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
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
Self-Care Tips for the Holidays
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 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) | Pink Corduroys | Block Heels (old, similar here and here) | Gold Hoop Earrings Kelly’s Outfit: Straight Leg Corduroy Pants | Cable Knit 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 | Assorted Metallic Ornaments (as Bowl Filler) | Similar Decorative Bowl | Tartan Lamp Shades | Gold Tabletop Trees | Faux Boxwood Wreath
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.
Grapefruit Yogurt Cake
Ingredients:
- 1.5 cups All-Purpose Flour
- 2 tsp. Baking Powder
- 1/2 tsp. Kosher Salt
- 1 cup Plain Whole-Milk Yogurt
- 1 cup Sugar
- 3 Large Eggs
- 1 tbsp. Grated Grapefruit Zest approximately one large grapefruit
- 1/2 tsp. Pure Vanilla Extract
- 1/2 cup Vegetable or Grapeseed Oil
- Grapefruit Soak
- 1 tbsp. Sugar
- 1/3 cup Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
- Grapefruit Glaze
- 1 cup Confectioners’ Sugar
- 2 tbsp. Freshly Squeezed Grapefruit Juice
Instructions:
- Start by preheating the oven to 350 degrees F. Grease an 8-inch x 4-inch loaf pan. If you have a sticky pan, grease it, then lay parchment in the bottom, then grease and flour.
- In a large bowl, sift together the flour, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, add the sugar. Then grate the grapefruit zest directly into the sugar. Use your hands to massage the zest into the sugar until the sugar is very fragrant and slightly wet from the oil in the zest.
- Whisk the yogurt, eggs, and vanilla into the sugar and zest. Slowly whisk the dry mixture into the wet mixture.
- Then use a silicone spatula to fold the grapeseed or other neutral oil into the batter, making sure the oil is fully incorporated.
- Pour the batter into the prepared loaf pan and bake for 50-60 minutes. Start checking for doneness at 45-50 minutes. Cake is done when a cake tester placed in the center, comes out clean.
- Grapefruit Soak
- Meanwhile, in a small pan, cook the 1/3 cup grapefruit juice and the remaining 1 tablespoon sugar until the sugar is completely dissolved. Remove from heat and set aside.
- Let the cake cool in the pan for 10 minutes when it comes out of the oven.
- Then, while the cake is still warm, drizzle the sugar grapefruit mixture over the cake and let it soak in. Let the cake cool for about 30 minutes.
- Grapefruit Glaze
- Meanwhile, whisk together 1 cup of confectioners’ sugar and 2 tablespoons of grapefruit juice for the glaze.
- After about 30 minutes, carefully invert the cake onto a plate, then invert again onto a wire rack. Set the wire rack over a sheet pan or over a sheet of plastic wrap for easy cleanup. Let the cake cool longer if it feels warm to the touch. When the cake is cool, pour the glaze over the top, letting it drip down the sides. Let the glaze set, then transfer it to a serving plate.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
Nutella and Cherry Tear and Share
Ingredients:
- 2 Puff Pastry Sheets
- 3-4 tbsp. Nutella
- 2-3 tbsp. Fruit Preserves like Cherry, Raspberry, or Strawberry
- 1 Beaten Egg mixed with 2 teaspoons water
- Powdered Sugar for dusting
Instructions:
- Let store-bought puff pastry squares defrost for 40 minutes to one hour at room temperature.
- Preheat to oven to 400 degrees. When the pastry is defrosted, but still very cold, we are ready to go.
- On a lightly floured surface, roll the pastry square just enough to fit a 9-or 10-inch round template. (Use a pie pan or tart pan as the template)
- Cut the pastry around the template.
- Repeat with the second piece of puff pastry.
- Transfer one of the pastry circles – parchment and all – to a large sheet tray.
- Spread Nutella all the way to the edges of the pastry circle.
- Then spread preserves over the Nutella, leaving about a 1/2 border around the outer edge.
- Lay the second circle of pastry on top and score the center with a shot glass or a small cookie cutter.
- Then, use a sharp knife to make cuts outward from the scored circle in the center. Then, use a sharp knife to make cuts outward from the scored circle in the center. Each half of the pastry should have 6 star points. So start by making center cuts. Then, make quarter cuts. Then make 2 cuts in each quarter – creating three star points per each quarter.
- Take one star point in each hand and twist the star points toward each other. Repeat with the rest of the star points.
- Brush the tops and sides of the star with egg wash.
- Bake the Nutella and Cherry Tear and Share for 18-23 minutes, until the pastry is puffed and golden and is baked through.
- Let the pastry cool for about 5 minutes, then use a large spatula or aluminum pizza peel to transfer to a serving plate.
- Then dust the star with powdered sugar.
Did you make this recipe?
We’d love to see! Tag us @styleatacertainage
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