The holidays tend to get people in the spirit of giving. So, you might be preparing a list of gifts to give, scheduling time to host or attend dinner parties, or arranging travel itineraries to see your loved ones. It is common to go out of your way during the holiday season to show family, loved ones, friends, and co-workers that you care about them. Gift giving and holiday festivities should be fun and joyful; if you feel yourself getting overly stressed, take a step back and prioritize the most meaningful pieces of your holiday — one of those being your own wellbeing. When I start to feel myself running thin, I think of the quote, “Remember to take care of yourself because you can’t pour from an empty cup.”
To be the best version of yourself, you also must make time to take care of yourself before you can shine light onto others. This holiday season, I encourage you to gift yourself self-care because taking care of you never goes out of style. Plus, some of the best self-care is free!
Check out these self-care activities that don’t cost a thing!
Self-Care Gift Ideas
- Go to bed early
- Put your phone on “do not disturb”
- Drink more water
- Moving your body for 30 minutes
- Disconnect from social media for 30 minutes
- Read a book
- Journal
- Meditate
- Watch the sunrise/sunset
- Take a nap
- Call a friend that makes you laugh
- Take a bath
- Do a puzzle
- Go through your closet
- Deep clean
- Color, draw, or paint
- Make your bed
- Light a candle
- Watch a movie
- Change your sheets
- Create a vision board
- Stretch
- Jam out to your favorite playlist
- Stay in
- Leave a positive note to yourself on your mirror
This blog article was contributed by Jaelyn Arndt, Digital Media Specialist for Nexus Family Healing.
Nexus Family Healing is a national nonprofit mental health organization that restores hope for thousands of children and families who come to us for outpatient/community mental health services, foster care and adoption, and residential treatment. For over 45 years, our network of agencies has used innovative, personalized approaches to heal trauma, break cycles of harm, and reshape futures. We believe every child is worth it — and every family matters. Learn more at nexusfamilyhealing.org
