In the Season of Giving, Don’t Forget Yourself

December comes with a certain kind of energy. Calendars fill, to-do lists grow, and everywhere we turn we’re reminded to give - gifts, time, attention, emotional energy. We pour into family, friends, work, traditions, and community.

That generosity is beautiful.

But if we’re honest, it can also be exhausting.

It's common to feel more exhausted than happy by the time the holidays are here. According to the American Psychological Association, finances, family obligations, and time constraints are leading causes of holiday stress for adults in the U.S. Our nervous system needs a break from constant activity, even when we enjoy what we're doing.

Self-compassion researcher Kristin Neff emphasizes that self-care isn't selfish; it's acknowledging our shared humanity, like caring for a loved one. Neglecting our own well-being doesn't make us resilient, it simply leaves us depleted.

So in this season of giving, it might be time to add one more person to your list: you.

Why Giving to Yourself Isn’t Selfish

It's normal to feel bad for wanting rest when others seem busy. However, pausing isn't a luxury, it's necessary for nervous system maintenance.

Chronic stress triggers the body's fight-or-flight response, causing exhaustion, irritability, sleep problems, and emotional instability. Studies show stress weakens immunity and cardiovascular health.

Promoting safety, slowness, and presence activates the "rest and digest" system, signaling the brain to transition from high alert.

As Jon Kabat-Zinn, the creator of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR), explains, this process allows us to "fall awake" and fully experience the present. By taking brief, conscious pauses, we can thoughtfully respond to challenges instead of simply reacting.

Taking care of yourself is what allows you to:

• Think more clearly

• Be more patient with the people you love

• Show up in a grounded, regulated way — not just power through

That’s not selfish. That’s sustainable.

Small Ways to Give Back to Yourself

Self-care doesn’t have to be a big, complicated plan. In fact, the nervous system often responds best to small, consistent signals of safety.

Here are some accessible ways to nurture yourself during the holidays:

• A quiet evening with no plans: Declining an extra event to stay in with a book, show, or in silence allows your body to relax.
• Ten minutes of deep breathing before bed: Slow, steady breathing, especially longer exhales, can activate the vagus nerve, calming your nervous system and lowering your heart rate.
• Saying “no” when your plate is full: Setting boundaries supports your nervous system. Protecting your capacity reduces the burden on your body.
• Scheduling something that calms your body: Gentle, body based practices can release stored tension and support emotional balance.

How AcuDetox and Ear Seeds Can Support Your Reset

At PurePoint Wellness, one of the ways we support people in this season is through AcuDetox and ear seeds - both gentle, ear based approaches that work with the nervous system.

• AcuDetox (the 5-point ear protocol) uses very small needles in specific points on the ear. It has been used in community and clinical settings as a supportive tool for stress, trauma, and recovery for several decades, including in programs following major disasters and in behavioral health settings. While it’s not a cure or a replacement for medical or mental health care, many people describe feeling calmer, more centered, and more grounded following sessions.

• Ear seeds (small beads or pellets placed on ear points with adhesive) apply acupressure instead of needles. They allow for gentle stimulation of calming points between sessions — something you can continue to use at home as a reminder to pause and reset.

These practices are best understood as supportive tools: ways to help the body shift out of high alert, release some of the tension it’s holding, and create a sense of internal quiet in the middle of a busy season.

A Different Kind of Gift This Season

Giving to others matters. Traditions matter. Showing up for your community matters.

But so do you.

As you move through the holidays, consider this a gentle invitation:

• To notice when your own tank is empty

• To treat your needs with the same respect you give to others

• To see rest, calm, and nervous system care as part of how you give — not an obstacle to it

You are allowed to receive, too.

Your peace matters. Your rest matters. You are worth giving to.

If you’re curious about how AcuDetox or ear seeds might support you this season, you’re welcome to reach out, ask questions, or schedule a visit. In the season of giving, we’d love to help you give something back to yourself.