{via etsy by Denise}

Every Monday features a tip, activity, inspiring quote or some other tidbit that helps boost your body image, whether directly or indirectly — and hopefully kick-starts the week on a positive note!

Got a tip for improving body image? Email me at mtartakovsky at gmail dot com, and I’ll be happy to feature it. I’d love to hear from you!

This summer we talked about giving ourselves permission to enjoy our bodies and know that we’re enough. I think this is an especially relevant conversation for the holidays.

During this time, we can get caught up in what other people want and need — while depriving ourselves of the bare essentials and the activities and habits that makes us feel nourished and satisfied.

We tend to abandon self-care in hopes of checking off one more thing from our expanding to-do lists.

That’s why, before the holidays arrive, it’s so important to think through your needs, wants and wishes — and to remind yourself to honor them.

Here are some ways you might give yourself permission this holiday season:

• I give myself permission to spend some alone time.
• I give myself permission to decline invitations that leave me feeling stressed or over-scheduled.
• I give myself permission to slow down and shrink my to-do list.
• I give myself permission to prepare fewer foods if it means I’m less stressed.
• I give myself permission to maintain my boundaries with loved ones.
• I give myself permission to speak up when my boundaries have been crossed.
• I give myself permission to make time to move my body.
• I give myself permission to focus on one thing at a time.
• I give myself permission to eat foods I love.
• I give myself permission not to feel guilty about what I eat. But if I do, that’s OK. I’ll practice self-compassion.
• I give myself permission to set a gift budget and follow it.
• I give myself permission to sleep in.
• I give myself permission to be thankful for my body in its current, glorious shape and size.
• I give myself permission to celebrate the holidays on my own terms.

Giving yourself permission to do something that honors your needs is incredibly liberating. It might feel strange at first, but remember that your well-being is vital.

As I wrote in the other post, consider what might feed your soul, your spirit, your body and your mind. And start from there.

What will you give yourself permission for this holiday season? 

Tweet

Comments

This post currently has 1 comments.
You can read the comments or leave your own thoughts.

    Last reviewed: 26 Nov 2012