Tips to Relax Before the Holidays

 

The holiday season may be coined as the most wonderful time of the year, but that doesn’t change the fact that it can also be incredibly stressful. While joy and cheer are on the rise, tension, worry, and burnout are, also. 

It may be the time of year to embrace giving and caring for others, but it’s important to practice those same values with yourself as well. Here are seven simple self-care tips you should be sure to take before the holidays. 

BREW YOURSELF A RELAXING CUP OF TEA

When your stress and anxiety is running high, sometimes a nice cup of tea can be the best medicine. While the act of taking time to fix yourself a cup of tea can be relaxing enough, the tea itself is also an all-natural, stress-relieving wonder. A few of the most relaxing teas include mint, chamomile, and lavender. An extra tip: buy your tea loose leaf in order to create the most relaxing combination of teas possible. 

COZY UP WITH A BOOK

Now that you have your tea, it’s time to cozy up with some fuzzy socks and a good book. Reading has been scientifically proven to relax your body and your mind. Not only does that act of reading cause your muscles to relax and your heart rate to lower, focusing on your book can give your mind a break from your day-to-day worries.  

RUN YOURSELF A FESTIVE BATH 

Is there a better way to relax than with a bath? No matter how you like to run your bath–whether you’re here for bath bombs, epsom salts, bubbles, or just plain hot water–be sure to take this time to yourself whenever you need it during this busy season. Don’t forget to light some candles to get in the holiday mood and stock your shower with nurturing INSIGHT products. 

JOURNAL 

Journaling can be a great way to free your mind and get your thoughts organized all at the same time. Carve out a few moments each day to get your feelings out. You can draw, write poetry, catalog your day, or even write lists to help keep you organized. 

GO FOR A WALK OR HIKE IN THE CRISP FALL AIR 

In all the chaos of holiday preparations, it’s easy to forget to stop and look around at the beauty of the season. The air is crisp, the leaves are changing, there may even be a light dusting of snow on the ground. At least a few times a week, bundle up, put your boots on, and go for a nice fall walk or hike. The act of walking releases endorphins, and can increase your mood and energy levels while offering a fun, relaxing activity to do by yourself or with family and friends. 

DO A CRAFT

Being creative can be incredible for your mental health. In need of holiday decorations? Trying to figure out the perfect gift for a loved one? Instead of braving the shopping malls or scrolling through online stores for hours, why not do a relaxing holiday craft? Take it a step further by using things you already have around the house. Sustainable crafts using found items or trinkets from nature can be a great way to reduce, reuse, and recycle during the holidays. 

PAUSE FOR A MOMENT OF PEACE

And finally, pause for a moment of peace whenever you can. Taking a moment for yourself can look like any number of things: meditating, listening to ambient, seasonal music, even just being conscious of your own breathing for a few minutes. Whenever you feel a little too stressed, nervous, or even sad–all feelings that are completely natural to experience this time of year and always–pause and be at peace with yourself and your surroundings. It’s one of the most important things you can do.