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6 Ways to De-stress Around the Holidays (Plus a Giveaway)

We all love the holidays, but man can they be stressful! When my free time vanishes and my to-do list doubles sometimes it’s hard for me to remember to relax and not to over think things – to just sit back, enjoy this time of year and above all, be thankful. It’s okay if my tree isn’t perfectly decorated or that I still haven’t finished my Christmas shopping or that I forgot to get butter for that dessert I’m making and now I have to go back to the grocery store, again. It’s okay. I’ll take a deep breath and find time in my busy schedule to unwind and de-stress my brain.

destress-holidays-spa

TREAT YOURSELF

Holidays are a time of doing things for others, but it shouldn’t be at the expense of your sanity. One of my absolute favorite ways to relax and restore myself is a simple at home spa night, even if its just a Tuesday. I keep it simple by just focusing on one thing, like rehabbing my dehydrated winter skin. Before I hop in the shower, I’ll dry brush my skin from head to toe. In the shower I exfoliate my bod with a lavender infused salt scrub. I try to do a face mask twice a week, holidays or not. This is my favorite mask. I follow with a super moisturizing nighttime face serum and eye cream. Oh, and I try to drink lots of water (sometimes I get fancy put a lemon in there) during this process.

Watch a Funny Movie

WATCH A FUNNY MOVIE

The saying holds up, laughter is the best medicine. Pop some popcorn, curl up on the couch and watch a really funny movie. I love watching those gut busting comedies that have me nearly tearing up from fits of laughter like this movie, this movie and then there’s always this classic holiday movie that just makes me happy! Oldies, but goodies.

destress-holidays-read

GET LOST IN A BOOK

I have a really bad habit at night of being on my phone while laying in bed. Partly because it’s my alarm clock, but mostly because I’m a data junkie. This month I’m trying to put the phone away and grab a book to decompress my brain (usually with my favorite decaf tea) before turning in. At the moment, I’m reading “Wild”, but can’t wait to read this book and this book next. My data junkie habits pop up in the morning, just after waking up I usually check the weather or emails, uh, instgram again. I know it’s bad. So, I’m putting down the phone to grab myself a hot cup of coffee and wakeup without the online buzz. It feels so much better.

destress-holidays-bed

GO TO BED EARLY

I know, I know. It’s easier said then done, but your body will thank you and your thoughts will be more focused the next morning. I’m not a fun person to be around when I’m sleep deprived, I mean, who is right?

rock climbing at vertical endeavors

BREAK A SWEAT

My exercise of choice is heated yoga. I’ve never been a gym person and I tried running again this past summer, and mildly liked it. But yoga, that’s my happy place. I always leave super sweaty with a big smile on my face. Recently, my sister introduced me to rock climbing. It’s actually a great strength workout, but the best part is that feeling of accomplishment when reach the top! I highly recommend giving it a try!

destress-holidays-unplug

UNPLUG

As I mentioned above, I’m awful at unplugging. There’s just so much going on during the holidays I get this “must keep up” feeling, but I’m learning – or telling – myself it’s okay if you miss stuff. Actually, it’s good. Turning off the noise is good and for me it clears my thoughts. Most importantly it has me indulging in my own holiday happenings, wether it’s quietly hanging stockings at home or laughing with friends over a bottle of wine.

+ HOLIDAY GIVEAWAY

caribou coffee holiday giveaway

This post was made in collaboration with Caribou Coffee, who is also hosting a holiday themed giveaway to help you relax and enjoy this festive time of year! One winner will receive a basket of goodies from Caribou Coffee’s holiday line. My favorite holiday drink at the moment is Caribou Coffee’s Spicy Mocha! I like that it isn’t to sweet. Okay. Back to the giveaway…

Here’s how to enter:
1. Visit Caribou Coffee’s pinterest and instagram
2. Comment below with your favorite thing about the holidays

One winner will be chosen at random on December 12th, 2014! Good luck and happy holidays!

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The Comments

  • Joana
    December 5, 2014

    Love your hair!
    Where are you from?

    xx

    • Kitty
      > Joana
      December 5, 2014

      Thanks! I’m from the great snowy state of Minnesota!

  • Melissa
    December 6, 2014

    The best part of the holidays is the smell of fresh pine. It reminds me of Maine. And I’m reading “Wild” too! Do you like it so far?

  • Jaclyn
    December 6, 2014

    My favorite thing about the holidays is the Christmas music! Listening to it in the car, at your desk at work, or while decorating really sets the Christmas mood!

  • Liesl
    December 7, 2014

    I have to say – my favorite thing about the holidays is all the baking my mom and I do. It’s like a cookie factory! And I appreciate this blog post, always a good reminder to slow down a bit and take care of yourself this time of year.

  • Kenny Hall
    December 8, 2014

    My absolute favorite thing about the holidays is decorating! Love putting our tree up, garland, and lights outside our house- so fun!

  • Denise Konkel
    December 8, 2014

    I love being with family! We do all sorts of fun things like baking cookies and going to a tree farm.

  • Jordan Gibbs
    December 9, 2014

    I love the great family time and religious aspects! Thank you for the giveaway! :)

  • Nicki
    December 9, 2014

    YUM that spicy mocha sounds so good. My favorite thing about the holidays is the music! And of course, everyone seems to be a little bit happier so I love the Christmas spirit. :-)

  • manda
    December 9, 2014

    Love the food, the lights, and of course the family.

  • Maryann D.
    December 9, 2014

    I visited Pinterest and Instagram and I follow.

    My favorite things about the holidays are visiting family, and looking at all the lovely Christmas Lights.

  • Madden Zappa
    December 9, 2014

    I love going home once finals are over and being able to spend time with family. And of course, baking holiday treats!

  • Elizabeth
    December 9, 2014

    The thing I love most about the holidays is that special warm feeling that you get when something you give or do makes someone smile.

  • Chris Romaca
    December 9, 2014

    Favorite thing about the holidays is spending time with family and drinking caribou coffee!

  • Emmy
    December 9, 2014

    My favorite part of the holiday season is cross country skiing! And spending time being cozy indoors too!

  • Pat Engen
    December 10, 2014

    Listening to Christmas music, watching holiday movies and making lefsa and eating oyster stew!!!

  • Mary D
    December 10, 2014

    My favorite thing about the holiday is going with my family to see the train gardens at local fire stations. We also can’t miss a stop at 34th Street in Baltimore!

  • Melissa Anderson
    December 10, 2014

    My favorite thing about the holidays is catching up with relatives from out of town and enjoying good food together!

  • Susan DeVaux
    December 10, 2014

    My favorite part of the holiday is getting together with family and baking a ton of cookies.

  • Katie Zerkel
    December 10, 2014

    My favorite thing about the holidays is time spent with family!!

  • Dianne Hall
    December 11, 2014

    Christmas movies are my favorite! Look forward to them all year.

  • Clare Tea (@icitea)
    December 11, 2014

    My favorite thing about the holidays is the shouts of “merry christmas” and “happy holidays” from everyone! It’s nice to feel like you ‘re in a community again…

  • Nate B
    December 11, 2014

    My favorite part of the holidays is sharing the joy of the holidays with my son. Makes it much more special now that he can get as excited as I did when I was a kid. Holidays are much more special when you can share the joy with children

  • Kimberly
    December 12, 2014

    My favorite thing about the holiday season is decorating cookies and dressing my dog up in christmas costumes!