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Holiday Self-Care SOS

Lesson Plan

Holiday Self-Care SOS

Participants will identify common holiday stressors and learn practical, actionable self-care strategies to navigate the holiday break with greater well-being and reduced stress.

The holiday season, while joyful, often brings unique pressures and demands that can lead to increased stress and burnout. Learning effective self-care strategies is crucial for maintaining mental and emotional health during this time, allowing individuals to truly enjoy the season and recharge.

Audience

Adults

Time

30 minutes

Approach

Interactive discussion, practical tips, and reflective exercises.

Materials

Holiday Self-Care Warm-Up (5 minutes) Holiday Self-Care Warm-Up, Holiday Self-Care SOS Slide Deck (15 minutes) Holiday Self-Care SOS Slide Deck, Self-Care Action Plan Activity (8 minutes) Self-Care Action Plan Activity, and Holiday Self-Care Cool-Down (2 minutes) Holiday Self-Care Cool-Down

Prep

Review Materials & Setup

15 minutes

Step 1

Introduction & Warm-Up

5 minutes

Begin the session with a welcoming tone. Distribute or display the Holiday Self-Care Warm-Up and give participants a few minutes to complete it. Facilitate a brief, open discussion about their responses, focusing on common holiday feelings and potential stressors without dwelling on negativity.

Step 2

Presenting Self-Care SOS

10 minutes

Transition to the Holiday Self-Care SOS Slide Deck. Go through the slides, explaining the common holiday stressors and introducing practical self-care strategies. Encourage brief questions and comments throughout the presentation.

Step 3

Interactive Discussion: Strategy Share

5 minutes

After presenting the strategies, open the floor for a quick discussion. Ask participants to share any self-care strategies they already use during the holidays or new ideas they gained from the presentation. Guide the discussion to be positive and solution-focused.

Step 4

Self-Care Action Plan Activity

8 minutes

Distribute the Self-Care Action Plan Activity. Explain that this is a personal tool to help them commit to specific self-care actions. Allow 5-6 minutes for participants to fill it out individually. Encourage them to be realistic and choose strategies that genuinely resonate with them.

Step 5

Wrap-Up & Cool-Down

2 minutes

Conclude the session by having participants complete the Holiday Self-Care Cool-Down. Briefly reiterate the importance of prioritizing self-care during the holiday break and express well wishes for a restful and rejuvenating time.

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Slide Deck

Holiday Self-Care SOS

Navigating the Festive Season with Ease

Welcome! The holidays are wonderful, but can also be a bit... much.
Today, we'll explore ways to keep our batteries charged and minds calm during this busy time.

Welcome participants and introduce the topic of self-care during the holidays. Emphasize that this session is about practical, actionable strategies.

Why Talk About Self-Care Now?

  • High Expectations: The pressure to have a 'perfect' holiday.
  • Financial Stress: Budgeting for gifts, travel, and celebrations.
  • Social Demands: Juggling family gatherings and social events.
  • Time Constraints: Limited time for personal needs amidst holiday preparations.
  • Emotional Rollercoaster: Memories, grief, or family dynamics can be amplified.

Ask participants to briefly reflect on these points. What comes to mind? Why is it important to talk about this?

What is Self-Care?

More Than Just Bubble Baths!

Self-care is any intentional action you take to care for your physical, mental, and emotional health.

It's about prevention, not just reaction.

It helps you:

  • Reduce stress
  • Boost energy
  • Improve mood
  • Prevent burnout

Introduce the idea that self-care isn't selfish, it's necessary. Emphasize that it looks different for everyone.

Practical Self-Care Tips

  1. Set Boundaries: It's okay to say no! Protect your time and energy.
  2. Prioritize Sleep: Aim for consistent sleep, even with late nights.
  3. Mindful Eating: Enjoy treats, but balance with nutritious foods.
  4. Stay Active: Even short walks can make a difference.
  5. Connect Authentically: Spend time with people who truly uplift you.
  6. Schedule Downtime: Plan for moments of quiet and rest.
  7. Limit Scrolling: Be intentional about social media use.
  8. Practice Gratitude: Focus on the positive aspects of the season.

Go through each tip. Encourage participants to think about which ones resonate most with them or which they might already be doing. Provide brief examples for each.

Your Holiday Self-Care Action Plan

Make It Happen!

  • Identify 1-3 key strategies that are realistic for you.
  • Be specific: How will you implement them?
  • Schedule it: When and where will you practice this self-care?
  • Be flexible: It's okay if things don't go perfectly.

Explain that an action plan makes it more likely to happen. This leads into the activity.

You've Got This!

Wishing you a joyful and well-rested holiday season!

Remember to prioritize YOU amidst the festivities.

Thank them and reiterate the main message.

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Warm Up

Holiday Self-Care Warm-Up

Take a few moments to reflect on these questions. There are no right or wrong answers – just your honest thoughts.

  1. What are you most looking forward to during the upcoming holiday break?



  2. What is one thing that usually makes the holiday season feel stressful or overwhelming for you?



  3. What's one small thing you usually do to relax or recharge, even for a few minutes?



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Activity

My Holiday Self-Care Action Plan

The holiday season can be busy! Use this plan to intentionally build self-care into your break. Choose strategies that are realistic and feel good to you.

My Top 3 Self-Care Strategies:

  1. Strategy:


    • How I will do it (be specific!):


    • **When/Where (e.g.,
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Cool Down

Holiday Self-Care Cool-Down

Take a moment to reflect on today's session.

  1. What is one new self-care idea you learned or were reminded of today?



  2. What is one small step you can take this week to prioritize your well-being?



  3. On a scale of 1-5, how confident are you that you can integrate a self-care practice into your holiday break (1 = Not confident, 5 = Very confident)?



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Holiday Self-Care SOS • Lenny Learning