Holiday self-care tips

It’s crucial to commit you your mental, physical, and spiritual health during the holidays. This time of years can be a mixed bag for people in recovery. For some, the holiday season is full of triggers. For others, connecting with friends and family brings about significant joy. Know that your recovery and sobriety has to remain paramount. 
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It’s important for you to keep balanced by taking tiny, focused actions. Believe me, if you become conscious of these actions, you will notice how amazing your self-care during holidays will be.  

1 Prioritize Your Physical HealthYour physical health must be your priority, and you should not compromise it while doing things for other people during the holiday season. 
Maintain your regular physical activity. Even if you have to negotiate the time you need with loved ones, it’s better to engage in your physical needs than not. If you have a regular training session or gym that is not available, go for a walk, and practice yoga. Get your body moving. 
If you have a healthy eating plan, stick to it. It’s easy to get off a plan during the holidays. Even if you allow yourself some sweet treats and savory eats, stay mindful of what you consume. Eat what you want, but do so mindfully. 
Sleep tends to be a struggle during the holiday season. We get so excited to be with family and friends or late-night shopping before Santa comes that we stop prioritizing our most significant resource. Don’t wait till the last minute to get some rest. Take naps throughout the day if you must, but don’t forget the usual sleep hygiene skills you use throughout the year. 

2 Live In The Present MomentThere are precious moments in the present. Go into the holidays with an acceptance that thoughts of the past or fears of the future may be present. That’s a fact. But you don’t have to dwell. If you find it difficult to compartmentalize, reach out for support from your fellows or sponsor. 
A favorite grounding exercise of mine is “321,” which allows you to get into your senses and out of your head. 
Identify:
3 things you hear
3 things you see
3 things that touch your body
2 things you hear
2 things you see
2 things that touch your body
1 thing you hear
1 thing you see
1 thing that touches your body
This exercise is sure to bring you to the present moment every time. 

3 Self ExplorationJournal throughout the holiday season. Write down how you feel. Write down your thoughts: the good ones and the challenging ones. Focus on your needs at that moment. Learn as you go. Be kind and patient with yourself. 
Final ThoughtsTake care of yourself. You can only support another person after you have satisfied your health needs first. Remember, self-care is healthy selfishness.
Just make sure you do not get overwhelmed by all of it, and remember that stress is expected during the holiday season. 
You will undoubtedly get through it in the best manner possible. 
Just believe in yourself, follow the tips I have mentioned and enjoy the holiday season. Remember, you deserve care and kindness just like others. 
Take good care.
--D.J.