This “Easy Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays” post is sponsored by Florida KidCare. However, the opinions and text are all mine and views expressed do not necessarily represent those of Florida KidCare.

The Holiday season is a magical time of the year but it can also be a very busy and stressful time. With all that we have going on, we tend to take care of everyone else and forget to take care of ourselves. Did you know that there are easy ways we can take care of ourselves and others? I’ll be giving these a try this holiday season and I hope you do too.

10 Easy Ways to Take Care of Yourself During the Holidays

Schedule some down time

I know this sounds weird but sometimes I have to literally schedule in some down time otherwise I won’t get any. When you see that your schedule is starting to fill up, block out some time for no plans. The great thing is that should something come up that you really want to do, you can use that time (just be sure to get some down time back on that schedule).

Set aside some alone time for yourself

I love that the Holidays means more time with family and friends but sometimes we need some alone time to gather our thoughts, rest or to simply be still. There is joy in not having to worry about doing anything, engaging in conversations or entertaining anyone.

Visit the doctor’s office and dentist office

Have you been putting off that yearly check up with the doctor and/or the dentist? Get that appointment scheduled before the end of the year. Are your children feeling a bit under the weather? Are you? Get that appointment scheduled ASAP so that you don’t spend the Holidays stressing over you or your kiddos being sick. Plus, with the sweet goodness you will be indulging in over the holidays, don’t forget to take care of your teeth with a dental check-up.

Don’t overspend

Once you figure out what you can spend on holiday gifts, events, and other holiday necessities and indulgences, stick to it. If you don’t have the budget for something, don’t spend that money. Financial debt can be a major stress trigger, especially during the holidays. Plus, who wants to start the new year off with an extra financial burden?

Eat well

While this is something I don’t think anyone who knows me would expect to hear from me, creating a balance of the healthy and unhealthy food you eat during the holiday season is important. It’s OK to indulge in your favorite holiday treats but balance that with healthier food choices.

Exercise

This is something else I normally don’t make a habit of doing although I should because it is really important. Not only is it good for your health, it can also help you forget about the stress and quite possibly help you avoid any weight gain as you enjoy those holiday treats.

Say NO

It is OK to say NO (Gasp!). I know we don’t like to say NO but sometimes you need to.  Somebody wants you to attend something you don’t want to go to, say NO. Somebody asks you to prepare or do something you don’t want to do, say NO. There is freedom in saying NO, give it a shot this holiday season.

Enjoy the moment

While you are with your family and friends, make sure you are present (not on your phone) and take it all in. Those are moments to be cherished.

Unplug

I know this is hard to do but find a way to unplug from the world. Despite what we may think, we don’t always need to be on our phones or on our computers (the word will somehow manage to function). With all that is happening in the world, I find it helpful to walk away from it for a bit.

Help others

They always say it is better to give than to receive and they are absolutely correct. Helping others is good for the soul and always puts a smile on your face.

Any other easy ways we can take care of ourselves this holiday season?

If we run ourselves down, we run the risk of getting sick, so this year I am making it a priority to take care of myself during the holiday season. I want to start off the new year feeling refreshed and ready to make it the best year ever. As a parent that also means making sure that my kiddos are healthy as well. Part of making that happen means that they need to have medical insurance (it is a necessity). There are currently 257,000 children in Florida living without health and dental insurance, BUT 147,000 of them are likely eligible for completely free or low-cost health insurance through Florida KidCare.

Florida KidCare provides health, dental, vision and other important preventive services to ensure your child is healthy and ready for holiday festivities. For more information or to apply for health and dental insurance for your child(ren), simply click here and you’ll be taken directly to the Florida KidCare website. After all, it is better to take preventive measures when it comes to your child’s health. Plus, applying is easy to do and there is no application fee.