We’re already a week into December! Where does the time go? It feels like the last few months have just flown by. I’ve been waiting for the year to be over and we’re almost there. December is always a time of reflection for me. I pull out my Self-Love Workbook and I start documenting all of the things I went through this year so that I can process them and let them go.

I’m always struck by how strong and brave I am. Really! I look at all of the crappy stuff that happened and I’m proud that I made it through. And then I get to the next part of the workbook and I see all of the ways I’ve grown and all of the things I’ve accomplished and I’m even prouder. We’re resilient, aren’t we? It’s something I want to remember going into this new year.

December Self-Care Check In

How are you showing love to yourself right now?

Can you look at the past seven days and pinpoint your self-care? Have you taken the time to meet your needs, basic and otherwise?

Let’s look at these shiny and new 24 days ahead of us, the very last days of this year. How are you going to practice self-care, how are you going to give yourself what you need and make this month full of love for yourself?

What do you need right now?

Cuddles? Love? Space? What everyone needs is different. You might need to make time to do yoga, eat healthier, get fast food so you can have a break from cooking, take a nap, go on a brisk walk – what each person needs is different and that’s okay! If you’re at a loss for ideas, check out the Winter Self-Care Challenge.

Are you handling the holidays okay?

Are your stress-levels in the green zone or are they creeping up to orange and red?
What about your mood? If you’re feeling depressed or cranky or just bummed out – what’s one thing that will help improve how you’re feeling?

Do that thing.

How is your body feeling?

Sometimes I can feel the anxiety coming and cut it off before it really starts to affect me. Pay attention to the signs that your body is giving you. Rest, relax, recuperate, and prevent yourself from getting burnt out.

What boundaries do you need to enforce?

Are you saying yes to things you don’t want to do? Are you letting someone else infringe on your time/space boundaries? Take a stand for yourself. Set boundaries. “I need ___ right now.” should be part of your daily vocabulary.

Is there anything upsetting you or bothering you?

When you put off uncomfortable emotions they have a way making themselves heard whether you want them to or not. Confront the things that are bothering you and do your best to deal with them. Communicate.

Have you taken care of your basic needs today?

Have you showered? Fed yourself? Taken your water/vitamins/meds? Moved around a little bit? Cleaned up your living space? Moved a curtain to the side so you’re getting a little bit of sun or fresh air? Are you taking the time to stop and take a breath?

What are you holding onto that you need to let of?

Guilt for not doing enough or being behind on something? Imposter syndrome. The Not-Good-Enoughs? Holiday expectations?

Let go of the baggage. Stop being so hard on yourself.

Take the time to answer these questions and adjust yourself accordingly. Do a simple daily check in and ask yourself what you need. Then do the thing.