Prioritising Self-Care in the Silly Season

The festive season, with its joyous celebrations and gatherings, can be both exhilarating and exhausting. Amidst the hustle and bustle, it's easy to overlook the importance of self-care. In this article, we'll explore how you can enjoy yourself and all the joy the festive season can bring – without having to compromise too much on your self-care during this lively season. Prioritising self-care is not just a luxury; it's a necessity. Begin your self-care journey by acknowledging your needs and committing to practices that nurture your mind, body, and soul.

Managing Festive Season Stress

The festive season often brings a unique set of stressors. From gift shopping to social obligations, the pressure can be overwhelming. It's crucial to recognise these stressors and understand their impact on your well-being.

Moving your body daily is a great way to shift energy and decrease your stress-levels, sending happy endorphins running around your body. Not to mention, it can be a great way to escape the chaos of family gatherings and find some peace. Try integrating a quick morning meditation, to set your mind up right from the beginning of the day. Let our Relaxation Meditation be your favourite 20-mins of the day.

Take Time to Stretch

Over the festive season, our regular schedule can get thrown to the wind and we can often find ourselves collapsing in bed without having made it to our regular workout routines. Stretching can be a great way to keep your body feeling great, even if you can’t find the time to commit to a full 45-min workout - a few minutes, morning and night, will work wonders over this time. Why not try out our Hamstring Love stretch sequence, which is perfect after a long-flight, or car trip, or too much sitting around enjoying the good life!

Drink Plenty of Water

We know, it’s the simplest of all our tips – but the one we often forget! When you’re rushing from errand to errand, or busy entertaining, it can be too easy to get to the end of the day feeling dehydrated from the inside-out. Keep a glass by your desk, a bottle in your car, or one with you for wherever you go. That way, you can take small drinks throughout the day, helping all of your body work better for you.

Create Your Own Personalised Self-Care Routine

What self-care looks like, is different for us all. Every individual is unique, and so should be your self-care routine. For some of us, self-care might look like lounging by the pool with a great book to read. For others, we long for hot summer days sweating it out on a challenging hike. Take some time at the beginning of this festive season to check in with yourself, and think about what self-care practices suit your preferences and address your specific needs. Now, ask yourself how you’ll implement these as non-negotiables – no matter who’s trying to take control of your schedule.

Move, Move, Move.

Whether you plan to continue joining us in the studio for your regular Pilates, yoga and barre routines, or you’re heading away, be sure to move your body every day. Enjoy some beach walks, or playing backyard cricket. Swim in the ocean, or stand-up paddle board down the river. However you love to move your body, be sure to do it!

Not only is physical movement great for your stress levels over the festive season, it keeps new oxygen circulating through your body, giving you energy to keep on celebrating life!

Want to continue working out with us, but can’t make it into the studio? Start your free 10-day trial to our online Pilates, barre and yoga classes program – TBM OnDemand.

Finding Balance in Festive Indulgences

Indulging in festive treats is inevitable, but finding a balance is key. Learn how to enjoy the season's delights without compromising your well-being. Try this – if you feel like you’ve overindulged a little at one meal or gathering, make sure to choose a nourishing, delicious option at your next meal. Something full of fibre and greens is always a good start. Instead of beating yourself up mentally, feeling guilty for what you’ve consumed, simply ask yourself what the healthiest version of you would choose, and do that next. It’s okay to enjoy foods and drinks that you normally wouldn't, but don’t let a few cheeky meals determine what or how you’ll eat all month long.

Balancing Social Commitments and Personal Time

Finding a balance between social engagements and personal time is essential. Discover strategies to honour your commitments while carving out moments for self-reflection and relaxation. Take out your calendar, and schedule in some time now, before every minute is scheduled with other people’s plans. When plans pop up, you can then assess which option is best for your well-being – going to a social gathering and catching up with loved ones, or spending some time recharging in whatever way feels best to you.

Embrace the New Year with a Renewed You

As the festive season concludes, reflect on your self-care journey and embrace the new year with a renewed sense of purpose and vitality. Take some time to reflect on all you’ve achieved throughout the year – we suggest even writing a list of achievements, big or small, to help you celebrate YOU! With many people choosing to set new year's resolutions, this might feel good to you at this time too. But don’t feel you have to set big audacious goals – we love to simply commit to one thing we want to see happen for ourselves in the upcoming year and write that in our diary to remind ourselves of where we’re heading.

In the midst of holiday chaos, prioritising self-care is not selfish; it's a gift to yourself and those around you. By incorporating practices like stretching and meditation, or moving your body with an online Pilates, yoga, or barre class, you can elevate your festive experience and carry the benefits into the new year. Integrate self-care into your existing routine, and celebrate small victories to stay motivated. Remember, while consistency is key to reaping the benefits of movement and self-care, it’s also okay if things are a little slower, or more sporadic over the silly season. Be kind to yourself as you explore practical solutions to stay committed to your well-being journey.