5 Ways to Slow Down during the Holidays
The holidays always seem to come at hyper-speed, so it takes a little extra intention to slow down and enjoy the moment. Here are some of our favorite ways to do just.
Make a Homemade Gift ~
Instead of running around in a shopping frenzy, opt for a slower, more intentional gift made with love. Maybe it's making natural hand soap, knitting a scarf, compiling a scrapbook, or even writing a thoughtful letter. Spending time doing something thoughtful for someone you love always brings you back to the present moment.
Take a Long Bath ~
To us, there is nothing more calming than a warm bath after a long day or whenever you're feeling a little overwhelmed or tired. We like to add herbs like calendula and milky oats. To make it extra luxurious, light some candles, put on a face mask, and play some soft music.
Make Candles ~
This is an annual tradition of ours. We keep our old votives and refill them or hand-dip new taper candles. Both are incredibly easy processes and allow you to customize your candles to your liking! Plus, handmade tapers have the most charming, imperfect forms that make them extra beautiful to look at.
Go for a Walk ~
We love going for a walk alone or with company, admiring the holiday decorations or noticing the changes in the trees, the crunch of the leaves, or if you're really lucky, the snow on the ground. Walking is the easiest way to be present, and we suggest ditching the headphones! Instead, listen to the sounds around you and let your thoughts wander.
Cook or Bake from Scratch ~
Nothing gets us into the present moment more than cooking or baking something from scratch. Opt for seasonal produce like winter squash or beets or bake some holiday cookies you've always wanted to learn how to make. Make extra so you can share them with your loved ones as a little gift for the season.
No matter what you do, make sure you take time to prioritize you and tune-in to how you're feeling. The holidays can be overwhelming but taking a few extra steps to be present can help you stay focused on all of the beauty this season can bring. What are some of your favorite ways to slow down this season? Let us know in the comments!
xx
Michelle and the AVILLA team