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.

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

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.

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.

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?

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!

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

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!