Our Top 10 Holiday Self-Care Tips for 2023

1. Embrace Imperfection: Who said your Christmas tree has to look like it stepped out of a home decor magazine? If it's leaning a bit to the left and decorated with lopsided ornaments, that just means it has character! Remember, perfection is overrated.

2. Prioritize Your Needs: Amidst the chaos of decorating, cooking, and gift wrapping, don't forget about you. Sneak in a power nap, take a brisk walk around the block, or have a solo dance party in the living room. Self-care isn't selfish, it's essential!

3. Tune Into Tunes: When stress levels rise, let the soothing sound of music be your rescue. HBN Suggests Celtic Christmas playlists for connecting to your roots while melting away your worries–without hearing Mariah for the hundredth time.

4. Schedule 'Me' Time: Book an appointment with yourself. Whether it's curling up with a good book, journaling, practicing yoga, or simply sitting in silence, this is your time to recharge and rejuvenate. Here's a great book for practicing gratitude while getting a chuckle in as well. Let That Sh*t Go is a mindfulness journal that reminds you just how small (and ridiculous) the small stuff is.

5. Be Realistic: The holiday season isn't a marathon to test your stamina. It's okay to decline a few party invites or simplify your holiday meal. Remember, it's quality over quantity.

6. Breathe In, Breathe Out: When the holiday hustle gets too much, pause and take a deep breath. Practice mindfulness or meditation. It's like a mini vacation for your mind! We recommend a great new release from Jill Miller, founder of Tune Up Fitness.

7. Laugh It Off: Laughter truly is the best medicine. Watch a funny movie or share a hilarious holiday memory. A good belly laugh can cut through any level of stress. Have you seen The Old Man and the Pool by Mike Bribiglia on Netflix? It's cathartically hilarious.

8. Nourish Your Body: Resist the urge to survive solely on cookies and eggnog. Make sure you're fueling your body with nutritious meals. And don't forget the vitamins and supplements for immunity, energy, and detox.

9. Say No to News: Take a break from the constant news updates. Trust me, the world will keep spinning even if you don't check the news for a day or two. (It will probably help you avoid confrontations with family members who want to spar over divisive political issues that WILL NOT be solved at your dinner table over a little too much wine.)

10. Rest Up: Sleep is not for the weak; it's for the wise. Make sure you're getting enough shut-eye. A well-rested mind is more equipped to tackle holiday stress. Pro Tip: Grab one of these life-changing white noise machines from Amazon for travel so mom & pop don't wake you up yelling down the hall.

Remember, the holidays are about making memories and spreading joy. So, take a deep breath, put on that ugly Christmas sweater with pride, and dive into the festivities with a smile on your face. After all, stressed spelled backward is desserts!