Simple Gifts to Give Yourself This Holiday Season

[Guest guest]

http://www.specialneedsparentcoach.com/blog/2008/12/17/simple-gifts-to-give-your\

self-this-holiday-season.html

Simple Gifts to Give Yourself This Holiday Season

by Joan Celebi, Ed.M., CLC

Founder, SpecialNeedsParentCoach.com

ShareThis

With so many lists to keep track of this time of year, as busy parents

we tend to put ourselves on the back burner during the holiday season.

Today I have one more list for you: simple gifts you can give to

yourself this holiday.

Sound selfish? Not at all. Experts agree that when parents take good

care of themselves - are kind to themselves, forgiving of themselves,

and mindful of their own needs no matter how hectic life gets - their

children and families benefit in many ways.

So any gift you give yourself is also a gift to your family. Everyone

benefits from a happier, healthier you! And why stop with the

holidays? These are gifts you can give yourself year round.

A nice walk.

Either alone or with a friend, a walk outdoors can lift your spirits

and give you an instant energy boost. Even a 15-minute walk will leave

you feeling invigorated!

Music.

YOU get to pick the songs! Take a few minutes to find some music that

you love. Whether it's upbeat and peppy or relaxing and soothing,

listening to some music of your choice will put you in a great mood.

Do you play an instrument? Go ahead and take a little time to play a

favorite tune or two.

A lovely breakfast.

You'd be surprised how simple it is to add a few extra touches to your

morning meal to make it special. Juice in a pretty glass. A special

jam for your toast. A delicious piece of fresh fruit, and perhaps an

egg made your favorite way. An elegant plate, a nice placemat and

napkin, a cup and saucer for your coffee ... you get the idea. Give

yourself a few extra minutes to truly savor your special breakfast,

before your hectic day gets started.

An extra hour of sleep.

If you've been skimping on sleep for a while, you'll be amazed at the

difference just one more hour of sleep can make in your life. You'll

be more efficient and productive. You'll have more patience. You'll

feel more positive. In fact, sleep is my number one stress management

technique!

A nice water bottle.

There are lots of different styles and colors. Find one you love and

will want to carry around with you every day, so you can get into the

habit of sipping water frequently. Studies show that staying hydrated

is one of the best things you can do keep up your energy and stay healthy.

Silence.

Can you find a way to get fifteen minutes of peace and quiet? I know

-- it's a challenge! Just as the body needs rest, so does the mind.

Carve out a bit of stillness in your day or week – some down time to

do nothing in particular – just relax.

A fun book or magazine.

Has your favorite author published a new novel? Is the latest issue of

your favorite magazine out yet? A trip to the library or bookstore is

a treat in itself.

A friend.

Louis son says it all in his famous quote, " A friend is a

present you give yourself. " Call a friend you haven't talked to in a

while and catch up. Or get together for coffee. Or perhaps do some

holiday shopping together.

Time alone with your spouse or partner.

So often, the holidays go by in a blur, then it's back to the regular

family routine of school days and work weeks. Take some time out of

the holiday rush to just " be " with your special loved one. Whether

it's watching a movie at home after the kids go to bed, or a night out

on the town, what's important is the time you spend together.

Time to just enjoy your children.

No multi-tasking allowed! Drop everything and have some pure fun with

your kids. Focus entirely on the moment. Do something together that

makes you smile, laugh, and simply enjoy each other's company. Do a

puzzle, play outside, snuggle up with a bedtime story … the

possibilities are endless.

What gifts are you giving yourself this holiday season?

© 2006-2008 Joan Celebi and The Special Needs Parent Coach. All rights

reserved.