I know that the holidays are supposed to be a joyous time of the year but the reality is that for some people, it’s a whirlwind of stress, anxiety and exhaustion. The good news is that there are ways that you can make it more enjoyable, including the three ways that I like to de-stress during the holidays!
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Three Easy Ways to De-Stress During the Holidays
I’m a firm believer that self-care is important any time during the year, but especially important during the holidays. We are busy trying to juggle a million things on our plate and ironically, feel pressured to say yes to every single invitation that comes our way. As a result, our well-being is put on the back burner and it can be hard to recover. Below are some of my favorite ways to de-stress during the holidays (and any other time of the year)!
Learn to Say No
A lot of us tend to feel guilt when we say no because we don’t want to disappoint the other person. During the holidays, it’s even harder with the abundance of invitations received (and favors being asked), but if we continue to say yes to everything then we a.) leave no time for ourselves and b.) end up feeling exhausted and resentful. Remember that your time is precious and it’s not something you can get back. You are not a charity. You may think that you are making everyone “happy” by saying yes but what you are really doing is stretching yourself too thin and giving yourself impossible expectations to live up to. Learn to say no to the things that you don’t want to do so you can yes to more things that bring you happiness and joy.
Meditate and Practice Positive Affirmations
This is something new I’ve been trying and it works wonders! The holiday season can be incredibly busy and at times it can make you feel bad about yourself, which is never okay. Here are a few ways to rid yourself of that negative energy:
- Remove your negative thoughts and replace them with positive thoughts.
- Create affirmations for yourself and make them a part of your everyday life – I like to write mine on notes that I pin to the bulletin board by my desk as a reminder.
- Stop and take a few deep breaths when you feel overwhelmed.
- Introduce meditation into your schedule – I like to do this first thing in the morning and it can be as little as ten minutes. There are many ways to meditate but I prefer guided meditations on YouTube to really help me get into the right mindset. I typically look up ones for positivity energy, motivation and anxiety.
Outfit Details
Eliza J Sweater Dress c/o (similar) | Mauve Heels (similar) | Chi Chi London Coat c/o (similar here) | Mary Frances Handbag c/o (similar here, love this) | ModCloth Belt (similar) | Gorjana Ring
Take Time for Yourself
During the holidays, everything seems to become more about everyone else and less about you. However, you can’t fully be present (and sane!) without carving out a little of time for yourself. This can look like different things to different people, but I recommend making time to do at least one of your favorite things every single day so you have something to look forward to. And if you’re crazy busy like me then you may have to actually schedule it in order to make that happen because let’s be real…it won’t happen otherwise and burn out is very, very real. Here are a few of my faves:
- Relaxing Bubble Bath – I love using lavender bath salts, bubbles and a frozen gel eye mask to really relax.
- Spa Day – I try to do this at least once a week! I will set aside 30 min or so to relax with a face mask and a good book or magazine. If I have more time, then I’ll go all out with a full body skincare routine and paint my nails.
- Yoga – Yoga is not only great for flexibility and balance but it’s also amazing for relieving stress (among other things)! If you don’t have time to take a class, look up a video on YouTube and have a session right in your home.
- Read – There is something about reading that is so relaxing! Plus it’s always fun to get lost in another reality. Check out my favorite holiday books here!
- Get Outdoors – Take a hike, check out a new place, go for a drive, anything goes. Just get out, enjoy yourself and leave your worries elsewhere!
- Play chess online. Playing online games such as chess is a great way to relax and unwind during the holiday season and beyond. This is because it requires razor-sharp focus and concentration, which means that it will serve as an excellent distraction from whatever is troubling you. Not only that, but it can also be a lot of fun, whether you’re a complete beginner or have been playing for several years.
What are some of your favorite ways to de-stress during the holidays?
xo
This is such a great look.. always looking for ideas to have a fun & stress free holiday season!
Great ideas and I love, love, love that coat. Such a beautiful color. I find I feel so much less stressed if I take a little time for myself here and there. Have a great week.
x, Julie | thismainlinelife.com
These are such great tips! The holiday season can be really stressful! Taking me time is so important. Love your outfit too!!
XOXO
Cathy
You can say this again, Lizzie!! It really is hard to say no, but if we don’t take care of ourselves, how can we help others??
XOOX
Jodie
http://www.jtouchofstyle.com
Definitely allowing yourself to say “no” is so important and healthy! Thanks for sharing! xo, Brittany Nicole | http://www.theblistblog.com
I have such a hard time saying no! Definitely something that I should work on!
yesss to self care and setting boundaries- love!
What a great post! It’s always a struggle of mine to stop focusing on negative thoughts. I gotta do that!
xoxo Carolyn @ http://www.mychicobsession.com
i am obsessing over your handbag and belt, so pretty and intricate!!
http://www.layersofchic.com
This was such a good read and I absolutely adore your outfit. So cute girl!
And what could be more important for a girl than on a rainy day bright accessories? Let your accessories not be a mop, leave it to Sunlight Cleaning (http://sunlightcleaningny.com)
Thank you for some fantastic tips and advice.
What a gorgeous outfit – I love it! The pink and grey work so well together, and I so adore the sweater dress. If I had seen this post when you originally uploaded it, I would certainly have purchased one. xx
Hi Anthony! Of course!! I love the combo too 🙂 It’s one of my favorite sweater dresses! I bet it would have looked amazing on you! I’ll make sure to find some cute ones to share when the weather gets cooler <3 Have a great week!
Hi Liz, I’m looking forward to autumn/winter already!!
Have a great week too! xx
You as well! <3 Hope you had a wonderful Christmas!
You look great! I really love your bag, it is so pretty. Thanks for sharing all these tips – I really think we all need a lil self care around this time! I am going to check out those meditation guides on YT now!
Life is a Shoe
Thank you so much! Yes, we do! I’m so glad that you enjoyed the post!
These are all great ideas! I love lavendar too and take epsom salt baths. My mom uses the Calm app for meditation, and I may try. Your outfit is gorgeous, I may have to emulate, as I have a pink coat and grey sweater dress ! Such a lovely combo on you!
Merry Christmas!
thanks for linking!
jess xx
http://www.elegantlydressedandstylish.com
Thanks so much Jess! I love doing all of those! It’s such a lovely color combo – you should definitely try it out! Would love to see <3
I have been practicing lots of de-stressing techniques these days! I really like all of the tips you shared, Lizzie. And this outfit is beautiful! I love gray and pink together. Merry Christmas, my friend!
Shelbee
http://www.shelbeeontheedge.com
Yay! I love that!! Thanks so much Shelbee! It’s such a pretty color combo. Merry Christmas!
This is great advice Lizzie – I am usually run ragged by Christmas Day and need to take a nap. I love your dress and pretty handbag. I hope you had a wonderful Christmas! Thanks for linking up!
Emma xxx
http://www.style-splash.com
Thanks so much Emma! Oh I know what you mean lol! Hope you have a wonderful (and relaxing) holiday!!
Great timing for this post! I could use some time to destress during the holidays! Thanks for sharing these great ideas!
Thanks so much Laura! These are super easy too 🙂 Merry Christmas!!
These are such great tips Lizzie!
Jennifer
Curated by Jennifer
Thanks so much Jennifer! Glad you enjoyed!
This is a wonderful combination, I don’t wear pink with grey very often – but hope to change that. Jacqui x
Thanks so much Jacqui! It’s a really nice combo 🙂