Self Care During the Festive Season
Whilst we’re in the midst of the silly season and life is frantic, we are glad that you’ve taken a few minutes out of your day to read this article about the importance of honouring yourself. It’s our intention to share 5 simple strategies to help you feel a sense of calm and peace.
As women we are nurturers. This means we’re givers not takers. It also means you’re likely to put everyone else’s needs before your own. There is likely to be an increase in stress levels, never enough time in the day, heightened anxiety, brain fog, headaches and possibly an array of other physical and emotional symptoms.
These feelings and emotions can be exacerbated if you’re experiencing perimenopause. You’re probably almost running on empty. So now is the time to stop. Think about you and what your mind, body and soul need in this moment. What can you do to honour yourself?
Firstly, close your eyes.
Be still.
Take three deep breaths… inhale slowly… exhale slowly…
Now that you’re feeling an increased sense of calm let’s continue with five simple steps and
strategies to get you through the weeks ahead.
Drink to Love You
Start off your morning with a big glass of water. This helps replenish your body when you wake in the morning. Subconsciously you’re showing your love for your body by keeping it hydrated. If you’re experiencing hot flushes and night sweats staying hydrated is really important, so be sure to drink regularly throughout the day. When you’re socialising and consuming alcohol, keep it to a minimum and have 1-2 glasses of water in between each alcoholic drink.
Eat to Love You
During the festive season it’s easy to indulge in the wrong foods. Be mindful of this and seek the healthier alternatives by opting for fresh, seasonal produce such as fruits, vegetables and salads. Mix it up with some lean protein and healthy fats and gift yourself a nutritional meal. This will support your mind and body by regulating your moods and provide your body with all the nutrients it needs to feel energised. You can also prepare a healthy snack before heading off to the function to avoid temptations. If you’re ready to make a change and eat to love the body you are in, you can access our Eat to Love You two week program.
Sleep to Love You
You may be having later nights than usual if you’re attending evening functions. To make up for this, get to bed a little earlier on the quieter nights. Listen to your body. If you’re tired head to bed instead of staying up to watch TV. Create a bedtime routine that relaxes and enhances a good night’s sleep. Try taking a bath, reading a book, meditating, listening to soothing music or use some essential oils. If you’re experiencing night sweats try wearing light cotton sleepwear to bed and layer bedlinen so you can peel back layers if you do feel warm during the night.
Free Your Mind to Love You
Your mind probably feels like a minefield with the endless lists of things you need to get through. Quieten and free your mind with meditation. Meditation has been proven to reduce stress levels, helps control anxiety, promotes emotional health, enhances self-awareness and improves sleep. You don’t need any special training or tools. Simply find a quiet space and have an open mind. Our very own Natalie Moore has recorded a 16 minute guided meditation for you, titled She Let Go. In this meditation practice, Natalie delves into the concept of letting go and guides you through the process of giving yourself permission to simply be with where you are, in your world, mind, and body. Click here to listen.
Move to Love You
Fit in some exercise each day to honour and love the body that carries you throughout the day. Exercise has so many health benefits – it assists your state of mind, improves your mood, provides an energy boost and helps combat health conditions and disease. When combined with a healthy diet, exercise helps you maintain a healthy weight, especially if those kilos are creeping up during perimenopause. It doesn’t matter what type of exercise you do, just keep your body moving on a regular basis. Only have 10 minutes to spare? That’s perfect – take a brisk walk or a short jog. Start small and build momentum.
Are you ready to honour you?
Don’t just give your gifts to those around you. Give yourself a simple and important gift this festive season. Listen to your body, nurture your mind and energise your body. Honour YOU.