Holiday Stress Relief

December 16, 2015

That post title sounds a little loaded when you consider I just got back from a cruise and am about to go to Mexico, but try not to throw anything at me, k? Holidays can be an extra stressful for a million reasons, so I’m a firm believer in taking advantage of alone time or even just being a little selfish. Between scouring the whole mall/internet for the perfect gift, wrapping up end-of-year projects at work, and traveling alongside snot-nosed strangers on airplanes, you deserve it!  Everyone relaxes differently and treats themselves differently, but here’s how I unwound this week.  The pictures are less than stellar because I just used my cell phone and left Josh (who normally takes the photos!) at home.

Apparently Shannon and I have the same color preferences when it comes to purses.

First, my sister came up from my parent’s house.  Being a college student, she just finished final exams — in desperate need of a mental detox!! We started with pedicures extra splurged on the milk and honey pedicures with a wax dip and hot stone massage — it was pretty luxurious. It’s pretty much mandatory that every mall have a place for pedicures and some even offer mini or express pedicures to get you back out and shopping, so it’s the perfect pit stop to recharge a little while you’re out. Plus, those massage chairs. I’ve been feeling a little sniffly, so I grabbed a Defense Up cold press juice (made by Evolution Fresh) from Starbucks on my way in. Can’t appreciate all that holiday family time if you have a cold, right?  If you like pineapple, orange, and mango, this is definitely a smart juice choice. It had a little bit of pulp, but not so much to bother me, the ultimate pulp hater.

It took forever for our nails to dry — glad I had my juice!

After pedis, we popped into my favorite sushi place for dinner. It’s on the opposite side of town from the mall, which is ideal during shopping season! The further away from the mall, the less likely you’re going to get overflow shoppers looking for a place to eat. Sushi is also just my happy food. It’s fun and always just feels like a treat because it’s not something I normally make at home (though I have!).  My new favorite thing is inari sushi. It’s a tofu pocket stuffed with rice, mmmm. I could eat a million.  After dinner, we headed back to my house and my sister loaded up her car with holiday presents to take home and wrap before we get together next week — teamwork! Not having to wrap all of my own presents — the best treat of all!

Ugh, those delicious sweet tofu pockets!

I know for many people, money gets tight around holidays or the urge to go out in public practically disappears. If you’re looking for some more low key ideas to unwind or appreciate some you time, here are some of my favs:

• Take a bath — bonus points if you throw in a homemade bath bomb. I’m toying with posting my recipe, but if you’re in a hurry, this one is pretty fool proof.
• Read a book — find a cozy warm spot, pull your kitties in close for cuddles and just read.
• Drink and think — grab a fancy coffee, a cold pressed juice, or even a smoothie then sit down and take the time to actually enjoy it. No TV. No phone. Just you, your thoughts, and your beverage. They’re only a couple bucks (if you prefer to make your own coffee, try a cinnamon latte or honey mocha.
• Go to bed early — you can wrap present #8503 tomorrow. Tonight, you’re getting all your Z’s.

Pickled ginger is also a favorite of mine. That pile lasted like 4 seconds. Weird, I know.

How do you snag a moment to yourself or just relax a little this time of year?

I received free product and promotional items from Evolution Fresh to facilitate this conversation. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thanks for supporting the brands I love!

Tagged with: Holidays • Stress • Treat Yoself