Self-care refers to the practice of preserving, nurturing or improving one’s mental, emotional and physical health and wellbeing. It encourages us to be kind to ourselves so we can replenish our energy reserves and restore balance. 

During the holiday season especially, self-care can be particularly critical. The holidays, while a joyous time, can also be filled with stressors like social obligations, financial strain and emotional overload. These pressures can take a toll on our wellbeing, leading to increased stress and anxiety that leave us feeling overwhelmed and drained.

To help maintain your wellbeing and preserve your holiday spirit, it is essential to incorporate self-care practices into your routine.

In line with the festivities, why not attempt a ‘12 Days of Self-Care’ challenge? Here are a few ideas to help you along:


DAY #1: Me Day
Make your first day all about YOU! Indulge in some of your favourite activities that you rarely have time for. These could include reading (or finishing up) your favourite book, binge-watching your favourite TV series or even getting takeout from your favourite F&B place.


DAY #2: Health Day
Take charge of your health on the second day. To ramp up your health journey, you could try one or two of the following:  

• Make sure you drink enough water
• Do a workout, or even two 
• Have a healthful smoothie for breakfast
• Consume a salad as part of your meal
• Subscribe to personalised supplements 

DAY #3: Nap Day
When was the last time you took a nap in the middle of the day? During the holiday season, you’ll probably find yourself staying up late more for gatherings, shopping, wrapping gifts or putting up your holiday decor. Take this opportunity to have a break and get in at least 30 minutes of shut-eye. You’ll feel recharged for the rest of the day.

DAY #4: Nature Day
Fresh air and sunshine are great for boosting your energy levels and enhancing your mood. So go ahead and go for a jog or stroll and enjoy the great outdoors. Bonus points if you can stay off your devices! Taking a social media break can help you feel more focused and centred on your own life.

DAY #5: Treat Day
Schedule a luxurious act of self-love to boost your spirits. It could be something as simple as getting that cup of coffee that you’ve been craving, buying yourself flowers and/or chocolates or getting a pampering facial. Just make sure it’s something to look forward to. 

DAY #6: Solo Date Day
Time to take yourself out on a date. Go to your favourite coffee shop and enjoy a cuppa for a couple of hours; visit a museum or park or even set up a cosy ‘date at home’ with candles and your comfort food. The idea is to enjoy some solitude. 

DAY #7: Quality Time Day
Spend some quality one-on-one time with a loved one—be they a friend, family member or significant other. Have a dinner date, enjoy a luxurious massage session together or just hang out and catch up with each other. You could also do some fun Christmas-related activities together like baking cookies or singing Christmas carols.

DAY #8: LOL Day
Laughter is the best medicine, so why not dedicate a day to enjoy it? Think about what makes YOU laugh. It could be your favourite sitcom, a hilarious type of joke or even spending time with your kids or pets! Whatever makes you smile, make time for it!

DAY #9: Appreciation Day
Make a list of the blessings in your life. They don’t have to be huge—maybe it’s just enjoying a few peaceful minutes to yourself or recognising some progress you’ve made, no matter how small. Even the little wins can add up and make a big impact. By the end, you’ll feel thankful for all the good things, big and small, in your life.

DAY #10: Say NO Day
Setting boundaries is a great way to practise self-care. If someone asks for time, money or energy that you simply can’t give, it’s okay to say no. You don’t have to be there for everyone or solve all their problems!

DAY #11: Try Something New Day
Doing a new thing can be a great way to shake things up and get out of a rut. It could be enrolling in a new workout class, making a new friend or picking up a new hobby. Whatever it is, it’s all about adding a little excitement and variety to your life!

DAY #12: Self-Care Kit Day
End your 12-day challenge by making your very own self-care survival kit that you can break open in the future if things get too hectic or as a reward for surviving the holidays. Make sure to put together items that you love, such as your favourite scented candle, gift card to your favourite coffee shop, bath bomb, journal and uplifting notes from loved ones.

Self-care can look different for different people. The key is to listen to what you need in your pursuit of overall wellbeing.