Finding “Me Time” During the Holidays

by Heather

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Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post written in conjunction with Nature’s Bounty® Earthly Elements™. I received complimentary product from NBTY to assist this post; however, as always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own.

It’s December and you know what that means, it’s the holiday season! I may or may not have typed that as I sang. It’s the most wonderful time of the year, everything is merry and bright, and we wish every season could be the holiday season, right? I absolutely love this time of the year. The nip in the air, fires in the fireplace, extra time with the family, and outings galore! Unfortunately, it’s not all lights, ribbon, and bows; this can also be the most stressful time of the year too!

Decorating, shopping, holiday meal prep, entertaining, classroom parties and shows; seriously, the teacher wants me to make what kind of costume? It feels as though the list keeps getting longer and longer while the days feel as though they get shorter. As we all know, the holidays can sometimes be a bit overwhelming as we focus on go, go, go and that makes it difficult to take time out to just “be” and relax.

Is this your experience as well? Think about the last few years, have the holidays been chaotic? I started thinking about this and got a little nervous thinking maybe I was the only one; like my family is different or something. So, I asked a few friends about their holidays. After hearing about sneaking away to the restroom to read a few pages of a novel, drinking (although she said “downing”) a glass (or four) of Moscato to get through the wrapping, or perhaps my favorite … volunteering to go grocery shopping just to pick up a coffee/hot chocolate from the coffeehouse and wandering through the aisles as though she has all the time in the world.

I started thinking about my practices and realize, they are few and simple but for me, they have been effective.

3 Ways I Find “Me Time” During the Holidays!

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Send Them Shopping

Be it shopping for gifts or groceries, I make a list for my husband, bundle up my daughter in her winter gear, and wave to them both as I send them out for a short trip to the grocery or a lengthier trip to the shopping center. This buys me some time to accomplish any tasks still on my “to-do list,” enjoy a beer (I’m not a big wine drinker), take a breather and enjoy some me time.

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Night Owl (or Early Bird)

Sometimes I simply can’t pack any more into my day so if I want some “me” time, I have to make the decision to get up earlier (which totally isn’t happening) or stay up a little later. I get my little one off to bed, enjoy some adult conversation with my husband, and then send him to bed for some extra rest while I take some time for me.

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Get Vocal

Sometimes I just need some “me” time and don’t feel like sending everyone out of the house or adjusting my sleep schedule to achieve it. On days, normally evenings, like this, I start dinner for my family, set my husband up to help with homework while he finishes up the meal, and then I take a time out for me. This allows me to relax without taking everyone else out of their comfort zone or routine.

So what do I do when I am enjoying “me time” you ask? If you’ve been reading my posts for long, you know that I am simple and so is my answer. Sometimes I snuggle under a blanket and settle in for some reading or writing. Sometimes I take a hot bath and take the time just to soak and enjoy the moment. Other times, I simply get comfortable on my couch or bed and just take time to inhale and exhale. For me, real “me time” has to involve something that allows me to relax and these are the types of things that allow me to do so.

As an added bonus, to celebrate me, I will take the time to add one of my favorite essential oils to the lineup. Be it through my or adding a few drops to my bath, I find the essential oil with the unique aroma or “personality” that I am looking for to make the moment my own.

On days/evenings when I need a bit of a pick me up that will help me bounce back and jump back in to the activities going on, I like to introduce Nature’s Bounty® Earthly Elements™, specifically, . The scent is tangy, clean and refreshing which livens up my personality and adds an extra bounce to my step as we battle through wrapping gifts, baking dozens of cookies, or heading to a family function; whatever the case may be.

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I love that Nature’s Bounty® is here to help me find balance and “me time” during the holidays courtesy of Nature’s Bounty® Earthly Elements™ 100% pure and blended aromatherapy essential oils. Did you know that essential oils can set moods and enhance the smell of your home, bath, and office? This can be done by using them in an aromatherapy diffuser, add a few drops to your bath for a spa-like experience, or mix with a carrier oil for massages. Each essential oil has its own unique aroma and “personality,” just like people, so everyone’s “me time” is their own.

Now available at Walmart stores everywhere, Earthly Elements™ are also great for holiday gifting, where you can “give the gift” of aromatherapy and “me time” to friends, family members, and coworkers.

Connect with Nature’s Bounty® Earthly Elements™: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Pinterest

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24 comments

Sally Wilsey December 22, 2015 - 8:32 pm
Thank you for the tips. It is so hard to find me time and shut off the brain during the holidays. We also have my Granddaughters birthday one week before Christmas which adds more to the mix.
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Sarah Bailey December 23, 2015 - 5:56 am
These are some great tips, I think sometimes we get so wrapped up in the need to dos, we forget all about looking after ourselves. x
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Franc Ramon December 23, 2015 - 6:02 am
It's such a hectic season but me-time would be perfect for the season. It really helps to squeeze the time when people go to shop or find it either early in he morning or late at night.
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Heather lawrence December 23, 2015 - 8:56 am
I've been finding myself up earlier and earlier this holiday season. The house is so quiet that I can get a on ton of stuff done without a houseful of kids. Now if I could just figure out how to shut my brain off when I go to bed at night it would be golden!
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Heather | All Roads Lead to the Kitchen December 23, 2015 - 8:57 am
I'll admit that while I do love this time of year, the past 5 or 6 years have been more stressful than enjoyable. I love it when I can find time to read, and I NEED one of these diffusers. I actually had my hands on a few of these oils at Walmart a couple of months ago, and now I'm really wishing I'd picked a couple up. Grapefruit was one of the ones I wanted!
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Jenn December 23, 2015 - 11:11 am
I work in the postal business by day and blog by night and fit motherhood in sometime in between! It is a crazy time of year and me time is a far and few between!! I love the idea adding grapefruit to invigorate oneself!
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coolchillmom December 23, 2015 - 3:44 pm
I have been struggling finding me time. I love the idea of sending them shopping!
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Liz Mays December 23, 2015 - 4:06 pm
These are definitely good ideas. I should try to take some time for myself this week. I don't want to get too stressed out.
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Jaime Nicole December 23, 2015 - 5:22 pm
I used to have an aromatherapy diffuser and it really did help me to relax. I need to look in to getting another!
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Laura from Laura's Little House Tips December 23, 2015 - 6:21 pm
Me time is so very important and I think you hit the nail on the head. Taking care of us is so very smart. I love diffusing it seems to set the mood for the day :)
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Megan Elford December 23, 2015 - 6:33 pm
The holidays are always so busy, it's difficult to find me-time! I like to hide in my bedroom with a good book or the internet ... along with some Christmas treats just for me ;-)
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Terri Beavers December 23, 2015 - 7:07 pm
It's not been easy to find me time for myself during school break. Thanks for your tips, I'll have to try to make a little time for myself.
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Michelle December 24, 2015 - 12:34 am
My me time is few and far between these days, but I agree on the importance of me time. I put a diffuser on my Christmas list this year, it's crazy I haven't bought one yet. I hear so many benefits to using a diffuser
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Maureen December 24, 2015 - 5:04 am
I need these tips! Work has keep me super busy and I hardly have time for myself so I need this. Thank you for sharing your tips :)
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Michele D December 24, 2015 - 10:34 am
It's so hard to find a little quality "me" during the holiday season.. Actually all year round. I totally need to relax and unwind more. I bet this would help me a great deal. Sounds so relaxing.
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Rebecca Swenor December 24, 2015 - 2:34 pm
These are great ideas to find me time during the holidays. I love the idea of having everyone go out shopping and you staying home. Using the diffuser is an amazing idea. A diffuser is on my Christmas list. Thanks for sharing the ideas.
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ricci December 25, 2015 - 4:55 pm
I am a single lady so I get plenty of me time. My fave way to relax is a glass of wine in a bubble bath!
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Stephanie of The TipToe Fairy December 25, 2015 - 8:58 pm
I get some me time by reading on my kindle app. I snuggle in the bed and settle down with a nice book.
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lisa @bitesforbabies December 26, 2015 - 9:08 am
I have no issues letting my husband and the kids know when I need ME time! It's so important for me!
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Winter December 28, 2015 - 2:52 pm
These are great tips, if I want some me time I usually go to Starbucks and just sit and read a good book for an hour or so.
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Michele Ash January 3, 2016 - 1:29 am
Thanks for the Terrific Review on Finding “Me Time” During the Holidays! I have to say, I really don't like the holidays! First of all we just don't have the money to purchase the gifts I would love to give to everyone! Also, My father passed away in June of this year and I just was not at all in the celebrating mood! It was a stupid accident and I just can't believe he's gone! I never get invited to our "family functions" because my little sister disowned me 10 years ago over a stupid high school graduation ticket! We spoke while my father was in the hospital and it seemed like things were going to change. Well, I went to my mother's house the day after the funeral to talk to my little sister. Seems she had her mind already made up that she doesn't care and things are the way they used to be! I said what was on my mind to my mother about my sisters and then my mother got mad at me! I haven't spoken to anyone in my family since the day after my father's funeral! I have been so depressed and just don't feel like doing anything! So, I really don't know what "me time" should really be. I have my 2 children and my 2 grandchildren here and I try to keep it up beat with and for them! Anyway, thanks so much for sharing your ideas of me time and the things that you do to help with your stress and anxiety! I truly do appreciate it! Thanks again so very much! Michele
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melody hodge January 4, 2016 - 12:07 am
"Me Time" is very important to me. With out it, Im not relaxed, unorganized, and just feel grumpy.
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Jeena Bittenbender January 4, 2016 - 2:05 pm
Finding me time ever is a challenge, during the holidays is impossible. Thank you for the tips.
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Edna Williams January 9, 2016 - 7:09 am
These really are super! Thanks for sharing!
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