Hi everyone! My name is Diana Garcia and I’m a Licensed Mental Health Counselor in Florida and founder of a private practice called Nurturing Minds Counseling.

I’ve been doing 12 tips for the holiday season. These tips are designed to be inclusive, meaning they can be applied regardless of whether you celebrate, what you celebrate, or if you don’t celebrate at all. So far in the Holiday Self-Care Series, I’ve covered the following:

  1. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 1: A quick way to practice some mindfulness skills by practicing a three-minute breathing exercise.
  2. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 2: All about listing your triggers during the holiday season.
  3. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 3: Helped you notice the specific thoughts associated with your triggers. 
  4. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 4: Focused on being able to identify and label your emotions.
  5. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 5: About allowing and validating your emotional experience
  6. Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 6: Opposite Action

Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 7: Prioritizing Self-Care

Today’s tip might feel a little repetitive, but it’s the importance of self-care. Often, when we hear the term “self-care,” it can feel like just another item on our already overflowing to-do lists. I get it—I often think, “What more do I have to add to my day?” But truly, self-care is essential, especially during this bustling time of year.

Self-care sometimes feels like it’s this big and major thing…you have to go get a massage, you have to go to an expensive retreat, or a strict health regimen with green smoothies every morning. However, self-care is highly individualized, meaning what works for me may not work for you..

Watch Video: “Holiday Self-Care Series: Day 7”

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For some, self-care might be as simple as curling up on the couch to watch a light-hearted show. For others, it could mean spending quality time with friends, going for a brisk walk, or engaging in a challenging workout session. The key is to identify activities that truly recharge your spirit.

During the holiday season, it’s all too easy to neglect our self-care routines. With the added stress of holiday gatherings, gift shopping, and decorating, it can feel like there’s no time left for ourselves. Yet, maintaining our self-care is vital during these high-stress moments.

But during those moments of higher stress, it’s so crucial to continue practicing the things that keep your battery going. Even if it’s the small things that make a difference. I recommend that you identify one or two things that you can commit to doing for your own well-being to keep yourself going during this holiday season.

Whether that’s practicing three minutes of breathing, making sure the dog goes out for a longer walk because it helps you, building 20 minutes of reading your favorite book, etc.

Self-care can also include being mindful of what drains you. This might mean limiting your time on social media or being aware of the effects of alcohol consumption. Instead of cutting out these habits entirely, consider how you can reduce them to minimize their negative impact on your mood and mental health. For example, set specific times for social media use or choose to enjoy alcohol in moderation.


If there are days when you miss your self-care routine, that’s okay! Self-care isn’t about perfection; it’s about progress. You can always pick up where you left off the next day. It’s easy to forget your own needs during the holidays, but prioritizing self-care is vital for maintaining your mental sanity and overall well-being.

Check out these other resources to take care of yourself during the holiday season:

Lastly, I hope you continue nurturing your mind, body, and soul, whatever that looks like for you.