Self Care During Diwali
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As we approach Diwali, it is quite easy to be tied up in the preparation leading up to the festive days. This year, as Diwali falls on a Sunday, the weekend will be full of hustle and bustle for most households.
🎉 The festive days are intended for families and friends to come together and celebrate. But since the commercialism of the festive season has filtered in, it causes us much more stress than pleasure during these days. The calendar of events and parties have us rushing about and overwhelmed. Our healthy diets are tossed aside with all the sweets and savouries, our sleep patterns are often overlooked and we may have taken on the biggest challenge of hosting the family chopda pujan! Sadly, it is a recipe for burn-out for many of us 😔. However….…
😊 The good news is that we can change the way we approach the Diwali celebrations and ensure that we are taking care of ourself too, during this hectic time. And how do we do that?
By simply following my top 5 tips for self care at Diwali 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏
5 Tips For Self Care
💕 Put yourself at the top of your to do list
Remember, if you’re not your best for yourself, you won’t be at your best for others. Ensure you get your sleep, your meals and your relaxation in, first. Don’t say yes to a ton of activities, only to be miserable through them because it’s too much. It’s okay to say yes, but it’s also okay to say no.
💕 Don’t get caught in the hustle and bustle of the season
Plan ahead and designate specific time frames for the tasks that you need to complete (nasta, mithai, rangoli and diwali cards) or the functions (Laxmi pooja, annakut, family jamwanu and bhai bheej)that you will attend. This will give you time for mental preparation, allowing you to not be overwhelmed. Leave enough time between the tasks to recharge.
💕 Give up expectations
The festive season, particularly Diwali, can set us up for unrealistic expectations. Many people struggle with depression and high anxiety over the holidays. The crisis hotlines have an increase in calls. Domestic violence rises. Not everyone you meet is having a “Shubh Diwali.” Perhaps, you are one of the ones that struggle the most. Past experiences, the loss of loved ones, or financial difficulties, all seems to heighten during this time of year. One of the best ways to take care of yourself during this emotionally trying time, is to give up your expectations of the perfect family with the perfect Diwali decor while hosting the perfect parties with the perfect Diwali buffet.
Let go of false illusions and celebrate the moment!
💕 Do eveything in moderation
This is the time of the year where it is easy to over-indulge. We find it easy to neglect healthy eating. Sleeping patterns may be altered as we have more activity in our days. We can over spend on gifts for those on our lists or try and outdo others when hosting parties. Aristotle wisely stated, “all things in moderation.” Let’s not overdo it!
💕 Remember that this too shall pass!
Keeping a strong sense of self during the festive season will give you a sense of consistency and security during the ups and down of the festive season. Enjoy this time, while knowing that the stress of this season will eventually come to a close. Be kind to yourself!
