The Importance of Making Time for Yourself in the Run Up to Christmas

The run up to Christmas always starts the same, doesn’t it?

You promise yourself you will stay organised this year and then suddenly it’s mid December, your to do list has its own to do list and you have not sat down properly since November.

I see it all the time, busy mums, working women, carers, grandmas, everyone juggling everyone else and quietly putting themselves at the very bottom of the pile.

But here is the thing…

If you run out of energy, everything else runs out with you and December is definitely not the month for burnout.

Sound familiar?

Between the food shopping, gift buying, work deadlines, school events, family arrangements and keeping the house running, it is no wonder so many women arrive at Christmas absolutely exhausted.

Here is something important we forget every year - You are not meant to just survive December. You are meant to enjoy it.

Why Self Care Isn’t Selfish

This time of year, most women naturally put everyone else first, children, partners, family, friends, work… you become the behind the scenes magician making Christmas happen.

When you are constantly giving, with no time to refill your own cup, you don’t just feel tired, you feel overwhelmed, snappy, emotional and drained.

Taking time for yourself doesn’t take away from anyone else, it actually makes you a calmer, more present, more patient version of you.

And that is a gift in itself.

How Stress Shows Up in Your Body

Stress doesn’t only live in your head, your body feels it too.

In December especially, I see so many affected by:

• Tension in shoulders and neck

• Headaches

• Broken sleep

• Dry, dull winter skin

• Weak, peeling or brittle nails

• General exhaustion and burnout

Your body needs moments of calm to reset and recover, just like your mind.

Making Time Without the Guilt

I know what you are thinking…

“I’d love to, but I don’t have time.”

Self care doesn’t mean disappearing for hours. It can be simple, realistic and fit into everyday life:

• A 15 - 20 minute walk in fresh winter air

• An early night with a hot water bottle and a good book

• A proper skincare routine instead of a rushed one

• Sitting with a cuppa and no phone for 10 peaceful minutes

• Booking a treatment you have been putting off

Even small pockets of calm make a big difference.

Because You Matter Too

Christmas should feel warm, cosy and special… not rushed and stressful. That starts with how you treat yourself.

You deserve:

• Rest

• Calm

• Time to breathe

• Feeling good in your own skin

Not because you have earned it but because you are human.

So as you plan everything for everyone else this Christmas, don’t forget to plan a little care time for you too.

A calmer you makes a happier Christmas.