Loss and Restoration During the Holidays
This whirlwind of a year is reaching its end, and the holiday season is upon us. The season tends to stir up all kinds of emotions (good and bad). Holidays are a nostalgic time full of traditions, but with the climate we live in how do we celebrate in a way that still feels special? How do we nourish our bodies with the self care that we so desperately need at this time?
Reclaim What is Yours!
It’s a lot to think about on top of everything else happening in our lives. We’ve had a year where everything feels out of our control. So what you can do is take back what is yours! It is so easy to get caught up in it all and lose sight of yourself and your needs. Reclaim and strengthen your relationship with yourself, making the challenges to come that much easier to handle.
The Importance of Self Care
Self care is something so important but so easily forgotten. There are a million reasons as to why we never get to it, and chances are if we made ourselves a priority we’d stop making excuses and putting everything else first. It is a vicious cycle we fall victim to. I’m guilty of having that same conversation, telling myself that today will be different. When it is not, I am the only person to blame. Change is not easy and it is something I wish I could welcome with open arms.
In a time where I’ve been forced to slow down and take a step back it is clear to see how comfortable I’ve become with self neglect. If I don’t take care of myself, how am I expected to take care of everything around me? Nothing is given my absolute best effort because that is something I can’t even provide for myself. Things will only get harder and my list of reasons will only grow longer. It is a harsh reality that only worsens the more it is avoided. In a fast paced world moments to pause and reflect become so out of reach. The limits we push our minds and bodies to are ones that can have irreversible effects. This pandemic has forced us to pause and realize that it is okay to take a break. Too often there is a sense of guilt for wanting and needing to relax. It is something that you owe to yourself and something that needs no justification. Take the time, really pay attention and listen to what your body is asking of you.
Destress and Restore with Massage
Self care comes in many forms and there is no right or wrong way to go about it. There are remedies that are easier than you think! Do yourself a favor and treat yourself to a massage. If you have never had one before it is a great way to indulge in some major self care. It has various benefits besides being stress relieving and relaxing. Massage will give you a place to start physically. By talking with your massage therapist you can find if there are any underlying issues and can take the necessary actions to prevent further damage. It is important to not only take care of your physical health but your mental and emotional health as well.
Below is a list of some of my favorite self care remedies:
- Make your favorite comfort food and enjoy every bite
- Drink more water
- Do 5 minutes of deep breathing
- Turn your phone off
- Say “no” to something (or someone)
- Sit outside for 15 minutes and enjoy the fresh air
- Diffuse essential oils
- Watch inspirational videos/following inspirational people online
- Do something creative you love
- Journal
Remember it is okay to slow down. Don’t rush the holidays this year. Take the time to prepare yourself wholly and enjoy what the season brings!
Elizabeth Brunner
Licensed Massage and Cupping Therapist
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