In A World of Good Tidings and Holiday Cheer There Is ALWAYS Chaos….

Nothing screams the holidays like the sound of Mariah Carey’s iconic hit “All I Want For Christmas Is You” blasting from every car, home, and retail store at the chime of midnight on the Friday after Thanksgiving (in fact I am listening to the “Super Festive” version with Justin Bieber as we speak for motivation, and to wake me up). With that said, at the same time, it also sends everyone into a panic because we all realize that we have a short window of time left to get our gifts, decorate our homes, get a Christmas tree (unless you are one of those people who like to have the tree up and decorated for Thanksgiving….then you’re ahead of the game), decorate said tree, wrap gifts, and start planning your holiday dinner menu or what cookies you are going to bake for the annual work party or your friend’s cookie swap. I mean the list goes on and on for all the things that you need to get done. Hence, why this is titled “Holiday Craze”, we’re all literally going CRAZY.

Somehow in this craziness, though we need to find time to relax and unwind so we don’t lose our minds in the chaos of the holidays. I am someone who has learned over the last year more and more since my brain tumor diagnosis and surgery, that taking time for myself and doing a little R&R is good for not only the mind but the body and the soul.

This R&R comes in many forms for me and can come in many forms for you. The point is to do something that relaxes you and makes you feel recharged and re-energized. I learned a lot about filling the well or cup, rather than constantly just draining it (aka giving yourself energy while things are taking away energy). This has been so important to me and finding the simplest ways to do that have been massively impactful in my day to day life.

This post was meant to be a simple one because if you are dedicated follower, you’re probably reading this on your phone while standing in line at the store to get your last gifts or food for your holiday dinners, or maybe you’re reading it in between work projects as a mental break. So with that said, below are a few examples of what you can do (and what I liked to do) to fill my cup and re-energize myself so that I can keep on keeping on with my day, and especially with tackling all that needs to be done during the holidays.

Tips for Re-Energizing:

1.) Treat yourself to a short spa experience - Even something as simple as a fresh manicure and pedicure can make all the difference. I recently did this a couple of weekends ago prior to wrapping up some holiday shopping, and after a long week of work. Definitely worth it and made me feel so much more relaxed having a conversation with my manicurist and just taking some me-time.

2.) Wind down with some good music or a book - This tip works great for helping fall asleep faster too (as noted in my previous post on Sleep Habits), but is also great for de-stressing and upping your energy levels after a long day. I like to listen to music as I am laying in bed, even if I am browsing the internet, in the car after work, before work, or both, or while I am out and about. It’s kind of hard to be mad or have road rage when you are blasting some of your favorite music and jamming out along the way. Reading a book is great way for me to take a deep breath and relax. This also a bedtime favorite activity for me, or something to do on the weekend or in the evening after work with some tea or cocoa (tis the season!) before heading to bed.

3.) At-home spa retreat - Don’t want to fork out the funds to get a mani/pedi or a facial at your favorite salon? Have no fear, because Ulta, Sephora, Target, or your nearest drugstore are here to save the day! I love taking a Friday evening and throwing on my favorite movie or TV show, grabbing a few shades of nail polish, and giving myself an at-home mani/pedi. Sheet masks or mud masks are easy and come in a variety of price points that I like to do after a hot shower or before bed on those same nights. Nothing feels better than taking care of my skin and just treating myself to look and feel my best.

4.) Plan a small social gathering or get together with a close friend or a few close friends - Sometimes when I am feeling stressed out or like I need to regroup I’ll text one of my closest friends to see if we can get together. Sometimes a good vent sesh over some food and drinks is good for the soul. Likely, they are dealing with the same stresses that you are and you’ll have plenty to chat about. Having someone who you can lean on and who can lean on you in times of stress and chaos makes you feel less alone, and more at ease that you’re not the only one going through this. Plus taking the time to get dressed up to go out and be with good company is an energizer all on its own.

5.) Go visit your favorite place - I don’t care if it’s a bookstore, coffee shop, or the beach, go to your favorite place and spend some time there. When I am feeling overwhelmed at work in my own personal life, I have a favorite beach that I enjoy visiting. I’ll go after work or while I’m out and make sure I get some time in there. Even if it’s just 20 minutes to walk down a bit and back. Feeling the sand beneath my feet, walking through the water, and taking in the salty air is healing on its own. I feel more relaxed and at peace. It’s a great place to think too. Going to your favorite place where you can enjoy something, whether it’s reading over the latest comics, scanning the aisles of the latest adds to the bookstore, going to your favorite coffee shop or bistro and enjoying a cup of coffee or meal, or anywhere else that you fancy, can really help you reset.

Have your own tips or ways of recharging during this time of year not mentioned below? Drop a comment at the end of this post!