#i need a nap and ill do alt ids after that. i apologize. i am sick as hell

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Happy Valentine's day! This year is some light puns instead of anything deep. Hope you all enjoy :]

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6 Self-Care Ideas for Dog Moms During the Holidays

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Welcome to the 12 Days of Dogmas here at The Everyday Dog Mom! This is Day 11, and in this series I’m bringing you lots of great recipes, DIYs, last minute gift and decorating ideas, and so much more! I hope you’re as excited as I am!

Also, don’t forget to enter to win one of 12 Benebone ZAGGLERS for your dog! I’m giving away one a day through the 12th, and they make really awesome gifts for your dog!

Some may say that it’s the “most wonderful time of the year”, but the holidays can definitely be a stressful time.

No matter how busy you are, though, as you shop, decorate, travel, and entertain, it’s important to take time for self-care. Taking care of yourself gives you more energy and focus for the important things during the holidays and all year through.

Check out these simple tips for giving yourself some much needed “me time” and then get ready for your best holiday season yet!

6 Self-Care Ideas for Dog Moms During the Holidays

1. Be intentional

No matter how much stuff you have going on during the holiday season, it’s important to be intentional. 

Consider how much time and energy you actually have before you start planning all those holiday parties and get-togethers. Is it really necessary to get together with your third cousin twice removed during the most hectic time of the year, or would a nice dinner sometime in April be more fitting?

Be thoughtful and intentional about what you commit to, considering whether or not it’s really a must-do or if it can wait.

2. Eat well

The holiday season means there will be lots of yummy treats, but it’s a good idea to make sure you’re eating well during the holidays. Be selective about what you do eat, and don’t over-indulge simply because you can. 

One healthy tip that I like to share is to eat a light, healthy snack before attending holiday parties or dinners. Also, drink a bottle of water. This will fuel your body with important stuff and keep you from over-eating at your event.

3. Take a walk

Even if it’s cold where you live, you and your dog will both benefit from a daily walk. Getting outside provides you with fresh air, and the physical activity is important for both you and your dog.

Physical activity is great for relieving stress, so when the pressures of the holiday season start to get to you, put a leash on your dog and get to walkin’!

4. Don’t skimp on rest

You’ll be busy during the holidays but unless you want to also be sick, you’d better ferociously protect your rest times.

Just this weekend, I felt like I might be coming down with something. I just felt awful. And even though we had holiday events planned with friends and at church, I put myself first. We cancelled all of our Sunday events and spent the day lounging and napping with the dogs.

It was much needed and when I woke up on Monday morning, I felt good. I’m confident that I warded off an illness just by taking a little time to slow down and let my body rest.

And guess what? No one is mad at me for taking care of myself. 

5. Be grateful

For me, the holidays are a great time to sit back and reflect on all the blessings in my life. 

Practicing gratitude is believed to ward off depression and other illnesses, as it increases dopamine and serotonin in the brain. 

However it works, all I know is that when I take time to count my blessings and be thankful for all I have, I simply feel better. I bet you will, too.

6. Apologize and forgive

Any time of year is the perfect time to let go of the burdens of guilt and unforgiveness. 

Did you know that when you forgive someone, it’s actually as good for you as it is for them? It will feel so good to simply let that sh*t go and be free of it.

And if you need to apologize to someone, now is the perfect time. Maybe they won’t forgive you (that’s their right), but you’ll feel better after letting them know that you’re sorry.

Taking care of yourself is important during every season, but it’s especially important during the holidays when we tend to stretch ourselves so thin. You can see that these self-care ideas for dog moms aren’t complicated. Don’t forget to add a little self-care to your calendar, no matter how busy you are.

How do you take care of yourself during the holidays?

I’d love for you to share your tips in a comment below, or stop by my private Facebook group for dog moms and join in the conversation there!

The post 6 Self-Care Ideas for Dog Moms During the Holidays appeared first on The Everyday Dog Mom.

Poop4U Blog via www.Poop4U.com Christina, Khareem Sudlow