Prioritizing Self Care During the Holidays: Small Moments That Matter

The holiday season often brings joy, but it can also bring stress and exhaustion. Between shopping, cooking, social events, and family obligations, it’s easy to forget about yourself. Yet, prioritizing self care during the holidays is essential to maintain your energy and happiness. You don’t need hours of free time or expensive treatments to care for yourself. Small moments of self care, planned thoughtfully, can make a big difference.

Marking self care moments on a calendar will help ensure you practice self care.

Why Small Moments of Self Care Matter

Many people think self care means long spa days or weekend retreats, but that’s not always possible during busy times. Instead, small moments of self care can help you recharge without overwhelming your schedule. These moments might be:

• Taking five minutes to breathe deeply and stretch

• Enjoying a cup of tea without distractions

• Writing down three things you’re grateful for

• Listening to your favorite song while cooking

  
  

These brief pauses help reduce stress and improve your mood. They remind you that your well-being matters, even when life feels hectic.

Writing Self Care Into Your Calendar

One of the biggest challenges during the holidays is finding time for yourself. The best way to ensure you don’t skip self care is to write it on your calendar. Treat these moments like appointments you cannot miss. For example:

• Schedule a 10-minute morning meditation before the day starts

• Block out 15 minutes after lunch for a walk outside

• Reserve time in the evening to read or journal

  
  

When you see these blocks on your calendar, you’re more likely to follow through. It also helps you balance your commitments and avoid burnout.

Using a Self Care Bestie to Stay Accountable

Having a friend or family member who supports your self care goals can make a big difference. A self care bestie can remind you to take breaks, share ideas, and celebrate your progress. You might:

• Check in with each other daily or weekly

• Exchange tips for quick self care activities

• Encourage each other to say no to overwhelming plans

  
  

This accountability creates a sense of community and motivation, making self care feel less like a chore and more like a shared priority.

Friends supporting each other’s self care during the holiday season is social self care.

Making Self Care a Holiday Tradition

When you consistently prioritize self care, it becomes part of your holiday routine. This can change how you experience the season, making it more joyful and less stressful. Consider:

• Creating a self care checklist for the week

• Sharing your self care goals with loved ones

• Reflecting on what worked and adjusting your plan

  
  

By making self care a tradition, you build habits that support your well-being year-round.