The Holidays are upon us and life can get very hectic and stressful. One great way we can de-stress is to show ourselves some love by self-care. Self-care is the new buzz-word. You see and hear it everywhere. Why? Well, because it is so needed. We need to take some time-out to de-stress, calm down, relax, re-energize, just do nothing, just BE and let our brain and body rest. By giving ourselves this time to do something loving for our body, mind and spirit, we can show up in a better place, being able to benefit more people, better. People are realizing we need to take care of ourselves first, before we can help anyone else.
People say self-care is being selfish. I say, it’s selfish NOT to give yourself that self-care. But, it IS selfish to not give to yourself! Think about it…when you are at your best, aren’t you better able to help others, to give to others? Yes, you are! So, think of it as selfish not to give yourself this time.
Think about another thing. With the Holidays so hectic, we often get burnout, due to overwhelm and trying to do everything for everyone, get all the holiday plans in order and prepare for family or friends that may be coming to stay with us, or just coming for a get-together and dinner. That, in my eyes, is very stressful.
That is where self-care comes into play. I know you are saying, “OK, you just reminded me of all the planning and shopping I have to do to get prepared, now you want me to add something else into the mix, like self-care???” Well, the answer is, “YES!” You are adding in something that should already be there. Think about this…If you take a little time to do something that you really enjoy doing, are passionate about, to just give your mind a break and have some fun (and release some endorphins), you will be more relaxed and may even end up enjoying the Holiday prep-work you need to do.
So, do you have any hobbies? At least one, maybe? I have found that 3-5 hobbies are best. Several articles I have read say the same. In one article, the 3 that Paul Wilkins states you should have are:
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- One hobby that can make you money (for example, a craft, such as crochet, wood-work, jewelry-making).
- One hobby that will keep you in shape (example, running, biking, kayaking, hiking).
- And one hobby that will keep you creative (example, the crafts stated above; writing).
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Okay, now that may sound a little crazy (not to be started during the holidays! HA!) However, you can mix and match them, according to Wilkins.
Now, the other two (to make the 5), are:
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- Hobbies that build your knowledge (for example, reading).
- Hobbies to help you socialize (examples; volunteering, take a dance class).
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There you go. The hobbies that can make you money are nice, because you can get into socialization if you do a craft fair, or a Holiday Fair, and can make some supplemental money by selling patterns, or on a website. Again, I definitely would not do 3 to 5 during the holidays, but, hey, you may use your hobby to make holiday gifts. Making creative place settings and napkin holders for the table, or a floral arrangement for the centerpiece. Maybe sewing or knitting cute hats or sweaters to give as a gift. Those are nice, because if you think ahead, you can have much of your holiday work done by August!
The moral of this story/blog….is to take some time out for something you enjoy doing. Give yourself a break. You deserve it, AND, when you do, you will have some renewed energy to put into you Holiday tasks.
Happy Hobby-days!!!!
