Self-Care Tips for the Holidays
How are your holidays going? While things may be merry and bright, the holidays can be stressful for many, so I thought we would take a look at self-care tips for the holidays. Plus, I have a glimpse of my holiday decoration, and don’t miss two fantastic holiday recipes sure to bring a smile to your face!
Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hannukah, and NYE are the Super Bowl celebrations. It takes quite a bit of prepping and planning for a successful outcome. But many of us burn out before the big day arrives. Why? We lose focus on ourselves and what it takes to cross the finish line feeling happy and whole. So let’s plan for a more joyful, less stressful holiday with self-care during the holidays. In the spirit of taking it easy, sit back, relax, and enjoy today’s post.
Self-Care Tips for the Holidays
Self-Care Tips
Many of us may think self-care is all about bubble baths, massages, and mani and pedi. While I love to indulge in any or all of those events, self-care is much more than that. Just like athletes, we need to focus on healthy foundations like a good night’s sleep, exercise, and eating well. Today, I’m sharing five simple ways to take care of yourselves during the holidays.
MINIMIZE SUGAR
Sugar is a killer. And it comes in a variety of forms: sucrose, glucose, fructose, corn syrup, and hydrolyzed starch, to name but a few. Many of us rely on quick processed foods for meals and snacks. But processed foods have hidden Sugar, so religiously read the labels. Choose organic produce over processed foods-unsweetened oatmeal over sugary cereal. Swap your sweetened yogurt for plain. These small steps will help wean you off Sugar. If you have a sweet tooth, always reach for natural sugars found in fruit.
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Cable Knit Turtleneck | Velvet Jeans | Leather Jacket | Tartan Plaid Scarf | Similar Suede Loafers
TAKE CARE OF YOUR PHYSICAL HEALTH
Develop a plan to enjoy the special foods and treats around the holidays while balancing them with healthy eating. Swap a cookie for a banana or try my next tip.
Drink Smoothies
Smoothies are a great way to add fruits and veggies into your diet. And I’m not referring to those milkshake concoctions that taste like dessert and contain sweetened fruit juice. If you reach for fresh ingredients, you can make it sweet with fruit or pack a healthy punch with spinach. Frozen berries and chopped greens are excellent choices. Add protein powder or collagen for an extra dose of healthy.
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Red Tweed Jacket (limited sizes, similar here, here, and here) | White Tee | Boot Cut Jeans | Calf Hair Belt | Calf Hair Shoes (old, similar here, here, and here) | Quilted Handbag | Caviar Bangle | Caviar Watchband
Breathe
Sounds simple, right? But this is one of the easiest self-care tips for the holidays. When our bodies and minds are stressed, we forget to breathe correctly. Many of us have smartwatches that remind us to breathe and stand. Why? Every system in our body relies on oxygen. Breathing fuels our bodies with oxygen, helping to clear a foggy mind and strengthening muscles. So remember. Breathe in. Breathe out. At Pilates, they have us breathe in through our nose and then exhale through our mouth. Long, deep breaths work best so count to five on your inhale and exhale. Try it. It’s that simple.
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Velvet Pants | Cashmere Turtleneck | Loafers | Silver Hoops
Spend Some Time Doing Nothing
That’s right! Even during the busy holidays, you can give yourself a day of rest and relaxation. My mother coined those days “mental health days.” And she was right. So go ahead and sleep in, read a book, watch a favorite Christmas movie, or head to your local bookstore and enjoy a cup of coffee while you’re flipping through magazines. Whatever trips your trigger, permit yourself to do absolutely nothing. Honestly, there’s nothing better than a day spent recharging my batteries. It’s how I handle a jam-packed schedule and stay focused.
This can be a tough self-care tip to employ, but once you grant yourself the grace to focus a little bit of time on yourself, you’ll be able to get back into the holiday hustle and bustle feeling relaxed and refreshed.
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Abstract Floral Cashmere Sweater | Crop Jacket | Velvet Jeans | Patent Leather Loafers | Gold Belt | Puzzle Handbag | Gold Hoop Earrings | Caviar Bangle | Caviar Watchband
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Beth’s Outfit: Fisherman Sweater (old, similar here and here) | Pink Corduroys | Block Heels (old, similar here and here) | Gold Hoop Earrings
Kelly’s Outfit: Straight Leg Corduroy Pants | Cable Knit Rollneck Sweater | Rothy’s Original Slip-On Sneaker
Self-care Tips for the Holidays
Now is the time to use my tip from above: Spend some time doing nothing – sit back with a mug of hot tea or your favorite beverage and enjoy a glimpse of my holiday decor!
Similar Nutcracker | Similar Fabric-Wrapped Cone Trees | Merry Lumbar Pillow | Plaid Throw Pillows | Faux Berry Wreath | Similar Mercury Glass Mantle Trees
Pre-Lit Christmas Tree | Similar Nutcracker | Similar Fabric-Wrapped Cone Trees | Merry Lumbar Pillow | Plaid Throw Pillows | Faux Berry Wreath | Similar Mercury Glass Mantle Trees
Assorted Metallic Ornaments (as Bowl Filler) | Similar Decorative Bowl | Tartan Lamp Shades | Gold Tabletop Trees | Faux Boxwood Wreath
Similar Nutcracker | Similar Fabric-Wrapped Cone Trees | Merry Lumbar Pillow | Plaid Throw Pillows | Faux Berry Wreath | Similar Mercury Glass Mantle Trees
Holiday Recipes
Up above, I talked about minimizing sugar, which is a great tip for your body and mind all year long. But when the holidays roll around and sweet treats are part of the festivities, it can be hard to abstain. Well, I am in the camp of permitting yourself to indulge in something you love – this indulgence, in moderation, can also be a form of self-care. It’s about enjoying your life and not denying yourself a little pleasure here and there. Below, find two recipes perfect for the holidays.
For more Holiday Recipe Inspiration, check out Holiday Crab Cakes in our latest Fridays with Oscar Post.
You are an inspiration. I really liked the travel outfit yesterday and the PJ’s today. Be careful of smoothies………fruit contains a lot of sugar.