December is here and holiday season is upon us! It is the time of togetherness, love and joy. Unless you’re a grinch, you love this time of year. Spending time with family, cooking, baking and simply just catching up on each other’s lives. Christmas, being an all time favorite for many, is the ultimate time of giving. Giving to our loved ones as well as taking part in community service and giving back to the less fortunate. But…there is one problem. You are so busy giving to others, that you forget to give back to yourself. After a long year of hard work and diligence, the least you can do is give yourself a little something.
Happiness
The gift of happiness is an extremely valuable gift. Not only happiness, but being genuinely happy with yourself and where you are in life. Whether you are exactly where you want to be in life or not even close, happiness is key. Staying true to who you are is a very important step on the road to happiness. Do what makes you happy regardless of what other people have to say about your decisions. Go for that new career, dye your hair, go to the gym. Remove toxic people from your life and surround yourself with those who love and support you. Keeping negative people around you can create a negative energy which is never beneficial to anyone. Especially for those who have goals, aspirations and something going for themselves.
Self Love
In order to be truly happy, you have to love yourself. The “self love” movement has been very prominent lately and it is a necessity. It is also very important not to get caught up in social media. Comparing yourself and where you are in life to what you see on social media will really take detrimental shots at your self esteem. You may start to think, “why am I still stuck here?” and “I should be doing way more at my age if she can.” Timing is everything. In due time you will get all that you deserve. Relationships is also something that everyone wants this time of year. Having a feeling a loneliness around the holiday season is a feeling nobody wants. However, the key is being happy with yourself and your own company.
Relaxation
After plenty months of hard work relaxation is definitely a well needed gift to yourself. Us college women know how hard and stressful the months August through December can be. The gift of relaxation is also a gift to your mental health. Being able to just sit down, relax and not be stressed about the plethora of things you are involved in is very beneficial. It is important not to overload yourself. Sometimes it can feel like you are not doing enough, but when you sit back and reflect on all of the things you have accomplished this year, you’ll come to the realization that you are doing more than enough.
Money
Learning how to manage your money is a gift that lasts a lifetime. Starting at a young age, this habit is extremely beneficial. Invest in yourself. Start a savings account if you don’t already have one and teach yourself discipline by saving a certain percentage a month. Rainy days will come, and you will be glad you did. Although saving money is very important, it is sometimes necessary to splurge on yourself every once in a blue moon. Getting your nails done, or having a spa day are great ways to take this time of relaxation to give yourself some love and happiness.
It is very important that you take a break from thinking about others all of the time, and focus on yourself for a while. I hope you take advantage of these gifts and give them to yourself this holiday season. You deserve it.