Self-Care During The Holidays & Beyond

4 Quick Tips For Holiday Self-Care = Fewer Days That Suck!

Choose to protect your energy: Holidays are fun… but all the excitement and commitments can zap our energy—if we allow it to. Here’s the shift. Say YES to what truly matters—and NO to what doesn’t serve you! Before making decisions to purchase a gift, accept an invitation, etc STOP think about this:

4 Daily Decisions Think about this: 4 Intentional, science-backed reasons to choose what serves you: Practice makes it easier over time.

  1. Daily Decision: Recalibrate Expectations—Create Breathing Room.

    Holiday stress often comes from the invisible expectations we set: Release perfection, be selective about commitments, and be present not in your head.

    Why it works: When expectations shrink to a realistic scale (it decreases the cognitive load) decisions are easier to make and joy is easier to welcome.

    Try this: Choose the meaningful parts of the season—let perfection go.

  2. Daily Decision: Think Healthy—don’t overdo—keep predictable rituals.

    Why it works: December tends to scatter routines. The nervous system loves repetition—creating internal rhythm—steadier moods & better sleep.

    Try this: Pick a ritual such as warm beverage, a brief stretch, breathing and repeat them to reduce stress—keeping us anchored and calmer.

  3. Daily Decision: Protect Your Energy—Plan In Advance—Add Appreciation!

    Holiday commitments can be overwhelming—remaining aware of what serves us best helps us make decisions that have a positive, not negative impact.

    Why it works: Reducing what’s less meaningful, we free up the prefrontal cortex, allowing more capacity for calm, clarity, and joy & feelings of control.

    Try this: Step back—create a waiting period before making a commitment.

  4. Daily Decision: Connections and appreciation help ground us. We can still feel lonely with all the hustle & bustle. Loneliness isn’t just being alone—it’s feeling unseen or unanchored. Genuine connection + gratitude help. Appreciate yourself and each other—consciously make small intentional touchpoints.
    Why it works    : Research shows appreciation creates upward emotional momentum—giving our minds something to hold onto. Connection activates our bonding and soothing systems bringing more emotional stability.

    Try this: Each day—name 1 thing you appreciate & reach out to someone.

    CARRY THESE WITH YOU INTO 2026 & BEYOND:
    It’s not about forcing positivity but approaching life differently!

Holiday Self-Care, Positive MindsetDaeyna Dean#HolidaySelfCare, #NewYearReset, #FewerDaysThatSuckComment