08 Dec [CLOSED] Ways to Recharge and Relax these Holidays

When the holiday season rolls around, you tend to forget to take some time to recharge and rest. Between family, travelling, feasting and socializing, you might struggle to catch your breath, so I thought I’d share small ways that you can make the most of your time off, these holidays.

Take some time each morning

I often find myself awake before everyone well… except for Eli, who is usually the reason that I am awake! I have made it a habit to get up, make a cup of coffee, sit on the floor of my lounge and reflect. I might slap on a face mask, paint my nails, watch YouTube or even journal.  I have fallen in love with this time of the day because it’s MY time – there is no one demanding or expecting anything of me, there is no noise or blinking phones, it’s just me, my coffee and Eli crawling around on the floor. I like using this time to prepare myself for the day ahead, I might mentally run through what I need to do, write down a few goals or even brainstorm new blog ideas.

Plan for the silly season

Take the stress out of the silly season by planning your day ahead. Keep in mind that shopping centres are going to be overcrowded and that traffic is going to be a nightmare, so give yourself more time to get things done. I find that we make silly mistakes when stress and that in hind sight, we know we could have avoided had we just taken more time to be cautious.

Schedule “ME” Time

The holidays aren’t even here, and I already have family scheduling me in for events and activities. As much as I adore spending time with the family, I also have to factor in that by the 2^nd or 3^rd day of full activities, my kids and I are exhausted which leads to tantrums and me having a short fuse. So, this year, I am taking the pressure off me and allowing myself to have “me” days, where we aren’t scheduled to do anything and where we might skip on attending an event or two. Instead, I am going to pull out a book, sit in the garden with a face mask on, and watch the kids discover new adventures in our yard – completely content and guilt-free!

Ask for help

Good gracious, navigating a mall with a baby and toddler during the festive season is tough.  TOUGH! So, I have learnt to ask the people close to me for more help by scheduling Axl for playdates with his granny and aunt, so that D and I can get some shopping done (oh, and grab lunch at a restaurant that doesn’t have a kids’ section!). It’s okay to ask for help!

Disconnect

When was the last time that you disconnected? Whether it’s spending time with family, visiting a local park, or just enjoying time on your own, don’t forget to disconnect for a bit. Twitter and Instagram will still be around when you get back, so go discover new places, meet new faces and try new things!

Settle down at the end of each day

Don’t forget to settle down at the end of each day to reflect on events, special memories and what you are grateful for. I usually use this time to do my night-time skin routine, slip on something light and comfortable and climb into bed with the kids before watching a Christmas movie.

Treat your Skin

Whether you’re taking time to settle down at the end of a long day or prepping for a new one, the Elizabeth Arden PREVAGE City Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask is a perfect way to treat and defend your skin. “It acts like a liquid magnet to lift and remove impurities instantly while resurfacing skin and enhancing its natural detoxification system. Peel to reveal a brighter, smoother, virtually poreless-looking complexion.“

Shop Elizabeth Arden at leading retailers. Don’t forget to follow them on Facebook and Instagram for exclusive deals, tips and more!

Blogmas Competition

Elizabeth Arden have kindly collaborated with me this Blogmas, to give away a Prevage Smart Double Action Detox Peel Off Mask, valued at R850. All you have to do is fill in the widget below to be entered to win. Remember that by entering, you also stand the chance of winning the grand prize of a combined hamper that includes all 15 Blogmas prizes. To learn more about Blogmas, read here.

Blogmas – Elizabeth Arden Prevage Mask

Megan Kelly

I am Megan Kelly, the creator behind By Megan Kelly, mom of two boys, named Axl and Eli, and local business owner providing digital marketing solutions. I live on copious amounts of coffee, can be bribed with chocolate and will never admit to having too much makeup – although, I probably do.