With December in full swing, your to-do list may very well be about a mile long. And gift shopping is probably right up there near the top. With the pressure to come up with thoughtful ideas while sticking to your budget, it can feel overwhelming. But that doesn’t mean you should skimp on giving to one of the most important people in your life: yourself.
In fact, giving yourself some gifts during this time of year can help to combat holiday stress. That, in turn, might just give you the headspace you need to come up with creative, budget-friendly ideas for the rest of the people on your list.
We’re not talking about adding another line item to your gift-shopping budget, either. There are a handful of gifts you can give yourself this holiday season that cost nothing — but can make all the difference. Here are a few to consider.
The gift of you-time
Is your December calendar feeling a little hectic? You’re not alone. Not only does this time of year mean more social obligations (office holiday parties, your aunt’s annual cookie exchange), it also means the pressure to knock out that aforementioned gift list. Add the drive to decorate your apartment or home into the mix, and it’s a lot.
If you know you have a history of dragging yourself into the new year feeling exhausted, consider giving yourself the gift of some you-time this December. This might literally mean blocking off spaces on your calendar to do what makes you happy. It could mean booking a yoga class right after work or taking a bubble bath knowing that your presents will get wrapped on time. It could mean scheduling a dinner with the people who you actually want to celebrate with during the holiday season.
No matter what taking some time for yourself looks like for you, find a way to do it. No one fares well after a full month of busyness. Your you-time could be one of the best gifts you give yourself all year.
The gift of enjoyment
We talked a little bit about this in our last holiday blog, but it’s worth revisiting. Take a minute or two to think about what you really love during this time of year.
Maybe it’s the cookies and hot chocolate, or maybe it’s the way your neighborhood looks all dazzled with lights. It could be the music, or the family traditions.
Now, write it down. No, really. Go get a sticky note and list out the things you truly enjoy during December.
Then, put that note somewhere you’ll see it regularly. That’s your reminder to savor the season. Don’t let the month go by without taking the time to dig into what you really love. Gift yourself some true enjoyment and the odds are high that you’ll have a happier December.
The gift of your breath
This one’s simple but powerful. Your breath is always with you, a resource waiting to be tapped.
This holiday season, one of the easiest gifts to give yourself is the chance to harness your breath. Breathwork might seem basic, but it can:
- Alleviate stress — and quickly
- Help to manage symptoms of depression
- Lower your blood pressure
- Improve your focus
- Minimize pain
Pretty impressive, right? Try it right now. Take the deepest breath you’ve taken all day, and exhale it fully. How do you feel? A little calmer, probably.
You can gift yourself your breath really easily. Make it a point to take five deep breaths each morning and every night. Or if you want to dig deeper into breathwork, we have some breathing exercises you can do at home.
These are just a few suggestions. Maybe there are other gifts to give yourself that would help you feel healthier and happier this December.
If you’re feeling stumped but you know that you want to feel better, we’re here. Therapy can feel daunting, but it’s actually a lot easier to start than you might think. Call or email us and we can get you set up with one of our team members. Together, we can work on ways to improve your wellbeing and head into 2022 with a positive outlook.
