10 Self-Care Tips for Your Winter Break

It’s almost time for a much needed and very well deserved winter break. I really hope self-care will make your “to-do” list in the midst of everything you may have going on during your time away from school. Burnout is real, and taking care of yourself is so vital for your well-being.

I understand that people view the concept of self-care differently. Some look at it as being selfish or even lazy. Others may only see self-care as trips to the spa or other expensive activities. This could lead to some people feeling that self-care is out of reach for them financially.

Self-care isn’t a luxury but a necessity. Taking care of yourself is important for your well being and helps you to be more productive. For some, that may mean a trip to the spa. For others, it can be as simple as unpluging the technology and binge watching a series they’ve been wanting to see. Self-care is about doing that thing that rejuvenates you and makes you feel like you can continue on with adulting.

You work tirelessly everyday doing the work to take care of others. In case you don’t already know it, you deserve to take care of youself. AND, taking care of you makes you better equipped to take care of your students and even those peers who reach out to you as well.

Let’s look at some ways you can focus on self-care during your upcoming winter break.

10 Self-Care Tips

Enjoy A Hobby: When you engage in your favorite hobbies, they can help you unwind from work related stress and bring you joy and a sense of accomplishment. I love creating my Happy Planner layouts each week. Give me some stickers and a fresh week to plan, and I’m a happy camper. For me, it is calming and allows me to be creative. If you don’t have a hobby to reconnect with, you could start a new one. The key here is finding what brings you joy and taking some time for yourself doing that thing whether it’s cooking, painting, or crocheting.

Read for Pleasure: Reading for enjoyment allows you to escape from your daily routine. It can help reduce stress and can increase relaxation. Pick up a book you’ve been wanting to read for enjoyment, preferably one that has nothing to do with being a school counselor. (Unless you just really want to! No judgement! 😁) I have several friends who absolutely love diving into a good book. Grab a blanket and a snack and lose yourself in a good story.

Unplug: Allow your mind to rest and rejuvenate by disconnecting from your school email account. When you unplug, you set boundaries and prevent burnout. This will give you the mental capcity to recharge while you are on your break. Make the effort to take a break from any work-related communication. Give yourself permission to disconnect entirely so you can focus on your family and truly enjoy your time off. Believe me, it is going to be right there waiting on you in January!

Pamper Yourself: Pampering yourself can come in various forms and doesn’t always have to be expensive. You can choose to treat yourself to a spa day at home or you can book a massage. You don’t have to leave home to take a relaxing bath or refresh your skin with a face mask. You can give yourself a manicure and/or pedicure. Self-care practices like spa treatments or massages can reduce stress and promote relaxation. Taking the time to care for yourself physically can have a positive impact on your mental well-being.

Outdoor Activities: If you are someone who loves the outdoors, spend some time doing outdoor activities like walking, hiking, or bike riding. You may want to sit outside and just take in the fresh air. Spending time in nature can help reinvigorate you and reduce your stress levels. Take the time to enjoy some fresh air along with some physical activity.

Spend Time With Family: Your winter break is a great time to catch up with friends and family. Connecting socially can provide you with comfort and relaxation. When you spend time with the people you are closest to, it can reduce feelings of stress or isolation. This can be especially important for those of you who live alone or far away from your family.

Cook and Try New Recipes: Enjoying some great food is a must during your winter break. While it is important to eat mindfully, you definitely want to enjoy some of those meals and treats you’ve been waiting all year to feast on. You can experiment in the kitchen with new recipes or prepare your go-to holiday favorites. Cooking can be therapeutic AND delicious!

Get Some Excercise and Move: The break will allow you more time to workout and get moving. Engage in physical activities you enjoy. I love doing water aerobics and using machines at the gym. I always feel accomplished afterward. Whether you enjoy going for a run, Zumba, or lifting weights, excersing can help boost your mood and will definitely increase your energy levels.

Sleep and Rest: This may be one of my favorites self-care options! LOL! I love a good nap, and I absolutely love to sleep in. Make sleep and rest a priority. Allow yourself to sleep in some days, take naps, and create a healthy sleep routine. Sometimes the hectic nature of the school year can affect your sleep patterns. Use the break to get that much needed rest you may have been missing.

Set Boundaries: If you are anything like me, there are still some things you’ll want/need to do in order to prepare for your return to work in January. It is still important to reflect on the previous semester and to plan ahead. Be sure to establish clear boundaries between work and your personal time. Use this break to reinforce habits that prioritize your well-being when you return to work. When your habits allow for a more balanced life, your overall well-being will positively improve.

It’s not only important to practice self-care during your winter break. It’s also important to practice self-care regularly even if it’s a small period of time you give yourself each day when you return home from work. When you make your mental health a priority you will be able to bring your A-game to your students and staff each week. You’ll be a model of the importance of self-care and hopefully others will see how important it is and follow your lead.

Stick around! You can follow Savvy School Counselor with free email updates. You can also follow my TpT Store to keep up with my latest products and freebies. Additionally, I do giveaways through My Facebook Page with my new products. Be sure to like Savvy School Counselor on Facebook and click to receive notifications so you don’t miss them!

Follow @svyschcounselor