December 17, 2018

5 Holiday Self Care Tips to Remember Next Week

Velvet Dress: Madewell (more sizes here and a lot more styles linked below! This dress runs a little big – I’m wearing a small and it’s roomy around the ribs and waist.) | Necklace: Vrai & Oro | Tights: Gap (on sale!)| Earrings: VO Jewelry (my favorite hoop earrings EVER. So lightweight – you don’t even feel them!) | Bag: Rebecca Minkoff | Pumps: Calvin Klein (Runs TTS)| Coat: old (similar here – so cute and 40% off!)

Christmas is officially ONE WEEK away! Maybe it’s because I’m newly engaged, but I am SO excited to celebrate next week. For most of my life, we would travel to the east coast to see my extended family, but ever since my sister started having kids, we’ve stayed put. It’s taken a little getting used to, but now I really like spending Christmas here. And now that my brother and sister-in-law live in Austin, I cannot WAIT to spend some quality time with them next week!

But since I skipped a Mindful Monday last week and posted about Gifts That Give Back yesterday, I thought I’d talk about more than this cute velvet dress today.

I know I don’t need to tell all of you that the holidays can be stressful. We’ve all been living that for the past few weeks. But what about the actual main events? That’s right, I’m talkin’ Christmas Eve and Christmas Day. Do they cause you anxiety? Or have you been stressed with work or outside circumstances (hey gift guides and food poisoning! ??)? Are you nervous about relatives you might see or questions you might be asked?

Let’s be honest, I’m pretty sure we all can relate to at least ONE of those things. But those factors don’t have to take away from a wonderful holiday. So, here are 5 things I personally plan on keeping in mind next week – and I hope they help you, too!

5 Holiday Self Care Tips To
Remember Next Week

1. Put your computer/phone away and be present.

If you’re usually tied to your computer and phone because of work, really try to enjoy that PTO. But if you’re usually tied to your computer and phone because you want to be connected to social media at all times… I challenge you to let that go a little. Just for 2 days ? It’s amazing what a short time away from technology can do for your mental health. Adam and I literally left our phones in our hotel room most of the time we were in Mexico, and he kept saying how he could SEE how much less stressed I was. It seems so simple, but it really helps you be in the moment, and enjoy little things even more.

2. Don’t answer any questions you don’t want to.

There are few things worse than being unhappy about something and then showing up to Christmas only to have people PROBE you about it. You just broke up with your boyfriend, or you’re struggling with your job, or you aren’t sure what you want to do with your life… and then you have to talk about it for 6 hours ?

So, let this be your gentle reminder that you can politely say “Thanks for asking, but I’d rather not talk about that today. It’s been causing me stress and today isn’t about stress. What’s new with you?” Just remember that most people ask out of genuine interest and not to make you feel uncomfortable. But of course, you gotta prioritize you.

3. Sleep!

Christmas Eve and Christmas Day are PTO for most of you! As a self employed person, let me tell you – TAKE ADVANTAGE OF THEM. Sleep, sleep, and then maybe press snooze again. Holidays can be chaotic, so if you have the time to sleep (or even just rest), do it.

4. Enjoy in moderation.

I’m pretty sure most of you try your best to live a healthy life… and the holidays can be super disorienting. Obviously a large part of health is eating well and exercising, but another important aspect is mental and emotional. Do you light up when you think of your Mama’s Christmas cookies? Then, EAT THEM! Don’t deprive yourself of food memories, especially around the holidays. The key is remembering moderation. Maybe don’t have so many cookies that you get a stomach ache or so much wine that you can’t move the next day. Try to find a balance and enjoy hanging out in that zone.

5. Remember an attitude of Gratitude.

For some reason, we talk about what we are thankful for so much on Thanksgiving, and then we forget about it a little bit on Christmas. So this year, check in what what you are grateful for. How has your list changed since Thanksgiving? What else can you add?