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12 Ways to Care Well for Your Soul During the Holiday Season

The holiday season is a wonderful time to focus on restoration and soul care, especially as a leader. Here are 12 practical ways to care well for your soul this season.

9
min Read
December 10, 2024

The holiday season, often marked by joy, celebration, and togetherness, can also bring stress, busyness, and emotional strain. Caring for your soul during this time requires intentionality, as letting the rush of activities overshadow your well-being is easy. Cultivate Leadership Institute (CLI) knows the time we spend caring well for ourselves leads to us caring well for others. Here are 12 practical strategies to nurture your soul, maintain balance, and cultivate peace throughout the holidays. To maximize your soul care, choose one practice that resonates with you and focus on it this holiday season.

1. Create Space for Reflection

The holidays can feel like a whirlwind of events, shopping, and commitments. Amid the busyness, set aside intentional time to pause and reflect. Reflection allows you to connect with your inner self, align your actions with your values, and appreciate the deeper meaning of the season. 

One reflection tool you can utilize is journaling. Journaling helps you process emotions and stay grounded by writing your thoughts, gratitudes, and prayers daily. Another reflection tool you can use this holiday season is the practice of silence. This practice refreshes your spirit by spending a few moments daily in quiet contemplation, which can be done through prayer, meditation, or sitting in nature.

2. Set Healthy Boundaries

The holidays often bring an influx of demands on your time and energy, from parties and gatherings to shopping and hosting. Protect your soul by setting clear boundaries that allow you to participate in the season without overcommitting.

We have more resources on boundary setting (Training for Leaders: 5 Obstacles To Overcome When Setting Healthy Boundaries to Improve Workplace Trust, Christian Leadership Training: 4 Guided Steps to Begin Setting Healthy Boundaries). However, two practical strategies to help with boundaries are learning to say “no” and limiting screen time. Recognize that declining some invitations or responsibilities can be an act of self-care and help you prioritize what truly matters to you and your loved ones. Some commitments and distractions can rob you of meaningful moments with friends and family. Designate specific times to check emails, social media, or shop online, ensuring you stay present with those around you.

3. Focus on Spiritual Practices

For many, the holidays are rooted in spiritual significance. Deepen your connection to your faith by incorporating meaningful practices into your daily routine. One practice to focus on is Advent readings or devotionals. Many devotionals focus on the themes of hope, love, joy, and peace, which can help us reflect on the meaning of Christmas. Another practice is to attend a worship service at a local church. Participating in communal worship can be a source of relational connection, encouragement, and renewal.

4. Practice Gratitude

Gratitude shifts your focus from what you lack to the abundance you already have. It’s a simple but profound way to nurture your soul. One simple way to practice gratitude is to write down three things a day you are grateful for and be specific. As you make your list, think of a conversation, a moment of laughter, or even the smell of your morning coffee to write down. Another way to go beyond the list is to express gratitude to someone. For example, tell loved ones how much you appreciate them. A heartfelt note or a sincere word can strengthen your relationships and brighten someone else’s day.

5. Manage Stress Wisely

Stress can be unavoidable during the holidays, but how you handle it significantly impacts your soul's well-being. When stress arises, practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing. Set aside time to find a safe place and take a few moments to breathe deeply, relax your shoulders, and release tension. Adjust your mindset about your intentions for the season, and remember perfection is not the goal. Focus on meaningful moments rather than striving for an ideal holiday. Lastly, seek support from your loved ones or a professional. Contact friends, family, or a counselor for support if the holidays trigger complex emotions.

6. Maintain Physical Well-being

Caring for your body is integral to caring for your soul. A healthy lifestyle supports your emotional and spiritual health, even during the holiday season. Three helpful practices when caring for your physical health include mindful eating, exercising, and prioritizing sleep. Regarding eating, be mindful about staying hydrated and balancing your nutritious meals; overeating or consuming too much sugar can affect your mood and energy. As for exercise, rest and move your body in some capacity because exercise reduces stress and boosts your mood. Lastly, prioritize your sleep by staying consistent with your nighttime routine. A well-rested body contributes to a clear mind and calm spirit.

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7. Foster Meaningful Connections

The holidays are a time for togetherness, but not all interactions nurture the soul. Be intentional about building relationships that uplift and encourage you. Being present with people often matters more than gifts, so share meals, engage in deep conversations, and create new memories. Find time to serve your community, whether at a shelter, donating gifts, or writing letters to those in need; giving reflects the heart of the season and brings you joy and perspective. 

8. Embrace Joy and Fun

It is common to overlook the importance of joy in nurturing your soul. The holidays are a time to celebrate, and laughter truly is good medicine, so engage in favorite traditions, try something new, and laugh often. Whether it’s baking cookies, decorating the tree, or watching a beloved holiday movie, engage in activities that bring you happiness. Prioritize spending time with people who make you laugh, and let yourself enjoy the lighthearted moments.

9. Practice Forgiveness and Letting Go

The holiday season can highlight past hurts or unresolved issues. Letting go of bitterness and extending forgiveness frees your soul from carrying unnecessary burdens. Start with forgiving yourself because loving yourself will allow you to love others well. Reflect on any lingering resentments and choose to release them. If there is tension in any relationship, take time to extend forgiveness and have honest conversations that can bring peace to the situation. Lastly, let go of unrealistic expectations; this will allow you to embrace the season's imperfections and unpredictability.

10. Anchor Yourself in the Present

Amid the rush to prepare for what’s next, it’s easy to lose sight of the beauty in the moment. However, grounding yourself in the present helps you savor the season. One common grounding exercise is to focus on your five senses. Pay attention to the holidays' sights, sounds, smells, and tastes, such as the warmth of a fire or the melody of a carol to remind you of life’s simple pleasures. Practice being where your feet are and listening to the Holy Spirit guide you in each moment.

11. Find Joy in Small Acts of Kindness

Simple acts of kindness can renew your spirit and spread holiday cheer. These acts can be as simple as complimenting a stranger to brighten their day. Or you can practice paying it forward through buying the coffee for the person in line behind you at the store. As we take the time to engage in small acts of kindness, we will notice our souls recharge from the day's heaviness.

12. Honor Grief and Loss

For many, the holidays can be a poignant reminder of loved ones who are no longer present. Acknowledging grief and finding ways to honor memories can be healing. It can be helpful to create a meaningful moment of tribute to signify the presence of a lost loved one by lighting a candle or preparing a dish in memory of them. Also, it is important to allow yourself space to feel your emotions. Grief doesn’t have a timeline, so give yourself permission to feel sadness and joy simultaneously.

Experience Restoration this Holiday Season

During the holiday season, we must intentionally care for our souls. This care requires us to be self-aware of our needs and prioritize what truly matters. By fostering meaningful connections, practicing gratitude, setting boundaries, and embracing the spiritual aspects of the season, you can create a holiday experience that nurtures your inner self. Remember, the holidays aren’t about doing more—they’re about being more present, joyful, and at peace.

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