Tips to De-stress Before the Holiday Crush + Zoe Organics Giveaway!

 

Sometimes it feels like the holidays come and go in a flash. Perhaps it’s because your average to-do list, which can feel insurmountable on a normal day, becomes ever more engorged. Parties, gifting, traveling, hosting, extended visits with family — all wonderful things in theory, so why are we so often left feeling out of breath, out of time, and out of patience? I don’t know about you, but when I’m super busy I tend to overlook the simple habits that can have the biggest impact. Today I’m sharing some simple things I’m aspiring to do that can help mitigate the stress that creeps up during this time of the year. Yes, this is the season of giving — but if you give too much of yourself without taking time to recharge, well – that’s when things get hairy. Here we go…

1. Drink water, lots and lots of water.

Fatigue, irritability, and moodiness are some of the first signs you’re not getting enough water. It is far easier to get dehydrated than you would imagine. Water energizes, enhances clear thinking, and helps your body function at a basic level. This leads to a more balanced, better functioning you. If you want to make it through the holiday season in one piece, make sure you are drinking plenty of water every single day. As a bonus, water is filling, so if you’re trying not to overindulge this holiday season, drink up. Drinking an herbal tea that supports your adrenal system and eases stress is a great way to get more water, too. Look for tulsi tea, also known as holy basil.

2. Schedule “me” time and do not stand yourself up.

Time for yourself means different things for different people. Maybe you are a runner. If so, lace up your running shoes and go. Maybe you knit or meditate or shop. Personally, especially during this time of the year, my favorite way to spend “me” time is in a hot bath. I queue up a few podcasts and apply a face mask (here are two lovely options) before sinking into the tub. My bath always, ALWAYS includes some kind of bath salts infused with essential oils. You can make your own by adding 7 to 8 drops of a gentle essential oil like lavender or eucalyptus to a cup of epsom salt. Purchasing ready-made bath soaks is a great timesaver and a little more luxurious than DIY. Integrity Botanicals carries great options, including one from Zoe Organics called Mama’s Ritual Bath Soak that has a gorgeous blend of geranium, lavender, eucalyptus, bergamot, frankincense, and ylang ylang to de-stress and relax.

3. Delegate something on your to-do list.

Often the first to take on additional roles and responsibilities, women may feel compelled to do it all, and do it like a Martha Stewart superstar. Let’s get real, Martha Stewart has teams of assistants. Hosting a party or a dinner, for example, doesn’t have to be a one-woman show. The most important thing is to enjoy your company. Avoid becoming the fatigued and frantic hostess by delegating some of your prep to other family members or professionals. If you’re hosting, make this the one time of the year you splurge on a cleaning service, or purchase your desserts from that incredible pastry shop everyone raves about. Outsource services of all kinds when you can. If wrapping presents isn’t your thing, shop where gift wrapping is available, like Integrity Botanicals.

4. Say no when you need to.

Whether you’re a total introvert or a social butterfly, you know your limits better than anyone else. Don’t let FOMO (fear of missing out), a false sense of responsibility, or anything else lead you down the path of over-commitment. This doesn’t just pertain to social engagements. Sometimes you need to say no to work and take time away to recharge. Americans are chronically overworked. Thankfully, the idea that real vacations lead to more productivity in the long run has begun to gain traction. You’ll enjoy the holidays more fully if you’re able to set aside work projects for more than a day. That includes excessively checking your email and social media accounts.

5. Just let go and enjoy yourself.

This tip is the least tangible, but it’s undoubtedly the most important. At the end of the day, it’s about honoring traditions and spending time with the important people in our lives. Yes, it can be a logistical nightmare to navigate the many parts that make up our holidays. Isn’t that just part of life? Set aside any expectations you have of yourself or of others that lead you to a negative headspace and just enjoy whatever moment you’re in. When I need to hit reset, I use aromatherapy. In my book, deep breathing + essential oils = a quick path to a balanced mood. If you’re interested in this approach, Integrity Botanicals has you covered with Zoe Organics Mama’s Ritual Aromatherapy Oil. Roll on, breath in, and enjoy the holidays.

 Integrity Botanicals is giving away a Zoe Organics Mama’s Ritual Gift Set! This set includes the Mama’s Ritual Bath Soak, Mama’s Ritual Aromatherapy Oil, and the Mama’s Ritual Aromatherapy Candle. Enter below! Tell us in the comments what you do to de-stress.

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10 thoughts on “Tips to De-stress Before the Holiday Crush + Zoe Organics Giveaway!

  1. I love lighting some fresh fall smelling candles, taking walks out in nature, and a nice warm bath with your favorite beauty products doesn’t hurt! 🙂

  2. To destress during the holidays, I realize that mostly everything I want to do is what I want to do. I make sure to eat and really enjoy the foods I like to eat. I also make sure to get in some yoga and exercise so that my body is awake and I feel energized. At the end of the day, I take a hot bubble bath and some relaxing body scrubs, to combat the cold and invigorate my skin in the cold temperatures. I end the day with some fuzzy slippers, warm PJs, and a hot cup of tea, while reading in bed with a beautiful smelling candle. During the holidays, as stressful as it is, I make sure to take some “me time.”

  3. I’m with you – a warm bath with some podcasts. Sounds ideal to me to de-stress. I haven’t had time to do much of that with a 2-year old, though!

  4. I make sure to schedule time to really enjoy my favorite holiday traditions, like picking out a tree, decorating the house, and watching my favorite holiday movies. Enjoying a mug of hot cocoa in front of the fireplace always helps, too!

  5. Remember to smile! I just love the holidays and being around my family and loved ones. Really use this thanksgiving as a moment in time to be thankful!!! Let us live in the moment tomorrow!

  6. Sadly cleaning and working out help me destress. I think just concentrating on something and sweating, helps me forget about the issues causing me stress. 🙂

  7. I’ve been establishing new traditions with my own family. I find comfort and peace in it. This year we are following the tradition of Advent. Taking a little bit of time out of our day to reflect upon why we celebrate Christmas as a family brings a smile to my face every day.

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About Susannah Compton

Susannah Compton is the founder and formulator behind Florescent, a line of 100% botanical perfumes she blends in small batches from organic and wild crafted aromatics. Plant-based skincare and cosmetics are a way of life for Susannah, who writes about clean beauty and the benefits of botanical ingredients for No More Dirty Looks, Thoughtfully Magazine and Integrity Botanicals. Florescent, however, is Susannah’s personal expression of healthy beauty. Susannah has been working with botanical aromatics for years, blending first for therapeutic purposes before delving into the art of perfumery. Having rarely experienced the depth and complexity of true botanicals in conventional perfume, she learned the art of blending and created what her heart desired — a scent that would move her the way perfume should. In search of those elevating, ethereal bouquets of scent, Susannah honed her skills behind the perfume bench. She launched Florescent in the spring of 2015 to share the lush experience and pleasing ritual of real perfume.