YOU CAN'T POUR FROM AN EMPTY CUP.

Self-Care should be a daily effort and is definitely not limited to any particular season. But colder months offer opportunity for us to neglect our self care due to a variety of reasons including the busy holiday season. We're spending more time indoors, the approaching Holidays offer more opportunities for stress, like family issues, financial stress and this all means figuring out ways to effectively manage your stress by adjusting your self-care routine. 

Spend Time with Family and Friends

Continue to connect with family and friends that you enjoy being around to offset the increased anxiety and stress you may be feeling around this time of the season. 

Manage Your Expectations

It's easy to get caught up in the game of getting everyone gifts or making sure you attend ever get together. Make sure you manage your expectations by simply being real about the situation. 

Acknowledge Your Feelings

The holiday brings out a variety of feelings and for many people, they may feel less happy during the time. Perhaps this is your favorite season and you love to spread joy. For others, the holidays may feel dreadful due to the memories of lost loved ones. Whatever you're feeling, it's valid.

Stick to a Budget

Don't get caught up trying to keep up with everyone buying excessive gifts if you know you can't afford it. Keep in mind that once the allure of the holiday season dies down, the bills are very real. Stick to a budget so you're not left feeling like you've gone overboard. 

Don't Abandon Healthy Habits

If you're like me, I love to eat and with more invitations to gatherings, the heavy food and holiday junk food will be in heavy rotation. Don't let all of the hard work you put in keeping your health in check go to waste in just a matter of weeks. Keep your head in the game. 

Take a Break

It can becoming overwhelming quickly when you're dealing with the holiday rush on top of work and increased family obligations. Make sure you're still taking time for yourself more now than ever. All the extra noise can be stressful. 

Plan Ahead

If you're a social butterfly, plan ahead to make sure you're not biting off more than you can chew.

Lighten Your Load

If you're the type that like to plan everything because you do it better, get over yourself. This is one of the quickest ways to tack on stress. Lighten your load by giving tasks to others, It's totally okay to ask for help. 

Comparison

Don't compare what you have and don't have with the next person. The grass is not always greener on the other side. Be thankful where you are right now at this very moment. 

Do Something Different

Simply put, if you're not feeling up to something, do something different. I've had my share of turning down invitations and being picky about where I would like to spend my time. 

Volunteer

A great way to make you feel like you're adding value to the world is to volunteer. Many organizations accept volunteers to get involved in various community service efforts such as feeding the homeless. Check around your city and see where you can be helpful. 

Make a New Family Tradition

Sometimes family traditions change and that's okay. Do what's best for you. 

Get a Sun Lamp

It's said that the decreased sun light can cause seasonal depression. Get a sun lamp to help you through the day, assist in better sleep and help you beat the fall and winter blues. 

Stay on Task with Doctors Appointments and Medication

Fall is the busiest time of the year and it will be easy to forget those important dates. Unfortunately, missing an appointment can set you back into the New Year as many physicians plan to take off for vacation. Just stick to your appointments to avoid the headache of a delay. 

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