A Little Self-Care Goes a Long Way
Ah, the holidays! A time meant for relaxing with loved ones and celebrating the joy and wonder of the season. And yet, no matter how much we promise to do less and relax more, it somehow ends up being the busiest – and most stressful – time of year.
There is so much to do to get ready – from decorating and meal planning to rushing from place to place, and store to store, to find the perfect gifts. The pressure increases as we struggle to maintain our daily routine while carving out time to attend get-togethers with colleagues and the kids’ holiday festivities. Add the onset of wintery weather to the mix, and it’s no wonder our stress levels soar!
If we don’t take care of ourselves, this stress will definitely take a toll – leaving us mentally drained and physically exhausted, in pain, and/or at increased risk of getting sick.
At Perfectly Kneaded, we often talk with clients about the mind-body connection. When we feel stressed, our bodies tend to stiffen up and our muscles will hold onto that tension. This explains the tightness, aches, and pains we typically experience. Mental stress may physically resonate differently in each person's body – for some it’s the neck and shoulders, for others the hips or back, and even the head and jaw. There’s also the muscle soreness that can result from carrying too many shopping bags or hiking up our shoulders when it’s cold.
During this season of giving, it’s important to give yourself a break from the holiday craziness. While the thought of taking time for ourselves can seem daunting, even just 30 minutes of self-care can provide relief. A massage will replenish your body and give your energy a boost. Add aromatherapy to further calm your mind and help you handle stressful situations with more ease. Or treat yourself to a Reiki session to experience instant relief from anxiety and pain.
This year, we invite you to make self-care a priority. Try not to let stress distract you from what the season is really about. Pause and take a few deep breaths. Feel gratitude for all that is wonderful in your life. And if you notice that friends and family are feeling the effects of holiday stress – give them the gift of relaxation, too.
Happy & Healthy Holidays from all of us at Perfectly Kneaded!