Inspired to change her lifestyle after a stress-induced illness, she slowed down and redesigned her life to improve her mental and physical health. When she’s not practicing yoga or recording the podcast, Christina enjoys a hot cup of coffee, sitting outside in the rain, and dance parties with her kids.