Nourishment isn’t just about the food you can eat. Sometimes your mind and heart need a little seasonal treat, too. Whether it’s the holidays or year-end projects at work, the stress that crops up in December can be overwhelming and exhausting.

There’s so much to juggle this time of year: challenging family relationships, grief or other emotions that become amplified around the holidays, travel, struggling to have the perfectly decorated house/ gifts/table/party outfit. At work, the stress might be your year-end performance review, meeting a sales goal, finishing reports and budget -- or just getting it done so you can enjoy your vacation days.

No matter the source of your sighs, we’ve got several helpful tactics to nourish your mind, body, and spirit. Bonus — practicing these tips can help you find some balance year-round.

Take a hot bath. Add bubbles, salts, scents, or essential oils, and imagine the trials of your day disappear as you relax.
Listen to music or an audiobook. Set a length of time to allow yourself to get lost in a book, podcast, or favorite radio station and stick to it.
Say no. No is a complete sentence. You have permission to decline invitations that will create additional stress. Put your needs first. Your well-being depends on it.
Eat the damn cookie. And enjoy it.
Use guided meditation. There are plenty of free and paid apps that lead you through a meditation or breathing exercise, with most allowing you to set a specific length of time for your meditation. We like Unplug, Calm, and Simple Habit -- but you will find your perfect fit.
Prioritize self-care. Take time to focus on you, whether that means an at-home facial, taking a cooking class, or getting a massage.
Sleep. Try to get a solid 7-8 hours of sleep per night to rejuvenate your body and keep your energy levels in balance.
Play with your pet. Petting your furry friend has been shown to reduce blood pressure and stress.
Take a technology break. It’s easy to get caught up in social media, YouTube rabbit holes, or mindless TV. Instead, connect with yourself or your friends and family. PS, it’s okay to be lazy in bed and not feel bad about it.
Journal your gratitude. Cultivating positivity and gratitude in your life helps you stay focused on the good surrounding you. Last year I started a daily gratitude journal with my husband. I look forward to comparing the daily gratitude notes we make.
Do something for someone else. Compassion for and giving back to others can have a positive impact on your mental and physical health. It can be simple or elaborate: purchase something for your school’s giving tree, declutter and donate, buy coffee for the person in line behind you, volunteer at a food bank. The options for time or financial contributions needed are as endless as the organizations in need.

Above all else, don’t forget to find your happy place. Buddy the Elf said it best, “I just like to smile. Smiling is my favorite.”

What are some ways you like to take a moment to feed your head -- and make time for yourself? We’d love to know!

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ANGELA HOWERTER

Angela has an unhealthy relationship with cookies, which she misses during an ulcerative colitis flare-up, and believes that there are healing powers in an angry rock song. She tortures herself with exercise, and when she’s not doing that, she spends time dreaming up t-shirt designs for her side-hustle in support of autism awareness. Her favorite pastime includes relaxing with a good book and a glass of wine while her dogs Dex and Kevin snuggle by her side.

Feed your head