Self care is important all year long, but especially crucial at the end of the year. The days are shorter, the nights are longer, and the stress is higher! Our lives can be so busy and hectic, we often forget to take care of ourselves. We all know we can’t pour from an empty cup. When we fill our own cups, we have more to give to our loved ones. 

    One important way we can engage in self care is to identify the people in our lives who we call on when we are in need. Who in your life do you call when you need to vent? Who do you call when you need help solving a problem? Where do you find community? It’s important to know who you can lean on when times are tough. But sometimes, you need some “me time”. So,here are a few suggestions to help you spark an idea or two for self care:

• Treat yourself to sleeping late every once in a while

• Make a favorite meal

• Pamper yourself with a bubble bath, some lotion, a new haircut

• Unplug from tech for an hour, read a book, research a topic that interests you

• Make time to hang out with friends, catch up on fond memories

• Do something silly! Laugh and be ridiculous. It really lets off steam

• Allow yourself to be sad sometimes - give yourself space to express your emotions

• Get some exercise in - try yoga, pilates, biking, swimming…whatever works for you

• Time in nature, to appreciate the changing of the leaves

• Watch a favorite old movie, maybe watch with your kids - make new memories with them

    You get the idea. Just remember that you are deserving of care! Taking time for yourself, intentionally, can increase your overall feeling of wellbeing. Reach out if you need support.