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How to Take Care of Yourself Over the Holidays

How to Take Care of Yourself Over the Holidays | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

There’s a lot of talk about self-care these days, and for good reason. In the overscheduled and fast-paced world in which we live, it’s easy to get overwhelmed, exhausted and burned out—especially during the busyness of the holiday season. If self-care doesn’t come naturally, and you still insist on putting everything else before your own needs, you probably go into over-serving mode during the holidays. You go out of your way to make sure everything is ready, and everyone has the “best holiday ever.” Sound familiar? 

So what can you do to take care of yourself this holiday season? We have some simple but effective suggestions for you. Of course, our number one recommendation is to give yourself the gift of a Florida Gulf Coast vacation, but if you can’t do that right now, that’s okay. You can do these things. 

tea and journal on bed | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Start the day right.

If every day, you make a little time for yourself first thing, you can move through your day with more grace and intention. Your morning routine might only be 5 minutes long to start, but even that will help. Use the time to sit quietly with a cup of tea, meditate, journal, walk, or include other activities that feed your body, mind, heart, and soul.

talking a walk outside | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Walk outside each day. 

Make it a point to get some outdoor time each day, even if it’s cold or the weather isn’t ideal. Don’t worry about counting your steps or picking up your pace, just get out there and breathe in the fresh air and get your body moving. Allow yourself some much needed time to decompress while seeking out the beauty and wonder in your surroundings.  

woman sleeping | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Stay well rested. 

It’s too easy to become overscheduled and overtired during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season. Gifts to buy, gatherings to attend, festivities to prepare for. All of that is well and good but not to the sacrifice of rest for your body and mind. Make sure you’re getting enough rest and quality sleep this time of year. It’s one of the best gifts you can give yourself.

woman budgeting concept | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Respect your budget. 

Set boundaries! Once you figure out what you can spend on holiday gifts, events, and other seasonal expenses, honor that. If you splurge now, you pay even more later. And later comes sooner than you think.

woman holding folded sweaters | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

One in, one out. 

Stay clutter-free, or at the very least, avoid adding to your clutter by sticking with a one in, one out rule. For each thing that comes in, another goes out. Apply this rule to gifts, clothing, and decorations.

blank weekly calendar | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Unschedule your time.

Make room for holiday magic to unfold and cancel some of your planned activities. Allow yourself some gaps between festivities to fill in with rest, relaxation and rejuvenation and to avoid holiday burnout.

unplug concept | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Go Internet-lite.

It’s the ideal time of year to go lighten up your internet and screen time. Make an intentional decision to allow opportunities for real face-time with the your family, friends and loved ones without the constant interruptions that come with the rings and dings of hyper-connectivity. Need some help getting started? Here are some tips on how to go Internet-lite

let go balloons in sky | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Forego perfection. 

Give yourself the gift of letting go of unrealistic expectations this year. Perfection is an unattainable goal so remove it off your holiday list. Focus on being the best you can be and give yourself permission to make mistakes along the way. Laugh a little more at your own shortcomings and be gracious to the other non-perfect humans in your life. 

no sign on door | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

It’s okay to say no.

Another thing to let go of this holiday season is the guilt of saying “no” to things you don’t want or have the time to do or to attend. You cannot do all the things, so don’t burn yourself out trying. Be realistic with your time and your commitments, and then give yourself the okay to decline what you just don’t have the time, energy or willingness to do. 

gratitude journal and pen | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Count your blessings. 

For some reason we really like to beat ourselves up at the end of the year for all that we’ve done and left undone. Make it a point at the end of this year to focus on your blessings, even if they’re wrapped up in the messiness of life. It’s up to you what you focus on.

neon love sign | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Redefine abundance. 

What do you equate abundance with? It more often than not is associated with wealth and the accumulation of things. Self worth is much more valuable than net worth. Reset your priorities and focus on the heart of what really matters in life. 

woman freedom sky backdrop| Plumlee Vacation Rentals

Let go.

There are benefits to moving through life, work, and relationships with a lighter step, a lighter look, and a lighter heart. If we want to be light, we have to let go. Whatever is weighing you down, make a decision to let it go and move on from it. 

We hope you find these self-care suggestions helpful and doable. If you’re looking for more ways to practice self-care this holiday season, then read this for more inspiration and motivation to take care of you. You deserve it! 


How to Take Care of Yourself Over the Holidays | Plumlee Vacation Rentals

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