It seems as though the holiday season starts earlier and earlier every year. Just running to the mall yesterday to pick up something, I spied Christmas decorations aplenty and heard Christmas music playing over the loud speakers. The holiday season now seems to begin with Halloween. Now more than ever, it seems as though we quickly can find ourselves starting to get overwhelmed with family activities, gatherings with friends and shopping for that perfect gift for our loved ones.

It is important to remember in all the hustle and bustle of the holiday season that we need to take care of ourselves first. I understand the desire to do for others during this time of year, but try to remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. If you do not take care of yourself, how can you possibly take care of others?

Taking good care of ourselves during this time of year can mean everything from eating right to getting enough sleep and exercising for at least 30 minutes a day to keep those endorphins firing. Taking good care of ourselves also means practicing self-care. For those who struggle with the idea of self-care, here are some ideas that you might consider:

1. Read a book or magazine for an hour.
2. Sit on the front porch wrapped in a warm blanket. Just. Sit.
3. Take a bubble bath complete with candles and calming music.
4. Pick or buy a bouquet of fresh flowers.
5. Take a leisurely walk without a destination in mind.
6. Put on a homemade face mask.
7. Give myself permission to binge watch my latest show obsession without guilt.
8. Take a nap.
9. Order in dinner.
10. Do something crafty such as painting, coloring, knitting or sewing.
11. Go to the library or bookstore. Sit in a comfy chair and read.
12. Watch funny YouTube videos.
13. Sit in the grass and watch the clouds float by.
14. Look at the stars.
15. Have a dance party to your favorite music.
16. Take a mental health day without feeling an ounce of guilt about it.
17. Burn a candle or diffuse some oils that have scents that bring you joy.
18. Sit in a coffee shop, sip on a luxurious drink and people watch.
19. Walk around the fancy grocery store without a list. Buy some stuff just for fun.
20. Try out a new hobby.
21. Practice yoga.
22. Cook breakfast for yourself before anyone else.
23. Sing at the top of your lungs. Preferably in the car and with the windows down.
24. Go for a drive without a particular destination in mind.
25. Close yourself off in a room and listen to the latest episode of your favorite podcast.
26. Have a 20 minute stretching session.
27. Go to the park and play on the playground. Be a kid again!
28. Go swimming just for fun, not exercise.
29. Plan an extravagant vacation just for fun.
30. Wear an outfit that makes you feel great, even if you have nowhere particular to go in it.
31. Declutter a spot in your house that’s been bugging you.
32. Write a list of “annoying tasks” that have been weighing on you, set a timer and knock them out in an hour.
33. Bake a dessert you love. And then eat it without guilt.
34. Watch the sun rise or set. Don’t take any pictures or post about it on social media. Just watch.
35. Have a picnic (by yourself even).
36. Go to bed early or sleep in late.
37. Research something that you’ve been interested in but haven’t had the time to dive into.
38. Edit who you follow on social media (if they don’t bring you joy, eliminate them no matter how nice, inspiring or cool they are).
39. Go to a museum: art, childrens’, history, science—whatever brings you joy that day.
40. Go to a cocktail hour at a bar and enjoy a drink.
41. Buy a fun treat for yourself at the store when you go grocery shopping. Enjoy it as a reward for feeding your family nourishing food.
42. Get a massage.
43. Spend time out in the garden.
44. Take the time to do your hair and makeup, for no other reason than it makes you feel put together.
45. Write a list of 10 things you’re grateful for and why.
46. Make myself a batch of infused water to sip throughout the day.
47. Buy yourself a new set of pens or markers.
48. Write a letter (or an e-mail) to an old friend.
49. Cook a fancy meal for no other reason than you deserve a fancy meal.
50. Say “no” to someone without explanation.

Sometimes in the midst of the holiday season, we can start to feel as though we have lost control over our own lives as we run about here and there. Self-care is how you take your power back. Self-care is not selfish; it is necessary to take care of others. Remember this holiday season to take time to take care of you and you will be better able to take care of those you love.