Self-care is the best gift you’ll receive! 

We all need a vacation now and then… a little get away or a change of pace to refresh our mind, body and soul. The holidays can be a great time to travel – school is out, business may be  slower, wanting to spend cherished time with family both near and far… and we are no different here at Prism360Wellness. We are taking Block Therapy on the road as we travel to visit family in Charleston, South Carolina and Morganton, North Carolina. We are thrilled to be able to offer classes while we are in those areas. But we noticed while prepping for our trip, the stress levels have been kicked up a notch, and this got us thinking…

This can be an incredibly hectic time of year with the hustle and bustle of the festivities and preparations that these days bring; not to mention possible unrealistic expectations we put on ourselves to get everything done. Frankly, it can get a little overwhelming. Many experience emotional highs AND lows during this time of year. There’s a lot of pressure to get the perfect gift or make the flawless holiday feast or create a magical holiday experience for those we love. Also, the holidays can be a very lonely time of year for many. And the stress of all of this while navigating the constant rollercoaster of a pandemic about to enter its third year only adds to our anxiety. It’s no wonder that there is even a term to describe the pressure we may be feeling: Holiday (or Festive) Burnout! 

Holiday Burnout is that feeling of being overwhelmed by expectations and perceived additional demands brought on by preparing for and celebrating the holidays. It’s hard enough planning for a trip, let alone bringing ALL of your business materials (i.e. blocks) with you to accommodate friends, family and others who want to do Block Therapy! Getting ourselves AND our gifts safely to our destination can wreak havoc with our sanity. Regardless of what holiday you may celebrate, we can all agree that there is A LOT of extra activity this time of year. And it can take a toll. 

There are a few simple things you can do to combat Holiday Burnout. One of the best things you can do is to create a self-care routine (if you don’t already have one). 

• Making “To Do” lists for the next day before going to bed can help keep you on task and give you a sense of control. And take it from me, ticking off boxes can be MOST satisfying! 
• Scheduling time on your calendar – even 15 minutes a day – for a walk, meditation, or something special just for YOU, can really help to focus your mind and refresh your spirit on a daily basis. 
• Pro tip: as little as three minutes of Block Therapy in the Belly position is a perfect way to release tension and anxiety. Deep diaphragmatic breathing while on the block engages the parasympathetic nervous system which produces the “rest and digest” response, making you feel more relaxed. Blocking in bed before getting up or going to sleep is an easy way to integrate this bit of self-care into your busy schedule.
• And here’s a really tough one, it’s okay to respond “no” to the thirteenth party invitation that you’ve received. No explanation necessary… you have another obligation. And that obligation is YOU!

Integrating even one of these small things can make a big difference as you make your way through “the most wonderful time of the year”. Taking a little time to take care of yourself can be the best gift you will receive this entire holiday season.