This post about self care tips during the holidays is sponsored by BabbleBoxx.com. 

How are we already talking about Thanksgiving and Christmas? Seriously, where has this year gone? I’m already seeing Christmas tree tents pop up, which always feels strange in our 90 degree Southwest Florida weather. Even though it doesn’t feel like the holidays weather-wise for me, I’m already starting to feel the stress of it all. You know, the stress of flu season, Christmas shopping, prepping for Thanksgiving, etc.

The stress of the holidays, flu season, and life in general is something that has been on my mind a lot lately. As you know (if you’re a regular reader) life has been totally insane over here lately. I was already stressed out with 3 kids ages 5, and now I have my mom living with us while she undergoes treatment for her lung cancer.

The crazy thing is that I’m actually feeling way less stressed now that I have more on my plate. I can attribute this to many different things, but one of the best ways to sum it up is that I’ve finally learned to let go of keeping my crap together and actually practice real self care.

Of course, there are some other things that have made me feel less stressed. Babbleboxx sent me a Tender Love and Care box for a review and it arrived while my mom was in the hospital. It seriously couldn’t have come at a better time. All of these products served as a reminder that even in my most stressed moments, I need to take time for some self TLC.

After going through the box and feeling pretty happy, I realized that I could write some great self care tips to go along with each of these products. So here they are!

Self Care Tips You Need During the Holidays

1.  Do something you love every single day

For me, that is reading. I read every night before bed, even if it’s just one or two pages. I’m so happy that I was able to get a copy of Lousianna’s Way Home by two-time Newbery Medalist Kate DiCamillo.  It’s a story of discovering who you are — and deciding who you want to be. The novel is geared for middle schoolers, but I have to admit that I love easy reads like this. I especially like it because I could read it while cozying up to my 5 year old who actually is learning to read. 

This book was an instant #1 New York Times bestseller. It’s the companion title the Raymie Nightingale, a 2017 National Book Award Finalist

Just for you! I have a special offer. Enter the promotion code CANDLEWICK at checkout on candlewick.com for a 25% off all books. Only valid to U.S. purchases.

2. Love yourself first

I can’t stress enough how important it is to love yourself first before giving your love to others. If you don’t do this, you easily fall into the trap of trying to do everything and be everything for everyone.

I’m positive that all women out there, especially moms can relate to this one during the holidays. Stop trying to take care of everyone and everything all the time. It’s hard enough during the year without it being the holidays and cold & flu season.

Instead, make yourself a cup of tea or coffee. Sit down and practice some self love and gratitude. It’s easier said than done, but if you can’t sit down and drink your tea or coffee, then you need to reevaluate your life. There is always time to sit down and enjoy a good cup.

I’m doing this by sitting down and taking time for myself when I drink my tea and coffee. No more rushing around the house like a mad women in the mornings while I drink my coffee or tea. Nope. I’m sitting and I’m enjoying it.

I’ve been loving the Red Diamond green tea and Columbian coffee.  Red Diamond has a relationship that spans four generations with one of the largest tea importers in the country—allowing them to source the finest quality tea from around the world year after year.  Red Diamond coffee beans are grown at only a high altitude, hand picked, sundried and roasted in small batches. It’s perfect for sitting down to enjoy without thinking of all the stress in life! 

Find out where to buy Red Diamond products here.

3. Take care of your body

I’ve always eaten pretty healthy and exercised enough to stay in shape. Now that my mom has cancer, I can’t help but want to ramp up my healthy living lifestyle. I’ve run almost every night since she was in the ER, and I’m thinking about cutting my sugar intake (thinking- not actually doing anything- lol).

The other way I’m trying to take better care of my body is to enhance my immunity. That’s why I love the Pure Synergy® products I tried in my Babbleboxx. I was sent Pure Synergy® Rapid Rescue® Maximum Support and Pure Synergy’s Enzyme Power. 

Pure Synergy® Rapid Rescue® Maximum Support is more than a cold and flu remedy, it supports healthy immunity with nine SuperPure® organic and tested immunity extracts. The dynamic duo of defense–echinacea with elderberry extract–is reinforced with olive leaf, oregano, and other immunity boosters. 

Pure Synergy’s Enzyme PowerTM boosts digestion, absorption, and nutrient utilization with digestive enzymes such as bromelain & lipase providing gut microbiome and immune system support. When digestion is working efficiently, you just feel better: mood, skin health, energy. 

Coupon Alert: Special Offer 15% discount on all products through 12/31/18. Please use code: PURESYNERGY15 *cannot be combined with other offers. Learn more here. 

4. Rest 

This might sound crazy, but it’s taken me years to understand that if I make more time for rest, I can actually accomplish more. It’s not rocket science! If I’m well rested, I function better. Why has it taken me so long to figure that one out?

My biggest issue with rest is that it’s sometimes impossible when sick with the common cold or hay fever, which just so happen to be more prevalent during the holidays and flu season. That’s why I’m a huge fan of the Neo-Synephrine Extra Strength Cold, Sinus & Allergy Nasal Spray that temporarily relieves nasal congestion. As a bonus, this is the The only medicated nasal spray concentration approved for use in children down to age 2. 

You can always find a coupon for Neo-Synephrine on the website and on retailer and coupon sites nationally. 

5. Indulge every now and then

I feel like indulging gets a negative connotation during the holidays. It shouldn’t! Indulge simply means to find pleasure. It’s something that we need to do every so often, especially during the holidays when we are too busy trying to indulge everyone else. You can find pleasure by eating a special snack, buying something nice for yourself, or simply taking a bath. This doesn’t mean you have to over do it and eat an entire cake, max out your credit card or take a weekend long spa trip. Indulge just means to enjoy a particular pleasure.

For me, that is a special snack here and there. It’s no secret that I love good food. So when I found out that SMASHCRISPY treats were in my Babbleboxx, I was super excited. SMASHCRISPY treats are great snacks for any time of the day. They are available in 3 scrumptious flavors: Cinnamon Churro, Strawberries & Cream, and Mint Chocolate Chip, all made from natural ingredients and gluten, soy, dairy and nut free as well as gluten-free and non-gmo.

Obviously my son loves a good snack as much as I do!

Special Offer Use code SNACKSMASHCRISPY on smashmallow.com for 25% off SMASHCRISPY (ends 11/30/18). Buy them here. 

How do you practice self care?

Do you too forget to practice self care during flu season and the holidays? Take advantage of these deals so you can remember to take care of yourself!