For some, it's a busy time and the end of the year can be stressful. Between work and family commitments, it's easy to get burnt out and at times, can feel as if every minute of our day is accounted for.
For others, the increased pressure on social gatherings can bring up feelings of solitude and loneliness.
Regardless of where you fall on the holiday emotional spectrum, December marks the perfect time to rest and reflect on the year before we flip calendars (but seriously, how is it 2023 already?!).
Here are some simple and inexpensive tips on how to squeeze in some rest over the holidays to avoid burnout, stay healthy, and truly enjoy time with loved ones.
How To Best Tune In? It's as Easy As Getting Outside
We’re starting off strong with what some would consider the simplest tip – getting outside.
Don’t underestimate the power that Mother Nature has on your well-being!
For many of us in the Northern Hemisphere, the temperatures around this time of year drop, and we’re welcomed with snow and frost.
As much as you might resist, don’t let the chill dissuade you from getting fresh air.
Did you know that cold weather actually has some surprising health benefits? Reader’s Digest breaks them down in this 2021 article.
Some below-zero advantages of cold weather include:
- Helping you think clearer
- Burning more calories
- Alleviating common allergies
- Improved sleep
- Strengthening your heart
Research shows that spending time outside, specifically in green spaces like forests and parks, improves mood and lessens unpleasant emotions like loneliness and anxiety. The calming effects of nature can also help people recuperate from stressful situations.
It seems that a remedy for all that holiday hustle and bustle does exist – we just have to seize it.
What makes getting outdoors even more appealing? This activity can be easily modified to your level of fitness, mobility, and schedule. Walk the dog, bring the kids, or phone a friend!
Even 15 minutes of fresh air can make a huge difference in your mood, concentration, and general emotional regulation.
The Perfect Invitation to Make Indoor Spaces Cozy and Inviting
We have an opportunity to follow in nature’s footsteps and reap the benefits of slowing down this time of year.
Bears hibernate and other furry creatures nestle up, trees and plants shed leaves, and the decrease in daylight urges us to end our days earlier.
It's unrealistic for us to take this restful approach as seriously as a hibernating bear. That said, we’re certainly able to indulge in pockets of spare time and solitude between holiday commitments.
1. Clear Out The Old to Make Space For The New
The holidays are a great time to clear out old items from your home, despite how easy it is to get caught up in the shopping rush of the season.
It's important to remember to take care of yourself and your space so that you can truly enjoy December's delights – without the added weight of a cluttered space and mind.
If you have a lot of stuff that needs clearing out, there are many ways you can do it! Given that it's the season of giving, a great first option is to donate items to charity or those in need.
We've all experienced in some way or another the difficulties of post-pandemic living. Donating household items is a fantastic way to turn toward our communities and offer help where we can. If your items aren't in a condition to donate, recycling or repurposing is your next best option.
This time of year is great for reflection. Clearing out old things that no longer hold value can help set you up for success in the New Year. (And make room for your favourite decorative seasonal items!).
2. Refresh Your Home Linens to Inspire Rest
It’s hosting season!
Why not take this opportunity to check in on the state of your linens, bedding, and blankets?
If you’ve got towels, sheets, robes, and blankets with holes or stains, give them a toss or donate them to your local animal shelter (where these items are often needed!).
If your linens are looking good but you’d like to give them a light refresh, there are many ways to breathe some life back into them naturally and without chemicals.
Linens maybe not looking so great and in need of replacement?
We’ve got you covered with organic bedding and bath made to last. Free of chemicals and synthetics that are often found in standard lower-quality linens, each piece of ours is made with people and planet first.
If you’re not sure where to start, our organic Turkish cotton bath collection is as dreamy as can be! Made from 100% organic Turkish cotton, these towels have been woven to provide a unique combination of softness and absorbency. Available in a classic white and earthy terracotta, you’re bound to find a hue that complements your existing bathroom decor.
If you’re looking to upgrade your sleep, we formally invite you to wrap yourself up in our organic cotton bedding. Our organic cotton sheet sets are expertly crafted from fibres farmed in Fair Trade cooperatives close to our manufacturer in India and are a perfect weight for year-round use.
If you use this bedding in a guest bedroom your guests might not leave…you’ve been warned!
3. Bring The Outdoors In To Reap The Benefits of Nature In Your Home
In addition to taking the time to venture outside, there are many ways to incorporate outdoor elements inside this season. Some notables include:
- Decorating with real greenery. This could take the form of a Christmas tree or other smaller decorations such as garlands or wreaths made of pine, fir, holly, and cedar. The aromas of these fresh needles can act as natural mood boosters, and anxiety relievers, as is explored in aromatherapy.
- Allowing natural light in. With the days getting shorter, a simple way to reap the benefits of sunlight is to keep open your blinds and curtains during the day! Natural light gives us vitamin D, boosts concentration and productivity, and regulates our circadian rhythms, resulting in better sleep.
- Turning to natural fabrics and linens. Our clothing and linens are many times the most intimate items in our home as we spend the most time using them. Natural fabrics like cotton, linen, and hemp are more breathable than synthetics like polyester and rayon, resulting in better overall health and comfort. High-quality natural fabrics are also long-lasting, simple to care for, and feel unmatchably soft against the skin.
These are only some fuss-free ways to let nature in, although there are countless more! There’s so much room here to explore, see what works in making you feel your best, and incorporating loved ones into making your space an oasis this season.
Make This Holiday Your Own
We hope that these tips help in making your holiday season just a bit easier on mind and body. While holiday-focused, the best part about these small changes is that they'll benefit you and your family year-round!
From all of us here at Linen Reform, we're wishing you and your loved ones a season full of gratitude, rest, and love.
