Tips for A Relaxing Holiday Season

Southerners are known for doing everything on a large scale, especially the holidays. We're talking turkey with all the trimmings, Christmas trees (several theme trees throughout the house is a must...and don't forget the front yard, too!), holiday feasts, shopping, caroling, family gatherings, and parties galore.

But as much fun as this festive season can be, it can also bring on stress, depression, and exhaustion. Even under the best of circumstances, the last six weeks of the year can cause major anxiety. But it doesn't have to! There's a number of things you can do to create peace, joy, and relaxation.

Here are a few ways to enjoy the holidays and keep your stress to a minimum.

Pray/Meditate-- This is an excellent way to center yourself, connect to a higher power, and gain a sense of peace. It doesn't cost a dime to pray, but you may pay for it if you don't.
Ask for help-- Don't try to do everything yourself. This is the season of giving, but it's also great to receive. If you're blessed to have friends and family who want to help you, bless them by receiving the blessing they want to extend to you.
Exercise-- It's estimated that most people gain 5 lbs. during the holidays. Food, parties, and late night eating can expand the waistline. Exercise can help take the pounds off and it can also help to clear the mind and relieve stress.
Massage-- Stress, along with cramming lots of activities into long days, can cause tight muscles, which can lead to pain, headaches, and poor health. Massage is a proven way to relieve pain and stress, and it's incredibly soothing. Treat yourself to the good life and get a nice, long rub down!
Laugh-- Laughter is medicine for the sole! A good laugh can erase even the worst of moods and can increase endorphins, giving you more energy to enjoy the holidays.
Love from a distance-- Let's face it, there are people who create stress in our lives, and some of them can be people we love. If you encounter an obstacle or problem, the first thing you try to do is remove it. Sometimes you have to take that approach with people, too. Sometimes you have to learn how to love from a distance. Surround yourself with positive people and positive things that will keep stress at bay.
Take Vitamins-- Some people take vitamins to boost energy, while others use them to replenish specific nutrients they're missing from their diet, or, as a result of a health condition. There's also vitamins that help relieve stress. Talk to your doctor, local pharmacist, or naturopath to find vitamins that will work for you. Valerian is a great, natural herb that I love. You can take the capsule whole, or break it open and make a tea. It calms, soothes, and relaxes.

 

Remember, the holiday season only comes once a year, so try to enjoy it! Life is meant to be savored slowly and enjoyed in abundance. From me to you, I wish you and yours a happy Thanksgiving!

PS--Stay tuned for my "Southern Tips for A Relaxing Holiday Season"which will be filled with hilarious things that only Southerners do!

Be Fabulous!
Trice

Baby, It's Cold Outside...and it's all about the scarf!

...I really can't stay - Baby it's cold outside
I've got to go away - Baby it's cold outside
This evening has been - Been hoping that you'd drop in
So very nice - I'll hold your hands, they're just like ice

 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=--2Mwp7X-X0&list=RD--2Mwp7X-X0


Dean Martin's duet with Doris Day of, Baby It's Cold Outside is classic! I absolutely LOVE that song, not only during the holidays, but also during the year, and especially on days like this one.


Across the country, and especially in the Midwest and east coast, it's downright frigid outside.The bitter cold combined with biting winds make for an Arctic-like experience. Winter is a time to hunker down with comfort food and heavy apparel. But that doesn't mean it has to be hum-drum--beef stew and flannel. Winter can mean fine dining (put some wine in that stew for a zip of flavor) and you don't have to limit yourself to frumpy clothing. This season is prime time for fashion--fierce boots, stylish coats, elegant gloves, and oh-so-fly hats! I love it!


When you go out, make sure you layer up with thermal underwear, cotton tees, or anything else that's going to keep you warm under your clothes. Then accessorize your outer layer with warm and beautiful pieces that will keep you smiling through the cold. This season is all about the scarf! I adore a beautiful scarf. It's the perfect accompaniment for any outfit at any season. During the winter when the mood can be bleak, brighten things up with a pop of color around your neck. It will instantly turn a cloudy day to sunshine. Here, I'm wearing a red infinity scarf, perfect for the holiday season. It's made of soft wool with a beautifully woven design pattern. I picked it up at a flea market in Baltimore, MD; proof that you can find fashion on a budget! You can also find infinity scarves at your local department store (they are everywhere).

Bundle up and be fabulous!!
Blessings
Trice

Wine, Popcorn, and a Movie

I haven't posted here in quite some time because I was under deadline for my 7th novel titled, Secret Indiscretions, which will be released July 28, 2015!

I'm so excited to be out of my writing cave, you have no idea! When I pressed send and submitted my manuscript to my editor, I literally jumped for joy, and then proceeded to take a long nap. It feels fantastic to have completed another novel! And although I have another deadline looming for book #8, I'm going to take a little time to relax (just a little) while gearing up for the next project.

I'm enjoying this brief reprieve and I'll be doing things I enjoy; cooking and baking, hanging with friends, watching movies, reading good books, and of course, shopping! Last weekend I treated myself to a long bubble bath by candlelight, and then I nestled under my comfy chenille throw with popcorn and wine while I watched, The Devil Wears Prada. That movie had me in stitches!! I enjoyed myself (I'm great company, if I do say so!) It was a fabulous evening!

Life is a beautiful experience. Each day is a blessing, so make it count and live the most fabulous life you can. Do things that bring you happiness, excitement, and fulfillment. It can be something as extravagant as a trip to Paris, or as simple as wine, popcorn, and a movie. Whatever you do, make sure it brings your heart great joy!

Be Fabulous!
Trice
www.tricehickman.com
www.facebook.com/tricehickman
www.twitter.com/tricehickman
www.pinterest.com/tricehickman
www.linkedin.com/tricehickman