Holiday Guide for Important Self-Care & Successful Planning!

It’s hard to believe that it is November… it’s hard to fathom that it is Fall… and it’s unbelievable that the holidays are almost upon us!  With that said, the hustle-and-bustle of the season has begun, and so does the hectic craziness that usually accompanies the festivities of this time of year. At this time, more than ever, it is so important to take a minute to organize tasks, as well as care for ourselves. Organization and planning are the keys to ensuring better time management, and in developing a schedule for those necessary self-care activities. All are crucial components in maintaining composure and sanity throughout the holiday season.

Here are some time-saving, planning tips for the upcoming holidays:

1. Make a food shopping list for Thanksgiving – Start now and jot down food items needed to plan for your dinner dishes.  You can begin to pick up the non-perishable items now, as well as those items that you can refrigerate or freeze until the holiday nears.
2. Make a holiday gift list – Make a list of those you are looking to buy gifts (and set a budget as well). You can also number the gifts to prioritize for most important items.
3. Start holiday shopping now – I find that the earlier you start shopping, the better. Sales and discounts have already begun, so keep an eye out. Try to order/pick up items ahead of time when possible, and be sure to check them off your list as you buy. 
4. Make a holiday card list – A list including names and addresses of family & friends is always helpful when it’s time to send cards. Start your list this month, if you haven’t already. (And, if you’re planning on ordering/sending a photo card, start looking for a picture now!) 
5. Holiday dinner menus – Make a list of dinner menus for each holiday. This will enable you to make your food shopping lists faster, easier and ahead of time. (See tip #1.)
6. Make a list of tasks – List every task that you can think of that you feel will need to be accomplished before the holidays arrive.  Once complete, you can then assign these tasks to specific dates and give yourself deadlines to accomplish them.  Try to spread out your holiday to-do list over the course of the season, as it will feel less overwhelming and time-consuming.

And last, but not least… 

7. Plan your downtime! –  All of these tasks will keep you better organized, and allow for more time for you to practice self-care.

Here are some self-care tips to keep in mind as you plan & work through the holidays:

1. Breath Deeply – In the morning, before you begin your day, spend a few minutes taking a few deep breaths. It is known that deep-breathing exercises decrease stress by slowing the heart rate and lowering blood pressure.  
2. Pray or Meditate – When you can, spend a few more minutes in the morning (during or after your deep breathing) to spend some time in meditation or prayer.  Sit up straight, close your eyes and linger in positive thoughts. This cannot only reduce stress, but can help to focus your mind, resulting in better outcomes throughout your day.
3. Exercise – Getting your body moving on a routine basis works wonders for your muscles and your psyche. These movements can provide a necessary respite from the normal physical posturing brought on by long, busy days.
4. Aromatherapy –  The best thing about this tactic, is you can choose from various methods of ‘sweet smells’, i.e. candles, diffusers, oils, incense, etc.  And, you can vary the scents based on your mood. Who doesn’t like sweet scents?… Pick your pleasure and inhale!
5. Take a warm bath or shower – Never underestimate the power of warm water.  This sensation alone has the capability to relieve sore muscles, release tension, and lift stress & anxiety from both the body and spirit.
6. Take a stroll or sit outside for a while – Getting a good dose of fresh air daily, does a body good! Take a friend with you, or use this time to meditate &/or pray.

7. Listen to your favorite music – Whatever the genre, try to listen when you need to temporarily distract your thoughts and exist in another place for a time.  (For me, Christmas music is relaxing, sentimental and uplifting – all at the same time. It’s an awesome way to keep me calm and centered.)
8. Get a good night’s sleep – This one is pretty self-explanatory. Now, I know that it is often easier said than done.  Rejuvenating yourself with sleep is crucial in not only relieving stress, but preparing your body and mind for the day that lies ahead.  And all of this helps you to better handle any obstacles or challenges that may come your way.  (And when you can, try to squeeze in a good nap during the day as well… it works wonders!)
9. Laugh whenever you get the opportunity! – I am an avid supporter of laughter, as I feel it is therapeutic for the soul. Laugh soft, laugh loud, laugh hard! Laugh with family, laugh with friends.  It is one of the best diffusers of a stressful moment or a negative thought

Happy Holidays!   -Chintz 💄

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Looking for more posts like this? Click here to read some excerpts written earlier this year.

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