Coping with the holidays: how we’re showing up for (and showing love to) our physical bodies during the holidays, from mirror rituals to intentional lounging.
– KEYS SOULCARE
It’s the season of feeling grateful, of showing up for others, and making meaning of every moment. However, the holidays can be a lonely and very stressful time for many people, making it difficult to balance mental health and the holidays.
Which got us thinking: a hectic world plus “everyday hustle and bustle” plus holidays equals it being much harder to remember to sit back and honor the physical bodies carrying us through it all. So we asked a few team members, “How are you showing up for yourself this holiday, no matter what?” Here’s what they’re doing.
Mental health tips for the holidays
“I’ve noticed that the change in season has made me more excited to be in the kitchen cooking yummy autumn foods. I like to put on a playlist with some of my favorite artists — anything from Bill Withers to Dolly Parton to SAULT — and have a little solo dance party while prepping veggies or stirring a stew. Taking time to literally dance like no one is watching has only amplified how important my body is and the food I put into it.” — Hannah, Digital Designer
“Foam rolling and face rolling in the mornings and nights are my go-to’s for releasing head-to-toe tension (and counteracting salt retention from all the rich holiday food!). I’m also bundling up for long walks to get in as much greenery as I can, and, on days that it’s too cold, I’m baking cinnamon-filled treats to fill my senses (and apartment) with seasonal scents.” — Ari, Account Manager
“Since we’re probably not traveling for the holidays, I’ll be lighting my Keys Soulcare candle and focusing on the many things I’m grateful for — that includes my curvy, sturdy body that has stuck by me through difficult, physical moments I didn’t think I could get through, and yet, I did.” — Margit, Editorial Director
”The holidays have a way of triggering my not-so-great “go, go, go” mode. It’s not the best version of me. This season, I’m actively leaning into lounge mode — that means in bed with a new fiction read, tinkering with spices over a pot of kitchen scrap bone broth, or on the couch watching Snowy Day for the gazillionth time. I’ve noticed that when I slow down, my senses (and cozy factor) kick into high gear.” — Tiffany, Content Director
Any tips you’d like to try? We’d love to hear what resonated or reminded you of a tactic you use for coping with the holidays.
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