Relaxing

Having trouble relaxing during the holiday season? Join the group! I'm sure all of us need some extra TLC during the craziest time of the year. From gift shopping to putting up with painful convos with relatives you only see once a year, trying to figure out how to relax can seem like another task on the never ending to do list. Well, I got ya covered! Here are a few ways to relax, recharge, and pamper yourself a little! 

​Have some YOU time

Nothing's more important in your life, than YOU! Some people don't care to spend time alone and some can't live without it (like me). Either way, with so much going on everyday, alone time can really make a difference in your mood. If you're feeling overwhelmed, go take a walk around your neighborhood or during work, even if it's just 10-15 minutes. During the walk, disconnecting is key! Don't look at messages or emails, just walk and admire the day and the people around you. When I'm really feeling crazy, I'll take a walk and find a nice place to sit and NOT listen to music but just breathe and enjoy doing absolutely N O T H I N G. You'd be surprised at what 10 minutes of silence or a lap around the block can do! 
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​Pamper yourself

​One of my favorite ways to decompose is doing a mini spa at home! ​Super inexpensive but definitely effective. First things first, get yourself a comfy, beautiful robe to create a mood (ya know like you're really in some nice spa but you're the owner, workers and the customer haha). This gorgeous robe is from Kim + Ono, a local SF shop that makes silk robes with original watercolor designs. I truly feel like an angel when I wear this robe so perfect for my spa times! Next, focus on whatever you want- hair, face, nails, or everything! I like to start with a bath with a bath bomb while having a face mask on... talk about luxury livin'. If I don't have that much time though, I'll stick with just a face and under eye masks and maybe touch up my nails/ cuticles. After you take some time to refreshen and pamper yourself, you'll feel like a new person! 
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Here are some real life examples :) 

​Write or read

If you're not big into reading or writing, maybe give it try when you're feeling stressed. Rather than binge on a new series, try a new book! I promise you will feel less guilty binging on a good book than finishing an entire series in one sitting. Reading a good book whether it's mystery, romance, comedy, or whatever interests you, can take you out of your everyday life and put you right in the middle of a new location with new people who have new problems (that importantly aren't yours haha). I'm currently reading Bonfire by Krysten Ritter- I'll get back to you guys on how much I like it. If you need amazing recommendations though, I have some books that you'll never want to end! And don't forget kindles! Download a book or short story on your phone so you can read it whenever you have some extra time! If you're just not a reader, then let's talk about writing! Writing can be so therapeutic because sometimes you can't verbally explain how you feel, but writing or typing it out can be so easy when you get the ball rolling. If you're angry or upset, writing a letter to no one, or someone but not sending it, is the best way to work through those frustrations or mixed emotions without causing further issues. I love working out my issues by writing out what I'm truly feeling and when I'm overwhelmed, LISTS LISTS LISTS!!!! I'm a HUGE list person, ask Mike. My life consists of to do lists, grocery lists, want/need lists, and so many more weird little lists I make throughout the day. It helps to remember, to keep me focused, and honestly it's a stress reliever seeing everything on paper.  So go on, try making a list or writing down your feelings!  
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So these are just a few ways I've learned that are effective without dropping serious bucks or taking up hours of my day. Making sure you're balanced is so important, especially during such crazy busy times like the holidays. I try to do at least one of these things every few days to keep my creative juices flowing and so I don't become an angry troll that yells at mike for not washing the dishes quick enough (yeah sorry babe haha). 

What ways do you like to relax? Do you already practice any of these? I love finding new ways to relax, let me know! 

xx,
Gabs