The start of the holiday season prompts us to be grateful and reflect on the meaning of celebrations, traditions, and life. Regardless of which holidays you observe, the season also comes with an abundance of tasks and expectations. Few of us have escaped unscathed from the challenges that we’ve lived over the past year. Many of us have lost loved ones, faced personal health difficulties, or struggled through relationship issues. All these hardships may be making it hard to grapple with the cheerfulness of the season.

I encourage you to treat yourself kindly and practice extra moments of self-care during this holiday season. Here are some suggestions for being mindful of your health, mindset, and social activities.

• I challenge you to continue your exercise routine, eat more vegetables, and go easy on sugary treats. Be aware of your efforts to stay healthy and reward yourself accordingly. 
• Grow your gratitude mindset as research shows it can benefit our mental and emotional wellbeing as well as enhance our self-esteem and relationships. Incorporate a daily gratitude ritual at the start or end of your day. It could be as simple as reflecting on what you are grateful for as you sip your morning coffee or winding down your day by writing down something you are grateful for before going to bed.
• Lastly, continue to take precautions as you enjoy a balanced dose of social activities. If you are grieving, give yourself grace and acknowledge your feelings. There is no right or wrong way to feel!

Enjoy the season, and may your thoughtful self-care habits continue into the new year!