I met Sarah, a vibrant woman in her 40s who adored the holiday season. Every year, she’d throw herself into the whirlwind of festivities, spreading joy, cooking feasts and ensuring everyone around her had a magical time. But amidst the glittering lights and laughter, she forgot one crucial thing: herself.

One particularly busy December, Sarah found herself running on empty. Her days were a blur of preparations, parties and endless to-do lists. She was so immersed in ensuring everyone else’s happiness that she neglected her well-being.

As the days wore on, Sarah began feeling the weight of exhaustion creeping in. Her joy in the season was fading, replaced by a sense of fatigue and being overwhelmed. One evening, while sipping a cup of tea in a rare quiet moment, she realized something profound.

She recalled a time from her childhood when her grandmother used to emphasize the importance of nurturing oneself. Sarah remembered her grandmother’s gentle advice about the necessity of taking care of one’s own heart before trying to fill the hearts of others.

Self-care during the holidays isn’t selfish; it’s a vital gift to nurture yourself, radiating genuine joy and warmth to those around you.

That moment of reflection sparked a change in Sarah. She decided to implement small moments of self-care amidst the chaos. She began waking up a little earlier to meditate, taking short walks in the crisp morning air and indulging in moments of solitude to recharge.

Gradually, Sarah noticed a transformation within herself. She felt more present, and more joyful in the moments she spent with loved ones. By nurturing herself, she was able to spread even more genuine warmth and happiness around her.

As the holiday season progressed, Sarah didn’t just survive it; she thrived. Her realization that self-care wasn’t selfish but rather a necessary act of kindness towards oneself transformed her experience entirely. She found that by taking care of herself, she could give even more to those she cherished.

Invaluable self-care tips

Amidst the whirlwind of the holiday season, taking care of yourself is essential. Here are some invaluable self-care tips to help you navigate this busy time.

Make Time for Yourself: Setting aside moments to care for yourself is crucial. It helps you handle stress better and enjoy quality time with loved ones.

Even Short Breaks Matter: In the busy holiday rush, even 10 minutes for yourself can make a big difference in how you feel. Taking quick breaks, stepping outside for fresh air, or doing a brief meditation can recharge you.

Grounding Yourself: Take a moment to ground yourself by setting intentions and positive affirmations. It’s a great way to create the feelings you want. Reading or writing something calming can also help you reset when things get overwhelming.

Dealing with Social Gatherings: Family gatherings during the holidays can be tough, especially when there are different personalities and beliefs involved. Setting boundaries is a useful tool for self-care here. It could mean telling family members you need alone time or skipping an event. Boundaries don’t mean cutting off; it’s about making your needs clear.

Year-Round Importance: Self-care isn’t just for the holidays. It’s essential all year long. But during this season, taking time for yourself is like giving yourself and others a precious gift.

Wishing you a season filled with warmth and self-care.

Esther & Team Trauma-Sensitive Yoga Nederland