11/21/2022
Helpful tips to help you actually enjoy this Holiday Season
Over Thanksgiving I took a trip back home to Australia with the intention of renovating a kitchen in the ocean side holiday house my brother and I have together. Every year, he and I vow we are going to have a relaxing holiday after whatever we are choosing to renovate (one year it was a fence, last year a bathroom, this year the kitchen) and every time we are putting the last coat of paint on (or whatever we need to do to finish) as we walk out the door as our vacation time ends.
This year, I was more aware of the pattern of work, work, work…starting up once again. So I decided to create the space and time for us to have a holiday - WITHIN our annual holiday that includes projects and home renovations.
I discovered these helpful tips to feeling like you are actually on a vacation:
1. Eat Nourishing and Satisfying Food: We had a full breakfast of eggs, toast, fruit, yogurts, and more every day. We all took the time to enjoy the energising food together each morning. Dinner we gathered again, preparing fabulous food of various kinds together, talked, played cards, and spent time unwinding and recapping the day.
2. Exercise: While we were getting plenty of exercise with the renovation we went for 2-3 swims a day and talk walks along the beach. Taking time to exercise and do what you enjoy independently of what is happening on your holiday (unless you are on an exercise type of holiday!) is crucial. I went for a number of swims in the ocean by myself.
3. Take Breaks: As Australians, we like our morning and afternoon tea breaks. Especially in the afternoon we included a nap (these are critical on a holiday in my world) and reading our books. Swims often followed.
4. Meditate / Be Silent: We all found it very important to take time out by ourselves, to either sit on the front patio overlooking the ocean or quietly in the back room and enjoy the sounds, smells, and above all the silence.
5. Nurture the Shopper (or whoever needs nurturing): (that one was for me!!) - When I had to make a run to the hardware store I occasionally took some time to look in the dress store, or the swimwear shop, or …. Take time to do something you want to do that maybe nobody else enjoys doing - visiting a museum, attending an art show, going to Sunday markets.
Before you go on holidays this year make your own list of things that you need to feel nourished and fulfilled so you can come home feeling like you actually got a break, we certainly did. If you are staying at home, still make that list, I know I will be!
Wishing you a magical spirit filled time this holiday season.