With the holidays just around the corner, it is natural to feel overwhelmed and stressed. We tend to prioritize everyone else’s needs and neglect our own. For those battling MS, the daily challenges can wear you down and take a toll on you. You might feel fatigued and have no energy to indulge in any activity. That’s why self-care is so important. Without ample rest and relaxation, you will feel burnt out. There is no perfect formula for self-care, but doing things that help you rejuvenate and heal is the key. Here are some activities you can do to indulge in self-care and make your holiday season more fun and livelier:

• Lights: Immerse yourself in the holiday cheer by going for a light display. Whether it be a drive-through or walking across your downtown, the twinkling lights will work wonders to elevate your mood.  Mobility devices like canes, walkers, scooters, and power wheelchairs will enable the experience to be comfortable and enjoyable at the same time.  
• Music:  Listen to music that can beautifully capture the essence of the holiday season. The next time you have a live performance in town, sip on a hot beverage and let the music work its magic.
• Decorate: Revamp your space with holiday decor. Let the holiday spirit spread through your rooms and relax your mind and soul.
• Movies: Holiday movies can be inspirational and heartwarming. Watching a movie does not require much effort and it leaves you with a happy feeling in the end. Some of my favorites include Miracle on 34th Street and Home Alone.  

You must intentionally carve out time to unwind.  Each time you reset and reboot, you will discover a new version of yourself. Take extra care of yourself during the holidays because you deserve it and are worth it.