Affordable Ways to Avoid Holiday Burn-Out

Affordable Ways to Avoid Holiday Burn-Out

I often refer to this time of year, October – December as the Holiday slide.  It”s almost like the minute the calendar page flips to October 1, my days and weeks that are already going much go fast, jump to warp speed. As we hit this rush of holiday hustle, it’s common knowledge (or at least it should be)  that moms are the ones responsible for most of the merry making. Unfortunately, our ability to spread joy can be compromised if we are so busy tending to everyone else’s needs, that we ignore our own. When we let ourselves become emotionally and physically exhausted, our inner Witch to our inner Grinch can all too easily crash our happy holidays.

Consider throwing a pampering party

A local mom I know told me about her most amazing idea. She recently rounded up a group of six of her best girlfriends and invited them and their kiddos over to her house for a pampering playdate. She hired a massage therapist and the moms each took turns getting a thirty-minute massage, while the other moms and kids got to hang out. No babysitters required for a little “me time” and by guaranteeing the therapist several clients and keeping each massage to thirty minutes, the cost per person was a bargain.

Makeovers for Moms

Most department store cosmetic counters, as well as stores like Ulta or Sephora will do a mini-makeover for free or for a fairly reasonable minimum purchase requirement. Check before you go and see if they are offering any free-gift promotions. If you have to make a purchase, this will ensure you get the most for your money and the free gift could be used for others on your shopping list or as stocking stuffers.

At Home Spa-Treatment

A facial at a high-end spa may not be financially feasible, but there are fabulous store bought options that can produce the same results for a fraction of the cost. Pick up one at your local drugstore and while you are at it, go ahead and grab one of those sumptuous smelling body scrubs for the shower. You’ll be glowing from head to toe and ready to shine your light on others.

Ten Tension Tamers that are Totally Free
The following stress soothers don’t cost a cent, and yet are worth a fortune because they will restore your good cheer. So, schedule a little self-care on that packed planner somewhere in between baking cookies for your neighbors and volunteering for your child’s school party. There’s no excuse, Santa would approve.

1. Take a Bubble Bath. You can even get ideas on Pinterest for making your own bath salts or other indulgent products using ingredients you have at home. Oh and don’t forget to lock the door.
2. Sit down long enough to enjoy a cup of tea, coffee, cocoa or a little eggnog. Maybe even flip through one of those magazines that you subscribe to, but never read.In carline doesn’t count.
3. Go to bed an hour early one night, or every night.
4. Watch YOUR favorite holiday special. Yes, one of those cheesy lifetime movies is totally acceptable.
5. Give yourself a mani-pedi or invite a girlfriend over and treat each other.
6. Find your Zen – there are several free apps available for your Smartphone that offer guided stress relieving mediation in as little as seven minutes. Take a Break by Meditation Oasis is a good one.
7. Call and have a real catch-up chat with one of your best girlfriends. Yes call – no email, text or twitter.
8. Take your pooch for a walk, or just yourself I you don’t have a pet. Put on your earphones and listen to some of your favorite tunes along the way.
9. Take a nap.
10. Spend some alone time with your hubby (read into that however you like).