Why Self-Care Looks Different After 60
Gentle Ways to Renew Your Body, Mind, and Spirit Amid Holiday Hustle
The holiday season is upon us—a time of joy, togetherness, and, let’s face it, a little bit of chaos. For those of us over 60, the energy and demands of the holidays can feel overwhelming if we don’t intentionally carve out time for ourselves. This is the perfect opportunity to redefine self-care, making it less about doing more and more about being more present. Let’s explore how to create calm in the storm and embrace relaxation that truly renews you this season.
Listening to Your Body’s New Rhythms
One of the most profound lessons we learn as we age is that our bodies speak to us—if we’re willing to listen. The hustle and bustle of the holidays can leave us feeling drained, especially if we’re not honoring the natural rhythms of our energy.
Practical Tips:
Embrace Restful Sleep: Create a bedtime ritual to wind down from the day. A Relaxation Eye Pillow, gently scented with lavender, can help ease tension and prepare your mind for a restful sleep. Place it over your eyes for a few minutes of stillness—it’s like a reset button for your nervous system.
Gentle Movement: Instead of stressing over intense workouts, try soothing exercises like chair yoga or an evening stroll or cozy ride to enjoy the holiday lights. These movements rejuvenate without depleting your energy.
“Rest is not a luxury; it’s your body’s way of recharging so you can fully enjoy this season.”
Emotional Wellness: Finding Calm Amid Chaos
The holidays often bring heightened emotions—excitement, nostalgia, and even stress. Balancing family dynamics, managing expectations, or feeling the bittersweetness of loved ones who aren’t with us can create emotional storms. Cultivating calm is key to navigating this time with grace.
Practical Tips:
Mindful Moments: Take five minutes daily to focus on your breath. Inhale deeply for a count of four, hold for four, exhale for four, and repeat. This simple practice can ground you in the present. You can also check out a book written by my friend, Jim, that shares volumes of breathing techniques and the benefits of each of them. It's fascinating. The Little Book of Breath
Relationship Tune-up: The holidays can bring stress when seeing relatives or friends we have been separated from by distance or by choice. You may find a few strategies in "Peacefully Parenting Adult Children" what includes principles that apply to everyone. Right now enjoy the special Free Book + Shipping offer.
Calming Tools: For those moments when emotions feel overwhelming, consider Grandma’s Magic Pillows. These cozy, weighted pillows have helped both children and adults find peace in difficult moments. With the current Frosty Flash Sale, it’s the perfect time to enjoy these magical resources for your family—and yourself.
“Your calm presence is the greatest gift you can offer your loved ones this season.”
Rediscovering Purpose and Joy
Relaxation isn’t just about unwinding; it’s also about tapping into what brings you joy and meaning. The holidays can be a time to reconnect with the things that light you up inside.
Practical Tips:
Journaling for Reflection: Carve out 10 minutes with a cup of tea and your favorite journal to reflect on what this season means to you. Pair it with the Blended To Inspire Journal and Card Deck Combo to spark meaningful insights and help you shift from feelings of overwhelm to feelings of gratitude.
Creative Outlets: Whether it’s baking cookies with the grandkids, quilting a holiday project, or reading poetry, these activities nurture your spirit. Consider gifting—or gifting yourself—a beautiful poetry book to slow down and savor quiet moments of inspiration.
“Joy is found in the small, meaningful moments that connect us to our truest selves.”
Creating a Home Sanctuary
During the holidays, our homes become the center of activity. But they can also be our sanctuary—a place to recharge and find solace when the world feels too loud.
Practical Tips:
Declutter and Simplify: Start small by clearing one surface in your home—a table, a shelf—and adding something calming, like a soft throw or a candle.
Add Touches of Comfort: Scent is a powerful mood booster. A few drops of lavender oil, a flickering candle, or even a cup of spiced tea can create an instant sense of peace.
Incorporate Meaningful Decor: Handmade home decor can serve as a grounding reminder of the simple beauty around you. Add a few seasonal pieces to bring warmth to your space. There are so many DIY videos and ideas to make it simple and fun.
“Your home should be a reflection of the calm and joy you wish to feel within.”
Making Time for Yourself This Season
It’s easy to get caught up in the whirlwind of holiday commitments and forget to care for yourself. But you don’t have to choose between celebrating and relaxing—you can do both. Think of relaxation as the foundation for everything else.
Holiday Helpers from Be Well And Renew
Here are a few tools to make this season a little easier from The Relax Me Store
Relaxation Eye Pillows: Perfect for calming overstimulated minds and easing into restful sleep.
Grandma’s Magic Pillows: A wonderful way to model emotional calm for the whole family (and they’re on Frosty's Flash Sale right now!).
Journal and Inspiration Card Deck Combo: A beautiful gift for yourself or a loved one, helping you stay grounded and focused on the positive.
Poetry Books: Let the power of words inspire and soothe you during quieter moments.
“This holiday season, give yourself permission to pause, reflect, and breathe. You deserve it.”
Conclusion: Embracing the Art of Relaxation
As the holidays unfold, remember that relaxation isn’t about escaping—it’s about fully arriving in the present moment. It’s about giving yourself grace, finding joy in simplicity, and cultivating peace that radiates outward to those you love.
This season, let your mantra be: “I am worthy of rest. I am worthy of joy.”
Call-to-Action
If you’re ready to make this holiday season your most peaceful yet, explore our relaxation tools and holiday specials at Be Well And Renew in the Relax Me Store. Right now there are great sales on many items that make perfect stocking stuffers or gifts. And don’t forget to grab your Grandma’s Magic Pillows during the Frosty Flash Sale!
How are you planning to create calm this season? I’d love to hear your thoughts—share them in the comments below or connect with me on social media!
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