’Tis the season for joy, not burnout. This December, give yourself permission to embrace soft girl energy. That means saying “no” without guilt, skipping events that drain you, and prioritizing what truly fills your cup.
Light your candles, sip your tea, and let Mariah play while you rest your mind and body. Remember, sis: peace is not lazy, it’s necessary. Protecting your peace is your biggest holiday flex.
Here are some science backed self-care tips to help your soft-girl energy glow:
- Get regular exercise. Just 30 minutes of walking every day can boost your mood and improve your health. Small amounts of exercise add up, so don’t be discouraged if you can’t do 30 minutes at one time.
- Eat healthy, regular meals and stay hydrated. A balanced diet and plenty of water can improve your energy and focus throughout the day. Pay attention to your intake of caffeine and alcohol and how they affect your mood and well-being—for some, decreasing caffeine and alcohol consumption can be helpful.
- Make sleep a priority. Stick to a schedule, and make sure you’re getting enough sleep. Blue light from devices and screens can make it harder to fall asleep, so reduce blue light exposure from your phone or computer before bedtime.
- Try a relaxing activity. Explore relaxation or wellness programs or apps, which incorporate meditation, muscle relaxation, or breathing exercises. Schedule regular times for these and other healthy activities you enjoy, like listening to music, reading, spending time in nature, and engaging in low-stress hobbies.
- Set goals and priorities. Decide what must get done now and what can wait. Learn to say “no” to new tasks if you start to feel like you’re taking on too much. Try to appreciate what you have accomplished at the end of the day.
- Practice gratitude. Remind yourself daily of things you are grateful for. Be specific. Write them down or replay them in your mind.
- Focus on the upside. Recognize and challenge your negative and unhelpful thoughts.
- Stay connected. Reach out to friends or family members who can offer emotional support and practical help.
Editorial Note: Glow Girls are transparent, so we thought we’d let you know, AI assisted with the creation of this post. Self-care tips provided by the National Institute of Mental Health.
