Christmas Self-Care Crackers

 

Sometimes the very best gift is not something that we want, but something that we need. With that in mind, the Storytime elves have wrapped up something a little bit special for you – a guest blog by counsellor and wellbeing expert Jessica Bowers. She writes the amazing entries for the My Mind Matters! section of Storytime, and she has come up with a fantastic list of ways we can take care of ourselves during the holidays…

 

There is more to self-care than allowing ourselves a treat every now and then. It is about maintaining daily habits that of protect and promote our own happiness, health and well-being – particularly during stressful and busy times.

 

At a time the winter nights draw in and we recover from the trauma of the Covid-19 pandemic, it has never been more important to look after ourselves by practicing self-care.

 

As parents, carers and teachers, we are continually giving of ourselves to take care of our children’s needs – and our roles are challenging and multi-faceted. I am sure you have heard the saying, ‘you can’t pour from an empty cup’ – this is certainly very true!

 

It’s important to take time to think about your current self-care practices and consider where improvements might be made. Are you currently experiencing any of these signs, which might indicate that your self-care needs improving?

 

• Feeling more tired, irritable, stressed and/ or overwhelmed than usual
• Experiencing changes in concentration levels
• Eating and drinking more or less than usual
• Changes in your usual social interactions
• Sleeping less than or more than usual

 

Self-care practices can easily be incorporated into our daily routines. Even comprise of 2–5-minute activities can be invaluable if you are short of time. These could include:

 

• Sensory activities such as breathing in fresh air or cuddling your pet
• A hobby that gives you pleasure, like knitting or baking.
• You might prefer more spiritual activities such as reading inspiring quotes or lighting a candle.
• Physical activities might include stretching, yoga, dancing and even napping.
• Connecting with others and arranging a chat with a friend might be great too.

 

Self-care can include acts of giving to others; my passion as a wellbeing writer was borne from the limited ways in which I could practice self-care during the first lockdown. However, I should note that if the act of giving becomes part of your stress and pressure, then it is no longer in the service of your own wellbeing.

 

This Christmas, more than any other, will be a time to celebrate and get together with our loved ones. Here are some self-care practices for you and your family to try this festive season. If you do make a New Year’s Resolution next year – I invite you to consider prioritising your self-care!

 

• Wrap up and go for a crisp winter walk in the fresh air as a family to blow the cobwebs away
• Plan a Christmas Movie Night with pyjamas and treats to share
  Practice giving gratitude for 5 minutes each day as part of your daily routine
• Light some candles and enjoy the warm glow in the evenings
• Look for some mindful, breathing exercises that you could do together while listening to some peaceful Christmas music
• Go to the library together and choose some festive books and stories to read during the holidays
• Find some new podcasts to enjoy whilst you do your household chores
• Try something new – maybe a new recipe or Christmas craft activity.
• Take it in turns to plan your favourite meal once a week.
• Create a home spa with face packs and nail painting – and give each other massages and foot-rubs
• Do some yoga and stretches together – Cosmic Kids yoga have some very engaging free online sessions suitable for younger children
• Download and play the Self-Care Bingo game from Storytime issue 88 and see if you can tick all the boxes on your table this season!

 

Remember, practicing good self-care will have a positive effect on your children. They can learn how important it is to take action to care about and look after themselves in positive ways too. In ‘My Mind Matters!’ this month, we have introduced the topic of self-care to your children and linked it with the festive period as well.

 

We will be looking into this topic in more detail in the future, as it is important all year round! Starting anything new takes conscious effort as well as a bit of discipline and practice – but it is totally worth it!

 

I hope you have enjoyed reading our ‘Christmas Self-Care Crackers’! Wishing you all a Merry and relaxing Christmas and a New Year full of joy and stories to share!

 

Jessica is a mother of 3 children, a wellbeing writer, and a counsellor and psychotherapist. Prior to this, she worked with children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties for over ten years.

She has written a series of wellbeing-themed children’s picture books, aimed at 4-7-year-olds. The first is titled Fantastic Fin Faces his Fears – it is available on Amazon.

Jessica is now delivering her ‘Get Active with Emotions’ workshop in schools, and gives talks about the books she has authored. Visit her website for more information: www.jessicabowers.co.uk

Email: enquiries@jessicabowers.co.uk.

Facebook and Instagram: @jessicabowerswellbeingwriter

Twitter: @bowerswellbeing.