Not another Self-Care Guide for Moms: the Holiday Hustle Edition

The holiday season is often touted as "the most wonderful time of the year", but for many moms, it can also be the most stressful. Juggling the demands of festive preparations, family gatherings atop everyday responsibilities can leave mothers feeling overwhelmed and depleted. Don't succumb to the holiday hustle! It's crucial to remember that taking care of yourself is neither selfish or a luxury—it's a necessity. In this blog, we're sharing some practical ways for moms to prioritize  their self-care during the hectic holiday season.

1. Create a Realistic Schedule: Start by acknowledging that you can't do it all. Craft a realistic holiday schedule that includes both your must-do tasks and moments of self-care. Allocate specific times for shopping, decorating, and other festive duties, and be sure to schedule breaks for yourself. Yes, actually schedule it - like you would for an important meeting!
2. Delegate and Share Responsibilities: You don't have to be the sole captain steering the holiday ship. Delegate tasks to other family members or enlist the help of select friends. Sharing responsibilities not only lightens your load, but it allows others to contribute to the festive atmosphere - as they should!
3. Embrace the Power of 'No': It's easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday invitations and commitments. Learn to say 'no' when necessary. You don't have to attend every event or volunteer for every request. Prioritize the holiday-extras that most align with your values and bring you happiness.
4. Mindful Moments in Chaos: Integrate mindfulness into your daily routine. Whether it's a short meditation, a few deep breaths, or a mindful walk, taking a moment for yourself can make a significant difference in your stress levels. Consider using mindfulness apps to guide you through quick, rejuvenating exercises. We love this one from Expectful.
5. Create a Cozy Corner: Designate a small space in your home where you can escape for a few minutes - preferably not the bathroom, but you know. Stash it with a soft blanket, a scented candle/essential oils, or anything that brings you immediate comfort. Retreat to this cozy corner when you need a moment to collect yourself.
6. Plan for Quick Self-Care Rituals: Develop simple self-care rituals that fit into your busy schedule. This could be incorporated into your morning skincare routine, where you just close your eyes and really enjoy the moment. It could be enjoying a cup of tea, or reading just a few pages of a good book. These intermittent breaks can be powerful in recharging your energy and staying in-touch with yourself.
7. Incorporate Exercise: Physical activity is a proven stress-buster. Even if you can't commit to a full workout, find alternative ways to stay get your body moving. Turn on your favorite music and dance while you bake or cook, take a family walk to enjoy the holiday lights, or commit to a quick at-home workout, even for 10 minutes.
8. Express Gratitude: Amidst the holiday chaos, take a moment each day to reflect on what you're grateful for. It could be a loving family, a supportive friend, or even a small accomplishment. Gratitude can shift your focus away from stress and center you back in focus.
9. Set Realistic Expectations: Let it go! Release the pressure to create a perfect holiday experience. Set realistic expectations for yourself and your family. Remember that imperfections can actually make this season more memorable, and dare we say - magical.
10. Prioritize Rest: With so much on your mind, it's tempting to sacrifice your sleep schedule. Wouldn't you agree that an (as-close-to) well-rested mom is better equipped to handle the flurry of the holiday season? If you can take a nap, take one! If not, aim for a consistent bedtime and create a calming bedtime routine you look forward to that will ease your mind off the list of to-dos and ensure quality (hopefully uninterrupted) sleep.
11. Accountability: Tell everyone you're doing this! Or at least one friend. Tell them you're trying to be kinder to yourself so you can be at your best when it's an emotionally-charged time of year. Tell them you think this will help you accomplish the goal of feeling grounded in the memory-making. Ask them to check on you - and you can offer to do the same for them. Honestly, the more moms who take this approach, the better!

Listen - your well-being is at stake, here, and possibly relationships with those you love. As a mom, it's easy to get caught up in the holiday whirlwind, but prioritizing time for yourself is essential for you to actually remembering all the memories you're trying to make. By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can navigate the holiday season with more joy and less stress. Remember, a happy and care-free mom sets the tone for a truly magical holiday for the entire family. So do not forsake yourself in all of this. Cheers, momma!