Tending to Self Care using Spontaneity
Recently, every space I step into the conversations are about the stress of the end of the year. So much to do! December is an intense period and the build up begins even before the month starts. Holiday prep, social gatherings, and end-of-year reflections. While this can all be very joyful, it can also bring stress and overwhelm.
This blog is about prioritising self care through December. Don’t worry I’m not here to preach and tell you how to fix all your problems! Life doesn’t work like that. Instead I offer a point of reflection and a free gift to help create small, doable acts of self care through spontaneous and creative moments.
Why is self care hard?
If you are feeling presssure on a daily basis, please know it’s not a fault of your own and it’s not a figment of your imagination. We live in systems that push constant productivity—go, go, go—while urging us to spend, consume, and overcommit. It’s subliminal too, we are bombarded by advertisements and influencers trying to sell us something based on an imaginary deficient. Even if you flick past the Ads and talking head; the images and sounds have already entered into your awareness — it’s sensory overload. At this time of year the overload goes into overdrive.
Self care is hard because these systems benefit from us being so exhausted that we look for a simple answer in a quick fix or an asthetcially pleasing package. It’s hard because our schedules are overloaded, there’s not space to do nothing. Doing nothing is important. It’s called rest. Rest isn’t only just taking a nap or getting 8 hours sleep, its also making space inbetween cognitive and physical activity or efforts.
Small Actions, bit by bit things change.
Self-care often does not come with instant gratification and in a world where we can get everything instantly, it may feel like a trick to not get the payoff immediately. But if you are here, reading this blog, then you know all good things take time and effort.
Real self care is when we choose definitely for ourselves. When I don’t tend to my self care (things that recharge me) then I become quite strung out and quite frankly, a bit cranky. When I choose differently for myself e.g. I do my mindfulness practice,, I put on my walking shoes and kick myself out the doo – I feel better. In the moment, I am grumpy and I am judging myself for not doing things perfectly — but I’m doing it anyway because self care won’t always feel good. It actually might feel really hard, particularly if you haven’t been tending to yourself regularly.
Making changes that support us can feel overwhelming, especially if you are feeling overwhelmed. So, we start small and create consistent actions that will ripple out into other parts of our life.; slow and steady.
5 Gentle Ways to Bring Self-Care into Your December
Acknowledge the overwhelm: The best place to start is to acknowledge the overwhelm. Say it outloud to yourself.
Set a clear intention: Without a clear and simple intention it’s hard to follow through with your self care plan. Write down how you’d like to feel each day e.g. I wish to feel more rested at the end of the day. I wish to more slowly thoughout the day.
Do what works for you: Self care should be specific to what interest you. Write a list of 10 things that in the past have really help you feel recharged.
Break the Routine: If you are in a cycle of overwhelm then it’s hard to think you’re way out of it. It’s time to take a small action and do something unexpected. This could be simple, as standing up in the middle of room and saying to yourself, “what’s next?” and see what happens.
Do it imperfectly: There’s no “right” way to do self-care. Allow it to be messy, imperfect, and uniquely yours.
How does spontaneity and creativity help with self care?
Spontaneity and creativity are powerful tools for self-care because they help us step out of routines and into the present moment. They encourage playfulness, ease overthinking, and provide a safe outlet for emotional expression, helping to reduce stress and build resilience. Engaging in creative or spontaneous activities allows us to reconnect with ourselves, embrace life’s uncertainties, and rediscover joy in everyday moments. It also gives a sense of control and an opportunity to discover novelty. Novel experiences are important because they stimulate our brain. They switch us from passive to active. These small acts of presence and play remind us that self-care doesn’t have to be perfect—it’s about nurturing ourselves in ways that feel freeing and affirming.
A Gift for You: Free December Self-Care Calendar 🎁
To inspire some playful spontaneity this season, I’ve created a free December Self-Care Calendar. This isn’t about adding more to your to-do list—it’s an open-ended guide full of simple, creative prompts to help you connect with joy, curiosity, and the present moment.
So what is it?
The calendar offers 25 creative prompts that invite mindful moments through movement, reflection, creativity and connection. These prompts are small, doable actions. They could take as 1 minute or 10 minutes. It’s up to you.
While the prompts are numbered you can choose them at random. Do as many or as little as you like at any time. You are in charge of you!
Think of it as an invitation to pause and explore, whether it’s sipping your tea mindfully, doodling something silly, or writing a list of things you love about your feet!
DOWNLOAD THE CALENDAR BELOW ↓
Click the buttons below to get your calendar.
There are two version:
Colour: best for digital viewing
Black and white: best for printing
Enjoy your free self-care calendar! It’s a gentle guide to bring more fun, creativity, and spontaneity into your December. I’d love to hear how you go—feel free to share your experiences or favorite moments with me!
Wishing you a slow and playful December,
Mary-Helen
