The holiday season can be a difficult and stressful time for many. That’s why it’s so important to stop and listen to your own needs, too. Join us this month as we give ourselves the best gift of all: self-care!

Throughout the month of December, the Lifeline will be sharing our best self-care tips and ideas with all of you. Be sure to share your own acts of self-care with us by using the hashtag #SeasonOfSelfCare!

Here are our ideas (for the month of December, and beyond!):

1. Take a walk outside

2. Write a love letter to yourself

3. Write about something you are grateful for in your life (it can be a person, place, or thing)

4. Create a happy playlist and a coping playlist

5. Treat yourself to a favorite snack

6. Watch your favorite movie

7. Forgive someone

8. Forgive yourself

9. Say thank you to someone who has helped you recently

10. Create a DIY self-care kit of things that make you feel better

11. Take your medication on time

12. Take a new fitness class at the gym (yoga, Zumba, etc.)

13. Plan a lunch date with someone you haven’t seen in a while

14. Pamper yourself with an at-home spa day

15. Take a day off from social media and the Internet

16. Cuddle with your pets or a friend’s pet

17. Take the time to stop, stand and stretch for 2 minutes

18. Wake up a little earlier and enjoy your a morning cup of tea or coffee before the morning rush

19. Take a hot shower or bath

20. Take yourself out to dinner

21. Start that one project you’ve been contemplating for a while

22. Sit with your emotions, and allow yourself to feel and accept them. It’s okay to laugh, cry, just feel whatever you’re feeling with no apologies!

23. Cook a favorite meal from scratch

24. Take a 5-minute break in your day

25. Compliment someone (and yourself, too!)

26. Give yourself permission to say no

27. De-clutter your mind: write down 5 things that are bothering you, and then literally throw them away

28. Donate 3 pieces of clothing that you no longer wear

29. Take the time to find 5 beautiful things during your daily routine

30. Take a mental health day from school, work, etc.

31. Take a nap

Source: http://www.suicidepreventionlifeline.org/learn/coping/season-of-self-care.aspx?utm_source=fbimage7&utm_medium=social&utm_campaign=seasonofselfcare