Managing stress during the upcoming holiday season

Most of us love the holiday season, but we also recognize that it usually comes with some unnecessary stress. Whether it's being around family members whom we don't really get along with, having to prep all the meals in a short amount of time, finding the perfect gifts, or making sure the house is spit-spot before everyone arrives (only to have it completely trashed once again)...there's always something to take the joy out of the holidays. Well I'm here to tell you WE DON'T HAVE TO LIVE THIS WAY. Let's all make it a point to not stress the small stuff this season, keeping focused on what really matters. So, here are some of my top tips for relaxing during the holiday season:

1. I love a good chamomile or lavender tea, especially in the evenings. Both help to regulate your digestive system and improve sleep.

2. Take time for yourself, every day. If that means waking up at 5am when the rest of the house wakes up at 6am, do that.

3. Give yourself a spa day. I know, I know...I'm a LimeLife Beauty Guide, of course I would say that. But you don't know how wonderful it is until you've tried! Here are some "spa" products from LimeLife that will really help brighten your day:

4. Get your shopping done early. I'm not gonna lie...I'm a little behind this year. Normally I would have at least half of my gifts bought by now, but I haven't even started yet. *face palm*. Nonetheless, getting those items bought and being able to check them off your list can be very rewarding

5. Do as much food prep as early as possible. My family always has two different kinds of homemade Chex Mix at our holiday get-togethers. These are the types of foods that are so easy to make ahead of time and store until actually needed (as long as you can hold off digging in...). Desserts, such as cookies, are also very easy to make ahead of time.

6. Turn on a holiday movie and relax with your loved ones (dogs included). If that means putting off cleaning or cooking for another hour or two, it's fine! Trust me, you'll survive. We all know how much Home Alone can cheer us up.

7. Make a budget for all the gifts you need to buy (and stick to it). That way you're not surprised at the end of the month when you see your credit card bill. There's no reason to break the bank during the holiday season. Gifts aren't what it's all about, remember?

8. Plan time spent with each side of the family way ahead of time. Figure out how and when you're getting there and plan out what you need to bring with you. Also be sure to let family members know what your plans are.

9. Remember the quote I just posted on Instagram (check it out...give it some love): "No matter how fast life is moving around us, there's always a place of stillness inside". No matter how stressed you are, remember that if you take a timeout, you'll be able to find that peace again. If you feel yourself becoming overwhelmed in the middle of something, take yourself out of the situation for a few minutes. You'll then come back to it with a completely different mindset.

10. Above all else, remember what's really important during this season: family.

A place to be #unapologeticallyme.