The holiday season can stretch nurses thin, leaving little room for self-care. These seven tips will help you prioritize your well-being and put yourself on the nice list this year.
1. Rest When You Can
The hustle, bustle, and go-go-go of the holiday season can be fun, but don’t forget that sleep can be a gift. Also remember that “no” is a complete sentence. If you want to nap instead of going to another holiday party, or don’t feel like making pie crust from scratch this year, you don’t have to do it all.
2. Keep a Balanced Snack Stash
While holiday goodies are well-deserved, try balancing them by adding some additional healthy fats and protein to keep you feeling satiated and focused. Pair some chocolate with a clementine, or some fudge with whole almonds, for example.
3. Check On That PTO Bank
Will you lose any PTO if you don’t use it by the end of the year? Will your PTO accrual rate increase next year? Check on how much PTO you have left, and if you have the means to use an extra day to do absolutely nothing and give your brain some much-needed rest.
4. Set Boundaries
You don’t have to answer anyone’s questions about your political views, your take on the most recent current events, or what your future plans are. What you choose to share with family, friends, and co-workers is up to you, and isn’t up for discussion.
5. Look Outside Yourself
One of the best ways to get in the holiday spirit is to help someone in need.
If you need ideas:
Visit your community’s social media pages and ask about local service
Check on your neighbors
Call the local school and ask about toy drives or outstanding student lunch debt
Check with local shelters or non-profits
6. Make Time for Connection
The holidays are perfect to set aside some time to connect with loved ones.
Try to:
Write someone a handwritten note or send them a letter
Call a family member you haven’t spoken to in a while
Grab coffee or hot chocolate with a friend to catch up
Take your family on a holiday or service-centric outing
7. Give Yourself Grace
The holidays aren’t for showing off a picture-perfect life to your inner circle. If you don’t have the perfect holiday card, dinner parties, or decorations, remember that everyone else is just doing their best, too. Give yourself grace and permission to do what you can this year, and be proud of everything you have accomplished in 2024.
What’s Your Winter Arc?
This holiday season doesn’t have to be about doing it all. It can be about doing what matters most to you. By setting boundaries, prioritizing rest, and embracing connection, you can create a season that feels fulfilling, not just busy. And when it’s time to treat yourself, Moxie Scrubs offers comfort and support that works as hard as you do, because you deserve it.
