To start today I want to be sure to wish everyone Happy Holidays. Many of us just had a holiday weekend filled with family and friends, some of you may have had your holiday celebrations earlier this month, while others may be getting ready for your celebrations. While I know we are all excited to celebrate and be around family and friends, some of which we have seen very little of over the last year, we must remember that after all the hustle and bustle of the day we still need to take time for a little self-care.
With the new year right around the corner, I want to get back to trying to remind us all to take that time we need to relax and recharge. When better to start this than after a whirlwind of a month that seems to include parties and family events every week. There is a reason that as much as having that time with family is fun it is also stressful and exhausting. We spend so much of this month cooking extra meals, trying to get last-minute gifts, or just preparing for a trip that by the time it is all over we are drained and need a recharge.
So, what do you do to recharge your batteries? How can you create that time for yourself while you may still be visiting family or have a few more events your presence is desired at? First, we have to remember that your me-time can be as little as 5 minutes just a few minutes to yourself can help you feel recharged and ready to go.
A few of the things I try and do when away from home and visiting family over the holiday’s include:
Taking time for a walk sometimes alone, sometimes with my husband. This is a great way to have some quiet time for yourself away from all the commotion. Getting out of the house and into nature is always a good way to refocus. While on your walk take notice of things you may normally pass by without a thought. Did you notice the birds? Or maybe the wind through the branches? Perhaps you have noticed how quiet the roads are on a holiday weekend. Taking time to focus on these things will relax your mind from the stress and busyness that may come from being with your family.
Take a nap! That’s right curl up in the bed, on the couch, or in a quiet corner and take a nap. I promise you to deserve it! I enjoy the fact that there are enough adults at my family’s house that I can get in a nap when I normally spend my day going from one thing to the next. I love having the opportunity to listen to my body when it says, “Hey you have been tired for weeks take a nap.”
Escape with a book. Hide out for 20-30 minutes and read that book that has been looking at you for months. Books provide a wonderful escape from the commotion around you. Many times with a good book it can be hours later you before realize there is a whole world you have forgotten existed.
Put on some music you love and just sit there enjoying the tunes. I love to listen to music, but I often have the competition of audiobooks or just kids talking to enjoy it to the fullest. While at my family’s house my kids often disappear with their cousins, and I can take the time to enjoy my music to the fullest. I can even combine this with my walk.
Finally, take that nice long shower/bath you never have time for. In fact, while you are there add in some of our amazing bath and body products to help you come out feeling refreshed and relaxed.
Whatever you choose to do to relax, remember to make time for it since you want to have a good time visiting family and if you are stressed and tired you will not enjoy your visit.
