Taking care of yourself during the holidays as a single parent or co-parent can be difficult.  The pressure to ‘do it all’ and provide your children with the perfect holiday season can be intense.  But setting holiday intentions can help you survive the holiday season. 

1.      Just as you would schedule your child’s Christmas concert, doctor appointment, you should schedule self-care time.  Block out a time, even if it’s 15 minutes, where you do something for you.  

2.      We all know that sweets and other snacks in the lunchroom can seem endless this time of year, and it’s okay to enjoy some.  Be mindful of food choices and try to make the most supportive decisions. 

3.      Setting real expectations of what you can do for the holidays avoids pressures of trying to make the moments perfect.  When the kids tear open all the presents on Christmas morning, it will be okay to leave it a mess for a while and soak in the experience.  

4.      Although you might seem like you are running around nonstop for the holidays, taking an intentional brisk walk can help uplift your mood.  

Incorporating some self-care practices into your routine can make the most of your holidays while taking care of your own health and happiness.

Written by: Tami Boye, Mediator and Board Member