As you are settling into to what for most people is a busy time of year, be sure to make some time for yourself. Self-care and relaxation are about the best things you can do for yourself, if not the best.
Remember that we are human beings, not human "doings". We will never complete our to-do lists, because no matter how much you do, there will always be something more. As HSPs our nervous systems can't take that go go go forever, and it will eventually lead to burn out. This season, make sure to spend some time being present in your body and enjoying life rather than doing doing doing.
Suggestions for Self-Care
1) Make a list of your favorite self-care practices. Write down activities that nurture you mind and body that you either currently do, would like to try or that you once did and miss doing. Some Ideas might be: yoga, napping, singing, meditating taking bubble bath, getting a babysitter for the evening, getting your nails done, meditation, going to beach, reading novels, etc. 2) Learn how to say no, and then say no. I love the quote, “I’m not saying no to you, I am saying yes to me.” Chose only activities that are either necessary or enjoyable and try to say no to those that don’t serve you. Are there any commitments or relationships that are not of your highest and best interest that you can let go of? 3) Create a personal sanctuary, meditation space, or a little spot to call your own in your home. Associate this space with self-care and go there when you need to reboot. 4) Schedule in your self-care like it is an important business meeting. Whether it’s a nap or a yoga class or time to read, (my personal favorites) don’t let yourself skip it! Put it in the calendar and resist the urge to doubt its importance. 5) Treat your body well through good nutrition, plenty of sleep and exercise you enjoy. If you are not prioritizing taking care of your physical body, it is only a matter of time before your health will decrease. Our bodies are our vessel to move through life in, and we must treat them with love and care. This also includes being moderate, and not expecting ourselves to run a marathon every month or to eat only organic, non-gmo, vegan, gluten-free, raw whole foods for the rest of our lives. 6) A little goes a long way. If you don't have time each day for self-care, breathe deeply for 1 min, dance to your favorite song, watch a funny YouTube video and get your mind and body refocused on health and happiness. 7) Reassess. Things change over time, so once and a while it is important to re-asses to see what is working and what is not. 8) Drop the guilt. One of the hardest reasons to prioritize self-care is the guilt that “I should be doing something more productive or it’s not worth my time to relax” etc. This couldn’t be further from the truth. You life literally depends on it, as stress is a major factor in almost all diseases! Give yourself permission to have lots of self-care and know that you deserve it! (You deserve it!)