7 Ways Working Moms Can Honor Themselves with Self-Care in December

The weather outside may be frightful, depending on your location. Your schedule may also be a disaster area when it comes to the work and the home-front, given the multitude of events, parties, fetes, holiday plays, deadlines, and other things that consume our time. Being a working mom is a difficult task on the easiest of days, but during the month of December, it can feel like your jobs are never done.

Which is why this post is important. Bookmark it, share it, refer to it often, because I am about to help you pour back into yourself. I am sharing 7 Ways Working Moms Can Honor Themselves with Self Care in December, and I want to make sure to do at least 4 things on this list this month.

You may hear a lot about self-care as a buzzword lately, but in my opinion, it isn’t a want or an amenity—it is a need. In order for us to run on all cylinders and the best we can be for others, we have to be the best we can be to ourselves.

Let’s begin…

Quiet Time

Designate quite time or solitude during each day, and make it a habit. Perhaps it is in the wee hours of the morning before everyone wakes up, or later in the evening when the littles are in bed and you are winding down. Create a ritual for this moment—light a candle, use essential oils, curl up with a good book, listen to some mellow tunes.

Make it something that you look forward to doing everyday and make it about you. Focus on your needs, desires, thoughts, and dreams. Break out your journal if you can. Carve out at least 15 minutes each day that are all about you, uninterrupted and preferably, alone. Your mind, body, and soul will thank you.

Choose 3

In order for you to be productive and as less stressed as possible, select a maximum of three events per week in December, and do not exceed that amount. This may mean saying no or declining invites, but self-preservation is key, and you have to keep your schedule as light as you can.

Do not feel guilty for saying no.

Do 1 Thing That Makes You Happy

During the month of December, do at least one thing for yourself that makes you smile. Perhaps that is taking yourself out to your favorite restaurant, or going to a fitness class. Whatever that looks like for you, do it. Plan it, put it on your schedule, and make it a priority.

Talk to Someone

We are all bogged down with a lot. Take some time this month to talk to someone to let out some of your thoughts and feelings. This could be a trusted spouse, friend or relative, or even a colleague or mentor. You can also use resources like TalkSpace that over sessions virtually. Select someone who isn’t judgmental and is a good listener. The end goal isn’t to have a resolution, but to get things off of your chest that’s been holding you down.

Write Yourself a Letter

We can easily point out our flaws and inadequacies, but how about focusing on your wonderfulness and your wins? Sit down and write a letter to yourself and share how proud of the woman you have become. Give yourself some much needed attention and thank yourself for making certain decisions and reaching certain goals. Carry this letter around with you and refer to in it whenever you need some motivation or words of encouragement.

Something New

You’ve been talking about floating or trying a new sculpture class all year. Now, it is finally time to do it. Select an activity that you’ve been wanting to try all year and do it. Book it, reserve it, sign up for it—whatever it is you need to do. You may find out that it is something you want to put into a rotation.

Forgive

If you’ve been having a difficult time with someone—a friend, relative, significant other, or even yourself, it is time to move on. Forgive, work through it, and take the step forward. Whatever is eating you up inside isn’t going to get better unless you do this one thing, and that is to forgive.

You don’t want to go into the new year with old baggage and unnecessary weight. Unload the chains that bind thee, and free yourself.

Self-care isn’t just about spas or pedicures—it is about doing the work for the mind, body, and soul and nurturing these important parts of yourself. The holiday season and the holiday hustle can be a little rough on us all. My list for how you can honor yourself with self-care in December can assist you in making sure your shine never gets dull.

Seasons greetings!