While it may be the most wonderful time of the year, the holidays can be stressful for some. In between all of the baking, planning, visiting family (even if virtually this year) and gift wrapping, it can be easy to deprioritize your own happiness. Add on top of the extra stressors 2020 has brought on, this year some may feel overwhelmed or even lonely. With a couple of simple self-care techniques, here’s how you can make the holidays merry and bright at home this year.
Stay-at-Home Self-Care
- Start a gratitude journal. Focus on a happy memory or write down something or someone you are grateful for. Sit down with your favorite holiday tea, peppermint hot cocoa or a Salted Honey and Walnut Milk Latte and a delicious and nutritious snack. Try these Walnut Chocolate Bliss Balls, sweetened with coconut, maple syrup and nature’s candy, Medjool dates.
- Take a stroll outside as the day starts to fade to see the holiday lights. Spread a little cheer, while staying socially responsible, and get outside with a steaming cup of cocoa or apple cider.
- Get a little extra sleep. Keep a sleep journal to work on improving your sleeping habits, or treat yourself with a warm glass of homemade Lavender-Infused Walnut Milk at bedtime. It’s comforting, warm and sweet!
- Create a playlist of your all-time favorite holiday songs. Music is a mood booster! Nothing gets you in the holiday spirit quite like belting out your favorite lyrics, and this playlist will be the perfect companion to your holiday baking or cooking. For an added bonus to feel connected, share your playlist with your family and friends.
- Wake up a little earlier one day and enjoy some me-time. Watch the sunrise, meditate, do yoga, go for a run or even read—whatever helps you feel replenished. Just don’t forget to pair that me-time with a delicious breakfast. For a colorful and festive idea, try a Mixed Berry Walnut Chia Smoothie. This lip-smacking sweet and tart smoothie is packed with superfoods and will leave you full and ready to take on the day.
- Call an old friend, cousin or colleague you miss. Know that if you are feeling lonely or overwhelmed, someone you love may be feeling that way as well. Cheer one another up with a quick phone call to show you’re thinking of them!
- Take a break from social media and news. Allow yourself that space to decompress. Instead, read a holiday classic or watch a favorite film. Who doesn’t love “It’s a Wonderful Life”?
- When decorating, take that time to declutter a closet. Or, check off one thing on your master list you’ve finally gotten around to doing. Odds are, the feeling will be gratifying!
- Plan fun activities like baking cookies together. Instead of the usual sugar cookie, try out these Ginger Walnut Cookies. Part of your team can make the batter filled with holiday spices, someone can roll out the chilled dough and the rest can cut them out in fun stars, bells, angels and reindeer.
- Make a classic meal like grandma used to make. For the sake of nostalgia, treat yourself a little by making one of your favorite meals from holidays past. Make it a little decadent or give it a healthful twist, like a Walnut Tomato Sauce with Zucchini Lasagna Noodles.
- Be sure you are eating well. This is the ultimate self-care; by caring for your body you can help care for your mind. Satisfy your comfort food cravings this season but still feel good about what you’re putting in your body by whipping up some of these seasonal recipes with a nutritious twist.
- Watch a sunset on a cool night. Toast to its beauty with this unique Walnut Horchata Martini, a creamy drink made with walnut milk, vodka, coffee liqueur and yummy cinnamon.
Whatever the holidays look like this year, you deserve this special gift from you to you, so take a little time to put yourself first, invest in self-care and enjoy the holiday season with some relaxing activities and delicious treats inspired by California walnuts!
