While the festive season is known to be a delightful time, it may also be an incredibly demanding one! You may have increased obligations—be it at work or at home—which are reflected in your extremely long ‘to do’ list. The pressures of the festive season can weigh down even the most laid-back person.

Thus, it is more important than ever to be mindful of your mental and emotional wellbeing. Here are some tips on how to take good care of yourself during the festive season:

Tips on how to take care of yourself during the festive season

First and foremost, be deliberate in practising acceptance. If you often set the bar impossibly high, acknowledge that not everything is fully under your control—events may not go exactly as you planned. Be generous with yourself by knowing your limits and setting realistic expectations.

Next, cultivate good lifestyle habits like getting sufficient sleep. It may be difficult for you to get a good night’s sleep when you are caught up in a flurry of activity. However, skimping on sleep will only make you feel more anxious and overwhelmed.

Besides getting seven to nine hours of restful sleep, take frequent breaks during the day. Spare a few minutes for a power nap or a hot bath—any means by which to prevent stress from taking a hold of you.

Other than sleep, be mindful of your diet and exercise. You may be tempted to let your diet slide during the festive season; the abundance of sweet and savoury delicacies at parties is hard to resist. Avoid overindulging—limit your intake of sugary, fatty, and processed foods. Moderation is key.

Moreover, you can consider exercise as a great way to maintain your weight as well as boost your energy levels. Even if you are unable to make it to the gym, you can perform simple cardio and strength workouts at home.

Another excellent way you can take care of yourself during the festive season is to plan ahead. Sort out work priorities beforehand so that you stay focussed at work and avoid being burnt out. Make a list of any parties or events you need to attend—note them down on your calendar for easy reference. This will help you stay organised and minimise any possibility of overlaps in your schedule.

In the same vein of planning ahead, be sure to budget your expenditure lest you accidently overspend. Create a budget that is realistic and stick to it—this will save you much headache over finances down the road.

It is also good that you get your holiday shopping done early as you will have ample time to source for the best deals online. Do not wait until the last minute and be forced to overpay for seasonal items.

The festive season is the perfect time to catch up with your loved ones. Whether you are attending a gathering or just spending quality time at home, make an effort to connect with your family and friends.

Initiate activities which will build stronger bonds such as playing board games or decorating the Christmas tree together. These communal activities can aid in the creation of numerous wonderful memories.

Last but not least, set aside some time to engage in self-reflection. Take stock of the year that is soon drawing to a close. What have you learnt in 2022? You may also want to brainstorm the professional or personal goals you would like to accomplish in 2023.

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