Why You Need To Prioritize Self Care This Holiday Season
It’s officially Christmas Eve Eve! We’re in the thick of the holiday season. Christmas is in two days, Kwanza is in three days and the New Year is in seven days. I’m a lover of all things holiday: I love the giving/gifting, I love the shopping, I love the family time, I love the movies, I love the music. One of my favorite parts is giving and gifting to those around me. I I love giving gifts, because I’m a really good gift giver. I try to give something special to everyone in my life, even if others get their gifts later than expected. I’m a giving person, and I get so excited to see the persons reaction to my gift, because it’s usually thoughtful.
Although there are many people, like me, who love this time of year, please keep in mind that there are other people who don’t. There are people in the world right now, who are hurting, mourning, sad, depressed, anxious, and lonely.People tend to forget that this is a rough time for a lot of people, so you really want to be extra kind to everyone you encounter. Whether it’s the person in the McDonald’s drive-through, or even your mailman, you want to be a little extra nice during this time. You really never know what anyone is going through, especially during this time of the year. I know it’s easy to get caught up in your own life and bubble, but don’t forget that everyone isn’t as blessed and fortunate as you. If you’re someone who isn’t in a good place right now, I am praying for you and I want you to know things will get better. Mental health is such an important thing, especially in the black community. People are committing suicide, at heart breaking rates. Life gets hard for everyone, some people get it harder than other’s, push thru the hard times, because they don’t last forever. Whether you love this time of year, or hate it, do not forget to love on the most important person, YOU!
I was talking with my therapist a few weeks ago, and she asked me, “When was the last time you checked in with yourself?” That question stumped me, because I’m one who loves self-care. I take myself to the movies often, I tend to buy myself nice things, I even travel by myself, but it had been a while since I had stopped and really checked in with myself. Throughout the year, we become so consumed with the wants and needs of others, that it can be easy to lose focus of what we want and need for ourselves. It is crucial, especially during this time, to stop and check in with yourself. Checking in will look differently for everyone, but however you can, take some time to check in with yourself. Ask yourself, what do you want, celebrate the wins that you had this year, and identify some areas where you dropped the ball and need to do better. This check in with yourself is very vital for growth and evolution.
Last weekend, I checked myself into a hotel, because I live at home with my family, for 48 hours. I went and had my first ever facial and massage, ate a very nice dinner, went to an upscale bar, journaled, prayed, and sat with myself. I disconnected from social media, and put my phone on do not disturb. I really wanted to focus on being present, and being with me. I’m someone who actually enjoys being in my own company, but I had never done it like this before. I asked myself certain questions, and allowed my mind to wonder. I cut out all distractions and outside influences. I reflected, I read, I cried, and so much more. By the end of my weekend, I was able to identify exactly who I am, and where I want to go. Don’t get me wrong, there are still some things that I’m working out, but I gain so much clarity. You’d be amazed with all that can come, just from disconnecting with everyone and connecting with myself. Maybe you can’t go to the extent that I did, but take some time to be alone this holiday season. Find pockets of time to get away from everyone. Check in with yourself before we enter into this new year. For the second half of my alone time, I did absolutely nothing. I watched Christmas movies and ordered room service. That was my reward to myself after surviving this year. Take yourself out to eat, go get a pedicure, do anything you can do to treat yourself, while disconnecting from others. We spend a lot of time worrying about other people, don’t lose track of the most important person, YOU.
I’m praying you have a safe and beautiful holiday with your loved ones. Merry Christmas!
