Self Care Over the Holidays

Written by Jasmyn Kaushal

While the holidays are a joyous and cheerful time for most, feelings of isolation and an influx of stress can give the holidays the opposite effect. Regardless of your standings on the holidays, it’s important to maintain self-care during the break from school or work. You can do so with these 3 easy steps and reminders.

1. Keep Yourself Busy

Your absence from school may cause you to feel isolated. Perhaps you really only speak with your friends during schools hours, so over break, you’re barely speaking with them. Avoid falling victim to feelings of isolation and loneliness by keeping yourself busy. Practice self-care practices personal and familiar to you or try something new. You could pick up a new hobby or learn a new skill. If you feel so inclined, you could get involved in your family’s planning for the holidays or the coming year! Regardless of what you decide to do, do something and make it exciting. This will eliminate some of the time you will spend missing your friends or feeling isolated.

2. Plan

Whether it be your general time or a list of activities/to-do’s, planning your break will be extremely helpful. Primarily, it will relieve you of the stress the holidays or break may bring, allowing you to organize everything that needs to be done. It also can help you integrate productivity into your break, as you can schedule time for anything! Planning your break will give you structure, allowing you to truly maximize your day

3. Enjoy Yourself

Cliche, but necessary to mention. If this year has been a build-up of negatives for you, acknowledge that through self-care. Also, try and enjoy the time with your family and friends. Make plans over the break to visit people and catch up with family you haven’t seen in a while. Reconnect with yourself and truly take a break with this year’s winter break!