The office parties, the cookies, and never ending search for gifts is enough to make you stressed and anxious-that used to be me as well. With your calendar only having a certain amount of free time to get all the holiday events in it can be a lot to manage and cope with.
Here are 4 of my favorite tips for beating stress during the holidays:
Eat real foods: Stressing during the holiday trying to find that “perfect gift” creates increased temptation to eat empty calorie, highly processed, and high sugar foods. Aim to eat more fruits and vegetables and foods high in healthy fats. Not only are they healthier but they are also great to keep your energy going during the busy holiday season.
Get clear and focused on your ‘to-do list”: The holidays are when I watch way too many people let themselves completely go. Set your priorities, let those in your family know your holiday non negotiables for personal self care, and allow all the rest to fall into place.
Use essential oils: I know Christmas Spirit scented lotion, candles and body spray sounds amazing but the synthetic fragrances in those personal care products are often creating hormone disruption and respiratory/skin allergens that can lead you to feel more stress, tired, and drained. Inhaling high quality, therapeutic grade essential oils via diffusing or topical application will help you decrease stress while enjoying the health benefits.
Make time to exercise daily: Stress is often elevated during the holidays for a variety of reasons and one of the fastest ways to relieve that is by exercising. Movement helps decrease cortisol (stress hormone) levels in the body and also keeps you feeling stronger and better able to fight off illness that often swoops in during the holiday times.
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I know this all sounds easier said than done but remember after the gifts are all opened and the parties are all done maintaining a sustainable practice of stress reduction methods needs to continue. Start your holiday season off right clearly stating your intentions to manage your priorities and stress levels so you go into the new year feeling truly renewed!
The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, and the holiday season is approaching. Fall is a great time to reboot, relax and rejuvenate as we enter the last quarter of the year.
Here are 8 of my favorite fall self care tips to relax and pamper yourself.
-Make a Relaxing Foot Soak After long summer days barefoot on the beach it’s a great time to end a long day in the fall with some epsom salt and essential oils in a relaxing foot bath. It’s a great way to promote relaxation, circulation, and muscular support.
-Go Hiking I love the beautiful and scenic changes that happen in the fall and how the weather is just right in the midday. Take advantage and enjoy some fresh air, new sights, and the fall foliage as you explore the outdoors. Find a nearby park or trail to explore and enjoy some time in nature.
-Book a Spontaneous Staycation Air BNB I’m a travel addict and all about exploring new places near and far. Fall is a great time to explore local getaway spots that are within driving distance so check out some local home rental sites and book yourself a long weekend getaway for some local R&R.
-Upgrade Your Aromatherapy Practice I used to be a Yankee Candle Pumpkin Spice scented addict in the fall until I learned about how dangerous candles can be for your respiratory system (yeah I suffered for 12 yrs with chronic sinusitis). Now I remind people how amazing using quality essential oils can be to not only promote health but also give you that same scent without the toxic side effects. Grab yourself some cinnamon bark, clove, and orange essential oil so you can create all the fun fall scents in your diffuser and enjoy!
-Switch Up Your Workout Routine Need a way to reduce and prevent boredom then consider switching out your workout routine to prevent loss of motivation. Personally I have been trying to add mat Pilates into my routine on a regular basis and create some consistency in my workout this season.
-Create a Hygge Playlist Fall is all about embracing comfort and coziness and the hygge way! I’m not a big oversized sweater girl but embracing comfort and simplicity with diffusers, blankets, pillows, and battery operated candles is so comforting. As you hygge your home consider updating your playlist so you get into the ultimate unwinding mode! Need more info on ways to hygge your home-check here.
-Upgrade Your Skin Care Routine As the leaves change so does our skin care routine. With the drier and duller weather our skin often needs an upgrade on a regime that can support that. For inspiration click the link here to read up on 4 essential oils that are must haves for your fall skin care routine.
-Donate and Declutter Fall is all about letting go. Take some time to go thru your phone, closets, drawers, etc and get rid of anything that doesn’t serve you. Organizing and simplifying your life can be just what you need to reconnect to true being.
Although I don’t get as excited for the fall as I do in the spring and summer there are so many fun and easy ideas to make the fall relaxing and enjoyable.
