We’ve made it to the holiday season! While this time of year is full of celebration, love, and cheer, it can also be really stressful for a variety of reasons — and it’s okay if you feel that way. During the holidays we give so much to others and focus on their needs and happiness. It’s a beautiful way to celebrate our love and gratitude, but I’m here to help make sure you take time for yourself as well. There is SO much to celebrate and to be proud of and by giving back to yourself, you’ll be able to give that much more to others, too. You can’t pour from an empty cup (or in this case, glass ;)).
While this holiday season may look different than usual, I want to share some ideas of ways you can unwind and connect with yourself in order to make the most of this time of year! I suggest pairing these activities with my new favorite beverage, Plume & Petal. It’s truly everything I’ve ever looked for in an alcohol brand — minimally and naturally sweetened (nothing artificial!), and infused with delicate, light, and refreshing flavors. It is proof that simple tastes best, because no joke, I was blown away by how good it is! For a bit more detail, it’s a premium, mid-proof vodka infused with delicate flavors and just a hint of honey. It even has 30% fewer calories than a glass of white wine. WIN, WIN, WIN.
When my friend Jordan came over, we tried it over just over ice first and LOVED it completely on its own! You can also add some club soda to make it a spritz! It comes in three varieties:
Cucumber Splash: Refreshing infusion of cucumber, lemongrass & chamomile tea with a hint of honey.
Lemon Drift: Refreshing infusion of lemon, elderflower & white tea with a hint of honey — tastes like summer + sunshine!
Peach Wave: Refreshing infusion of white peach, lavender & black tea with a hint of honey — perfect for brunch!
Find Plume and Petal at a retailer by you here!
So now that I’ve sold you on Plume & Petal, it’s time to dive into some self-care ideas! This time of year is a big time to connect with others, so I’m here to help you connect with yourself as well. All of these can be done within the comfort of your home!
SELF-CARE IDEAS
- Enjoy a brunch at home, completing the spread with a glass of Plume & Petal! Puppies optional like Jordan and I did with her dog, Jakey!
- DIY spa day! Wear your robe, do some face masks, put cucumbers over your eyes (and in your drink).
- Date night + happy hour at home!
- Set a morning routine! I personally love my morning “me time” before work starts, as a chance to meditate, drink my coffee, and journal (see prompts below!). Starting the day with this slow pace really sets the tone for the day!
- FaceTime a friend or family member and share how you feel. Expressing how you feel and asking for support is so important, and connection is a huge form of self-care!
- Turn your home into a zen-den! Clean your space, light candles, sage your space, buy flowers, disconnect from tech, and enjoy the peaceful energy.
- Spend time outside. Go for a walk, connect to nature, and appreciate your surroundings and the sunshine.
- Dance it out. Take a break and just move freely. It feels soo good to release!
- Spend a day offline + disconnected. Whether you are by yourself or with others, enjoy being present.
- Zoom game night! Get competitive and make everyone jealous of your Plume & Petal drink :).
- Buy yourself a present! While buying for everyone else, treat yourself too!
- Join virtual retreats and workouts! Enjoy learning alongside those with similar interests and soak up the positive energy!
- Let go of what no longer serves you. Clean out your closet and donate!
- Say “no.” Set boundaries, they are so important for you and your well-being!
- Get lost in a book. I absolutely love reading as a form of self-care because it’s such a nice mental escape.
- Have a movie night! Get the popcorn, candy, Plume & Petal and cozy up!
- Rest. Sometimes doing nothing is the best form of self-care, especially during this busy time of year. Listen to your body.
- Try a new recipe! Cook a nourishing meal for yourself or for a date night with a friend/significant other/roommate!
- Create something. Write, draw, color. Get artistic and enjoy the freedom of letting it all flow.
- Give yourself a pep-talk. Say positive affirmations out loud or write them on post-it’s for daily reminders. You should be so proud of everything that you are doing. You are enough. You are worthy. You are capable of anything you set your mind to.
SELF-CARE JOURNALING PROMPTS
- Check-in with yourself. Write down one word to describe how you currently feel or have been feeling lately. Be honest with yourself and embrace wherever you are.
- List at least three things that you are grateful for right now.
- List at least three things that you’re proud of right now. More than ever, we need to take time to celebrate the little wins.
- When do you feel most supported? How can you support yourself more??
- What makes you smile the most? What makes you the happiest? How can you incorporate more of this into your life?
- We’re constantly focusing on the qualities of those who inspire us. Know that you have those qualities within yourself, and you also have those that make you unique. What unique qualities about yourself do you love? Think about how good it feels to receive compliments and take time to give them to yourself.
- What makes you feel calm? Maybe it’s a happy place. Close your eyes and visualize it. Visualize yourself there. Write or draw the details. Soak up that feeling.
- How are you prioritizing yourself right now? What self-care are you practicing? How can you do more of this for yourself? Let this be a time to set that intention.
Cheers to you this holiday season! No matter how you choose to spend it, I hope you find moments of calm and time to unwind, sip, and celebrate YOU. You deserve it.
This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Plume & Petal. All opinions are 100% mine.
Photos by Paige Babilla