12 Ways to Practice Self Care // Beating the Holiday Stress

Happy December everyone! 

The holidays are upon us, and while they come with more than their fair share of fun ... they can also bring stress. So it seemed like the right time for this post. :)

If you remember this post you'll remember that I was having a rough 2015, and came to some revelations related to self care. Y'all were super supportive, and many of you openly admitted that you struggle with self care too, and shared your favorite ways to practice treating yourselves.


Well, I've finally compiled them! Here you have 50+ ways to practice self care:

1. Going to bed early - sleep is so important for our health and emotional well being. Go to bed just a little earlier every night, it will make a big difference.
2. Going for a walk - the combination of movement, and possibly being outside is a great way to destress and spend some time with others or just your own thoughts.
3. Drinking tea - It's warm, it's calming, it puts your focus somewhere else while you drink it. It can also be a healthier way to intake caffeine. 
4. Doing Yoga - exercise and relaxation all in one.
5. Lighting Candles - when your surroundings are soothing, it is easier to be calm.
6. Taking photos - capturing moments, places, people, and things that are important to you can be a great way to focus on gratitude and creativity.
7. Spend time in or by the water - Water is so good for you, and it can be therapeutic and calming as well. Drink a glass of water, walk by the ocean or another body of water, take a hot bath or shower. Even putting up a picture of a beach or body of water on your wall or screensaver could be helpful. 
8. Read a book - delve into a good story, sit and relax, discuss with friends, reading is a great way to take care of yourself.
9. Bake or cook something - cooking is both active and productive. But it can also be a great way to relax and think, and even a creative outlet.
10. Reading blogs - read about your interests in a format that you enjoy. I love to read blogs to find out what everyone is thinking about and doing. You can find a lot of people discussing things that you are interested in if you just no where to look. It's a great way to join a community as well. Not being totally alone is definitely self care!
11. Cry - (watch a sad movie if you need help getting started) - Brittany & Kristen 
12. Time with pets - pets have been proven to reduce stress which has many health benefits. They lower blood pressure, increase exercise, and have been linked to greater longevity. 
13. Saying "no" - when you are busy, or focusing on taking care of yourself, sometimes you need to say no. Say no to making plans, to taking on new tasks and assignments, to obligations. Sometimes things can seem like fun, and you don't want to say no and hurt feelings, but it's the right thing to do for YOU.
14. Prayer or meditation - both of these can be a great way to de-stress and focus on what is important to you, what is going on in your life. These methods can help you feel connected to something greater than yourself, for a lot of people this helps with stress and self care.
15. Keeping a gratitude journal (even a simple one!) - focusing on gratitude helps you feel more content and focused on the good things.
16. Paint your nails or get a manicure - it doesn't have to be expensive or fancy. A little change can perk you up.
17. Get your hair cut - it's good hygiene, but like with manicures it can give you a much needed change.
18. Get a massage - A great way to think about nothing but relaxing. A great way to reduce muscle tension and stress. 
19. Stay home - sometimes you just need to spend time at home!
20. Go out - sometimes you just really need out of the house!
21. Quality time with your significant other, close friends, or family
22. Write away your stresses - do whatever works for you. Writing is physical so I think it helps, but tear it up, burn it! Do whatever you need to do!
23. Eat healthfully - even when you don't want to, it really does make you feel better!
24. Have a (responsible) drink - alcohol has been suggested to relate to longevity and stress relief. Don't abuse it, but folks who have a drink a day tend to live longer.
25. Listen to music - your favorite album, something from your past, something happy, something you can sing and dance to, something sad... whatever you want. Maybe it's the LOTR soundtrack, whatever works for you!
26. Go out with your significant other, friends or family - time out and about doing something fun can do wonders.Treating it like an occasion makes it different, giving you a change of pace.
27. Treat yourself - buy that ice cream, the new book, the earrings that aren't on sale. You don't have to go crazy, but you don't need to deny yourself everything either. 
28. Clear clutter - clean, organize, get it out of your house! Physical clutter definitely contributes to mental stress!
29. Volunteer
30. Do something nice for someone else - here are 12 ideas! Sometimes self care is letting yourself help others out. Nothing puts a smile on my face like giving a "gift". :) 
31. Use a Planner or Journal to get Organized
32. Revisit your goals - are you striving towards goals that are out of date? Of course that will cause stress. Take some time to reevaluate what you want right now, in three months, in six months, in a year. etc. I was AMAZED how much mine had changed!
33. Organize Something - could be your planner, your closet, anything! Starting with something small gives you quick results, and you'll feel better right away.
34. Scratch something off your to-do list that's been there for a while - again, start small!
35. Spend time outside - even just your neighborhood! Or sit by the water, take in the view of the mountains. We do not spend enough time outdoors (myself so included!)
36. Unplug - give your divided attention to your loved ones, pets, books, to your own self care. It's hard to do, but it is important.
37. Turn the buzzing off on your phone - this one was a game changer for me! I would be juggling work emails buzzing, friends texting about plans, emails from clients and printers all at once. Each buzz had me feeling more and more anxious. It's off now, and I feel so much more calm. I can give my undivided attention to those things individually when I have time to!
38. Turn off notifications in your apps - same as the buzzing, seeing those little red bubbles causes us to feel the need to get rid of them. If they aren't important, turn them off!
39. Unfollow or unfriend - that person who never has anything positive to say? Unfollow. An account you NEVER read? Unfollow. Get that negativity and clutter out of your feed. :) (btw, you can always choose to unfriend instead, but if you don't want to go that far, unfollowing someone's feed is a great way to go!) 
40. Revive an old hobby - you know that thing you love, but are too busy for? Pick it up again. Making it a priority will give you time to do it! Scrapbooking, piano, gardening, etc.
41. Start a new hobby - this could be on your own, or with a friend or significant other. We met a couple on our cruise a few years ago who ballroom dance and practice archery as a couple. Cool! It could be as simple as making a point to read/watch a new genre, learn a language, or as official as joining a group/class/club. (online classes are a great option for homebodies! They have them on all kinds of activities and subjects!) Let me tell you, taking a 6 week belly dancing class was one of most fun things I've tried! & I signed up for a second one after it was over!
42. Plan or take a trip - it doesn't have to be to an exotic location or for 2 weeks to make a difference. A day or weekend spent in a nearby city can do the trick. Sometimes we just need a change in our surroundings. Look at something new for a day!
43. Personalize your desk space at work - making it "you" and homey can make you feel better about being there.
44. Escape reality - sometimes you just need out of your own head. Watch a movie, read a book, start a new TV show. There's nothing quite like diving into a different world for a while to help you forget some of your worries.
45. Make something with your hands - cook, bake, paint, make a wall collage, write out a quote for your desk, build something for your home...  the list goes on! Even making something small can let out some creative energy. Even if you didn't know you had it!
46. Learn about something new - I was such a "school person" - I know not everyone is, but humans are curious by nature... we need to learn. You don't have to full on study something to remember how interesting the world can be. You could do something as small as read an article or facts about something really interesting. Maybe it's about a place you want to visit, or a time period a favorite book was set in, maybe its a new animal or planet that has been discovered... it doesn't matter what it is! Just learning something new can refresh your point of view and zest for life. 
47. Clean out your closest - get rid of all of those clothes that don't fit, you don't wear etc. Return things you don't need but just bought, donate the old stuff, host a clothing swap, empty some hangers. Find out what you are in need of and update those basics! Don't forget the dresser... there are few things that will make you feel worse than ill fitting undies and socks that have lost their elastic. 
48. Go for a drive - long drives always clear my head. Listening to music, putting the windows down. Talking with KC, taking a road trip. On the road can be a great place to relax, and a great place to see nature (depending on where you live!). 
49. Exercise / Move your body - exercise has obvious benefits and allows you to let out some of your energy and emotions. Sometimes, moving is a more feasible option and just as helpful. Taking a 10 minute walk during your work day, taking the stairs at work, dancing to music while cooking dinner or cleaning the house, going to a concert or club to dance... any movement helps!
50. Cut yourself some slack - it's a busy world, and self care can be difficult. It is definitely worth pursuing, but sometimes, acknowledging that you are doing the best you can is a good first step. Letting yourself be ok with where you are, and knowing that baby steps are steps just the same.

A movie and a glass of wine - Emily

I like to cook with the best ingredients. I also like to make Lemon Blueberry buttermilk pancakes on the Sunday. - Bryan

Getting my nails done or treating myself to Starbucks iced green tea! - Kelsey

I get stressed very easily, so I love treating myself to a shop day twice a month! I'll usually give myself an allowance, and I've learned to shop quality over quantity. Some months I might skip that extra shop day and treat myself to a mani/pedi, a trim, or an eyebrow wax; something that'll shake me up a little. - Amanda

I like to buy a new book or a new outfit (when I can- especially the book) and sometimes I like to pamper myself with nails or a new hair do. Otherwise, my favorite way to pamper myself is to take a nap on the weekend curled up with my pups and hubby and not setting an alarm!  -- Oh and to REALLY treat myself (schedule/tour permitting) my absolute favorite thing to do is go to a live show and dance! No better way to release stress! - Megan

Starbucks, getting a pedicure, going out for drinks with friends, taking a bubble bath, going shopping for clothes or makeup, going to a fancy restaurant or making really delicious food at home, a scrumptious dessert, watching tv in bed (which I usually try to avoid for the sake of good sleep hygiene), renting or going to a movie, lighting candles, decorating for different seasons and holidays . . .  - Aubrey

Mix up some type of a DIY facial or body scrub. Take a slow, unrushed shower. Read a book. Go for a slow walk outside. - Bridget

I like getting my brows waxed. Fresh brows are happy brows! - Alicia

Trip to the thrift store! - Twyla

I LOVE getting my hair done! Paying someone to brush my hair makes me feel like a princess. - Brande

Allowing myself serious me time when I need it: even if it doesn't involve changing out of pajamas or taking a shower or leaving the house. (For an entire weekend). And NOT feeling guilty about it. - Rachel

Chocolate wine and a "page turner" mystery! - Kathy

Quiet time is necessary for this mama's self care! Quiet stillness, eyes closed. I focus on long, deep breaths. And probably some wine, and a long hot shower. - Jenny

Painting. Good books. Maybe some nice flowers or a plant. Idk what ever the mood calls for I guess. - Autumn

I LOVE massages! - Judy

Some of my favorites from my self care list are going to bed early, walking, doing yoga, drinking tea, lighting candles, and spending time with my camera. These things never fail to energize me and inspire me! :) - Lauren

The top of my self-care list would be reading, baking, and catching up on blog reading. - Shea

Thank you so much for contributing to this list, and for helping me feel better when I'm having a hard time. & thank you to those who are keeping it real on the internet! It's not all glitter and sponsorship. ;) I've linked in bloggers who gave their feedback, the others are good friends and family. :)

I hope some of you guys are able to use this list to focus on self care during the holiday season. Through travel, busy weeks, and family time I know I'm not the only one who will need to take some time for myself.

XO,

Alexandra

My Favorite Fitness DVDs

3 Years later, linking this up with Kenzie & Angie for the September 12 X 30. We have been focusing on getting back into a workout routine in August, so I think that it's great to follow up with focusing on this linkup in September. Thanks for hosting ladies. :) 

Working out is important, but a lot of us are limited in our workout options based on budget, time and even climate.

 Fitness DVDs can be a nice alternative to a pricey gym/class membership, offer an effective and diverse workout and be done despite the temperature.

These are some of my favorite workout DVDs in various categories. I have left a brief review of each along with notes or comments about space and/or equipment needed. 

Yoga:

A.M. & P.M. Yoga with Rodney Yee and Patricia Walden

This was my very first yoga DVD. I love it because it is really easy to follow and good for days when you don't want a workout that feels too intense. 

The A.M. yoga routine is really gentle and helps you wake up in the morning. The subtle stretches are just what I need when I am really tired. Or when my muscles are recovering from a more intense workout.

The P.M. routine is more active than the A.M. routine by quite a bit, but it is pretty slow paced. It allows you to move around in the poses as a beginner and become more comfortable with yoga.

As someone who has been practicing yoga for a while, both in classes and on DVD, I still find this DVD a good workout. It may not be high energy or intensity, but it definitely stretches the right areas. I still see results when using it.

Note: You will want a yoga or Pilates strap, yoga mat strap or a belt for the A.M. routine.

15 Minute Results Yoga with Rodney Yee and Mariel Hemingway

This is probably my go-to favorite for yoga. It has 4 different workout routines which is really good for the price of the DVD. In general this workout is more fast paced and active than the A.M./P.M. DVD. While fast at first the routines on this DVD are very repetitive so that it becomes very easy to follow along with.

Each routine is only 15 minutes long so it is easy to fit in to any part of the day. It is also broken down into routines based on the part of the body you want to work on. For example: upper body, lower body, abdominals and total body.

Because of the quick paced routines and connection between different parts of the body as you do these movements, this DVD really helps to tone target areas in a short period of time, which is great.

Cardio:

Kristi Yamaguchi: Power Workout

I have loved Kristi Yamaguchi since I was a little girl. So when I wanted to break out of the yoga only workout arena I was all for trying out her DVD. I am so glad that I did! 

This workout is fast paced, fun and really effective. It is easy to get into the rhythm of the moves after having done the routines a few times. I am not normally someone who would even try a workout like this... but it ended up being really great!

Note: You need a bit of floor space for this one, more so than yoga. You will also want to purchase/have on hand some hand weights. I have some 3 lb and some 5 lb ones that work well. They were inexpensive and easy to find at Target.

Bellydance:

Dolphina's Goddess Workout (3 DVD set)

I had taken several bellydance classes at the rec center on campus but I had never tried a DVD and was a bit skeptical about picking out something that was fun, but not too eccentric. I got lucky on the first try because I love these DVDs!

So far I have only tried the beginner disk. It is nice because it is broken up into segments where you learn different types of moves that you put together into a mini routine at the end. It also includes a warm up and a cool down. 

Dolphina includes some background on the history of bellydance and some of the mythological information that goes along with it. This is interesting but put into the dialogue as you are practicing the  movements, so you don't become bored. 

Dolphina is also really focused on helping women of every kind feel confident. Which is really great. She's a really encouraging instructor. At times she says funny things that make me laugh, but I always have a good time!

Bellydance starts out a little difficult for most people, mostly because you are learning to move your body in completely new ways. So it takes some practice to get certain moves, but the instruction on these DVDs is really great. A bonus with this is that it typically tones and targets those hard to get areas! Its a really subtle workout because its so fun, but you really see results!

I would highly recommend purchasing a bellydance skirt/scarf if you are able. While not necessary, it makes it more fun if you jingle as you dance! You don't have to go all out if you don't want to, I just throw mine over my yoga pants!

Note: You can buy these DVDs individually rather than as a package if you prefer.

So there you have it! 

My favorite workout DVDs. I might review more yoga DVDs later as I tend to mix and match all of them. I am not a big fan of doing the same thing all of the time.

One thing that I am still looking for? A great non-bellydance dance DVD. Its so hard to know what is going to be good. Any suggestions would be greatly appreciated! :)

What is your favorite workout DVD?

All for now,

Alexandra 

8 Things You Should Eat Every Day!

I have gotten really into healthy eating recently and I have been trying to read about it in a way that is actually "Healthy" as opposed to "Diet-y". I don't believe in diets as society has made them. So I am extremely critical as I read magazines, books etc and take in their advice. 

One source that I found and expected to be "Diet-y" was Women's Health Eat This, Not That Special. Turns out it wasn't and it actually has some great information in it. 

The information I have found most useful so far was the list of 8 things you should eat every day and why. So I just thought I would share it with you all as I explore different aspects of healthier eating. Who knows maybe it will be helpful for you too!

8 Things You Should Eat Every Day!

1) Spinach 

Pros: muscle builder, good source of omega 3s and folate

How Much:1 cup fresh or 1/2 cup cooked each day 

How I fit it in: I stick it on sandwiches, in pitas and make it into salads. You can stick it on pizzas, in pastas, lasagna, eggs almost anything really! Super sneaky way: Blend a cup of fresh spinach into your morning or afternoon smoothie. Sounds gross but the fruits you use are strong enough that you won't even notice the taste and you will still get the awesome benefits.

Tips: Go organic and baby on this one. Smaller and pesticide free leaves taste much much better, sweeter, you'll want to eat it alone. Larger, pesticide laden leaves can be bitter.

2)Yogurt

Pros: Calcium Rich, Probiotics boost immune system and protect from cancer.  

How much: 1 cup per day

How I fit it in: Yogurt with granola and fruit for breakfast or a snack its sweet and nutritious, or I run to 3 spoons with Kyle and pick up some non-fat vanilla frozen yogurt and top it with berries, coconut and nuts! Its delicious! I can't even think about getting anything else!

Tip: Greek yogurt is a much better source of proteins as far as yogurt goes. Its thicker so if you don't like that for traditional fruit and grain type snacks and meals blend it into dips or sauces! Its rich and creamy and protein packed!

 3) Tomatoes

Pros: lycopene {multi-cancer fighting and reduction of risk for coronary artery disease}. Yeah. Its that awesome.

How Much: 22mg {8 red cherry tomatoes or 1 glass of tomato juice}

How I Fit it in: I LOVE SALSA. Seriously. Tomatoes in general are awesome. I put them in sandwiches, pitas, salads ANY kind of mexican food. Which I also LOVE. This one is easy for me. Other ways might be soups & tomato sauces think Italian food. Ketchup even does something {though it shouldn't be your primary source}

4) Carrots

Pros: carotenoids {reduce risk of many cancers and inflammatory conditions like asthma and arthritis}

How Much: 1/2 cup per day {not very much!}

How I Fit It In: Carrots meet Hummus match made in heaven. Other than that carrots are easy and because they are sweet they can also be easily blended up into smoothies just like spinach. But you can also blend it into pasta sauces or top any dish with it. 

Tip: Just do it. Its such a small amount. 

5) Whole Grains

Pros: Fiber {lowers risk of heart disease, keeps you full longer}, Protein for energy.

How Much: As much as you can get. Seriously. Its an easy switch.

How I Fit it in: Whole wheat pita pockets are one of the greatest things ever. They aren't too grainy and they make a super delicious substitute for a sandwich or salad. Whole grain oats, rice etc count too! So many options.

Tip: Often times people don't like whole grain oats, pasta or rice because it seems grainy in comparison to regular versions. Cook it just a bit longer and odds are you won't notice. 

6) Walnuts

Pros: TONS of: Omega 3s, protein, polyphenols {anti-inflammatory}

How Much: 1 ounce

How I Fit it in: Well I love nuts so its not hard. I top my cereal, yogurt and frozen yogurt with them. Put them in trail mix or brownies.

You can also put them in salads or pastas. Or grind them up to put into cookies or other baked goods, use as breading on meat, or add to a pesto.

Tips: Don't be afraid. Once you try them a few times you will love them. Its such a small amount that if you don't like them its easy to grind up or stick in something else. Or: almonds and pistachios are almost as good.

 

7) Blueberries

Pros: Fiber rich, antioxidant packed {prevent cancer, diabetes and memory problems related to aging}

How Much: 1 cup fresh, 1/2 cup dried or frozen.

How I fit it in: I top my morning granola with fresh blueberries and bananas and 1% milk. You can also put them on top of yogurt or frozen yogurt. You can keep frozen ones on hand for any time and throw them in smoothies etc. Add them to pancakes, salads, put them on your ice cream. Dried are great for trail mix. 

Tip:Dried blueberries. {I bought organic}are SUPER expensive. My small bag was $8.50. But these berries are seriously SMALL! Which is great because they will last longer that way. Plus they have a strong flavor and are really yummy! Much better than raisins. 

8) Black Beans

Pros: heart healthy, anthocyanins {shown to improve brain function}

How Much: 1/2 cup serving or MORE!

How I Fit it in: I LOVE Mexican food. So its pretty easy for me. Check out my 

Vegetarian Enchilada Recipe. You can also add them to chili or other soups. Blend them up with other ingredients with for a yummy chip dip!

Tip: Black beans {and other beans} make eating meatless every once in a while {or as often as you like} protein packed! No need to worry! Plus they are filling and flavorful! I say go on a serious mexican food exploration mission! You won't regret it!

I will post recipes for each individual thing and some with combined recipes soon!

Enjoy and Eat Well!

Alex