In homes around the world, it is about to get real. December is frenetic with the end of Hanukkah, holiday and end of year parties at work and with friends, Festivus, Christmas, Kwanzaa, and New Year’s. And it is hectic even if you don’t celebrate ANY of those things.
Before you start meeting a different group for dinner and gift exchange each night, before you start your elaborate Elf on the Shelf or Advent calendar or Secret Santa or Grinch plans, before you do anything else, I need you to plan for your own upkeep. I need you to really think about your self-care. Because here is the thing, you cannot do anything else for anyone else in any sustained way if you aren’t not doing for yourself first. You can, in fact, give until you give out. And this is the prime time of year where people do that. Then they wake up, spent on January 1st, with a crud that has descended into both lungs (and sometimes it even feels like their feet) and it takes us weeks and weeks if not months and months to recover. Then we feel like we lost the new year and all the momentum it holds and well, hell, we’ll just try again next year. Nope, not this time. This time, this year, I want you bathed daily in a little bit of personal lushness so that you can sustain yourself as you give and give. This year, I really want you tuned into some self-care.
So right now, before you close out this computer screen, I want you to think of one good thing you can do for yourself every single day between now and January 1st, one good thing that will make you feel nurtured or noticed or cared for by you. One good thing that refills your well a little bit every single day. It doesn’t have to take more than ten minutes (but I do suggest at least ten minutes) but it needs to feel really nourishing. If you want to be an overachiever, think of two good things or even three. And then share them here with all of us to create a little inspiration for us and a little accountability for you as you claim your care.
As for me, I am going to claim three daily habits for this month: at least 50 ounces of water daily (ideally more but I want to have a good minimum), at least 10 minutes of reading a day, and daily movement (at least 30 minutes for 5 days a week and a couple shorter bouts are fine for weekend/rest days).
What one good thing will you be doing this month to claim your care and refill your well?
I needed this right now. I’m in the middle of a quiet emotional meltdown due to travel woes (missed a flight, get in at 7:51am tomorrow, going straight to my classroom from the airport ACK ANXIETY WEEP GNASH AAACK!).
I’m going to read a book (for pleasure) for at least 10 minutes a day.
I’m going to sit in silence … with my thoughts … for two minutes a day.
I’m going to listen to music INSTEAD of “watching” TV on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. (TV is always my background noise … but I love music.)
I’m going to blog about this, too. I think that will help me unfunk before I try to sleep and TRY to catch a second 5:30am flight.
Oh, I am so sorry for the travel woes. That stinks. But it is so good that you are taking that situation back and embracing and acknowledging what you can control. Love these– especially the idea to just sit with your thoughts for two minutes and to trade out tv for music. I bet that one will go really far for your self-care. I am sending you so much love and light as you fill your well today and everyday.
As a Pastor, this is one of the most hectic times of the year. I so appreciate your call to self-care!
I’m going to spend at least 10 minutes with a daily Advent devotional to keep me connected to the hopeful anticipation of the season.
I’m going to practice a few yoga poses everyday to clear my mind and heart.
I’m going to stop looking at facebook/twitter/my phone the moment I wake up and take that time to breathe and stretch.
Megan, These are great ways to take care of yourself- and I especially like the idea of not plugging into your social media
First thing in the morning. Emails and texts can totally distract you from your grounding first thing in the morning. I think these practices will be so good for such a busy time of the year! Wishing you well!
My December Self-Care Prescription:
– Not filling my time with potato-chip news, Instagram, Law & Order SVU, and comparison trap thinking.
– Walking Bo for 30 minutes every evening. If it’s too cold, I’ll walk myself and play with him when I get home.
– Sweating for 30 minutes every-other day.
Oh, Emily, I have never heard potato chip news but totally got it when i read it. Brilliant phrasing. Love these self-care steps– sensible, filled with plenty of positive impact, and not too overwhelming. Enjoy!
Rosie, I cannot take credit for coining potato chip news. It’s a Gretchen Rubin term. 🙂
http://gretchenrubin.com/happiness_project/2013/11/avoid-the-dangerous-allure-of-potato-chip-news/
My Advent Special care:
– do 10 minutes work-out a day, at least 4 days a week. This one should be a round-the-year care, yet finally beginning is a gift of love to myself!
– write in my Gratefulness Journal, which I’ve not done for a long time anymore.
– begin to work with The Artist’s Way. I’ll probably not be able to have as much time as I would love to do it, but I know that “the perfect time” is an illusion, all the more as a mother. So I allow myself to do it as I can, without pressure. And I love the feeling of freedom this book gives me!
I love this thought, although I am a bit behind! I am in the midst of a major personal and family change. For the better I hope, but extremely stressful now.
1. I will find 10 minutes each day to do my guided meditation. Usually first thing in the morning.
2. I will make time for daily exercise and allow time for rest and recovery as well.
3. I will say no (nicely) to invitations to parties I don’t want to go to.