With just over a week to go until Christmas, for me, things seems to be a little calm (and a little warm?! in London). I took a few days off my retail job in the last couple of weeks in order to recoup and build up my energy! During that time, I decided on a few things I would do over the holidays to ensure I stay feeling “well” and thought I’d share them with you for week 3 of the advent feature!
1. Indulge Not Over Indulgeย
I’m not gonna say no to the odd cake, biscuit or mulled wine but I am going to be mindful about what I put in my mouth. I plan to continue using MyFitnessPal (MFP) up to a point; currently, I have a couple “off plan” (as in not inputted) days on MFP and that’s how I plan to continue. It’s great to have an idea of what I am eating each day but when I go out, I don’t want to be the one in the corner looking for the next nearest equivalent in MFP in order to be super specific!
2. Stay Activeย
Ever noticed that when you take time off work, you get ill?! That’s because when you suddenly reduce stress, your immune system relaxes and gives all sorts the opportunity to attack you. Staying active over the holidays is a good way to reduce stress and keep your immune system strong. I don’t have any particular goals of how many sessions but I am technically in Half Marathon training albeit a little bit lax!
3. Have Some Me Timeย
I’m lucky enough that I have my place to myself so I get to come home to peace and quiet each evening. I also currently get a complimentary cinema ticket each week which I plan on using; taking a couple hours out each week to just sit down, watch a film and enjoy the moment. Your me time could be reading a book, watching TV, cooking, or going for a walk! You know yourself best and you know how you like to wind down!
4. Planning, Preparation and Pamperingย
Hands up who has done all their Christmas shopping?! …truthfully, I don’t “do” Christmas. The only gifts I bought were for the Secret Santa’s that I seemed to have to take part in and for my mum!
If you’re looking for something unique… I’d love to introduce Buyagift:
Buyagift is the UK’s leading provider of experience days and gift experiences. If you’re looking for a unique birthday gift or an extra special Christmas present, or just a novel way to mark your own special occasion then Buyagift offers an exceptional choice from which to select. By purchasing a gift experience for your friend or loved one you are not just giving them a thoughtful present, but also a wealth of memories to enjoy for years to come. A unique Buyagift experience day really is the gift that keeps on giving. From helicopter flying and cookery lessons to supercar driving and even personalised presents, Buyagift have everything that you could possibly need to make someone’s special occasion absolutely unforgettable. With over 4,500 gifts and experiences to choose from, you are sure to find the perfect gift for even the most discerning loved one, whether they’re an aspiring gourmet or a high-flying thrill-seeker.
AND, as if that wasn’t enough, they are also offering ONE lucky reader the chance to win aย Champneys Luxury Spa Day with Breakfast, Lunch and Treatment for Two!! Entry is via the rafflecopter widget and is subject to the Terms & Conditions stated.ย
So go forth, and pamper yourself!
Elle
Laureen @Peachylau says
A1. Vitality North London (see you there)A2. Bedfordshire (South East) – HenlowHampshire (South East) – LiphookLeicestershire (Midlands) – SwadlincoteI relax by doing my nails and spending lots of time cooking (and eating) with my husband.
Elle Linton says
Good luck for the comp Laureen! …I haven't done my nails in so long! I may have to get on this and enjoy some time out! …oh and eat of course! ๐
Matilda Egere-Cooper says
Finally found time to enter! lol Right – my favourite way to unwind and destress during the hols is to catch up on loads of films. I've just immersed myself in the Star Wars saga – and for someone who was so anti-"The Force" for many years, I'm really enjoying it!
Elle Linton says
Interesting! I may have to check out the whole star wars things – or save it until I meet a guy who is into it! haha! …I have yet to watch my favourite film of the season – Elf – I feel I need to fix this asap!!
Danielle Watson says
Awesome competition Elle! Thanks for the opportunity to enter ๐ I LOVE to unwind and indulge in some me time by spending a good few hours in a hot bubble bath accompanied with NEOM Candles burning whilst having some soft meditative music playing in the background. Currently making full use of this daily ritual as luxury long baths will sure become a distant memory once the little one arrives please god xx.
Elle Linton says
Thanks Dani ๐ …hope you're getting in all the bubble baths! I totally am on this during the holidays! It made me sooooooo relaxed, I thought I was gonna pass out! haha! xxx
Sophie Kay says
My favourite way of relaxing over Christmas is to get all wrapped up and go for a proper countryside hike. Nothing like getting muddy, sweaty and feeling like the only person on earth when you're in the middle of the fields with just your loved ones.
Elle Linton says
Sounds awesome ๐ Will have to try this one year for sure! Loved my walk in Epping Forest recently so I think I would enjoy this!
Carly says
I get ill ALL THE TIME when I slow down completely! So annoying. But completely understand why. How do I like to unwind? A day in my PJs, wrapped up in a blanket and reading or catching up with iplayer. Simple pleasure, but when I get a day to do this it is absolute LUXURY! xx
Elle Linton says
I'm on day 2 of this now!! haha! Been NCIS and CSI for me …oh and real housewives of miami – strangely addictive! lol hope you've had a great xmas and good luck for the comp! xxx
Vikki Roberts says
A1. Vitality Brighton Half MarathonA2. Henlow, Liphook, Swadlincote My favourite way to unwind at this time of year is with a Christmas cookery show, a cup of chai and a mince pie ๐
Elle Linton says
I tried my first mince pie this year! I'm not a fan! haha! One less thing to indulge in! haha! Hope you've had a great xmas! good luck for the comp!
Laura Dryden says
My favourite way to relax is to put on a comfy onesie, find a good film and snuggle down on the sofa with a hot chocolate.
Elle Linton says
Did this happen?! I had the hot chocolate last night! The onesie hasn't come out yet though ๐
Georgina Spenceley says
I love to read over the holidays – I could easily get through a book or two! That and a Christmas Day run… you'll never find the roads so quiet! Love the post and comp ๐ x
Elle Linton says
What have you been reading?! I have sooooo many books unread! Have put a ban in place about buying new ones! haha! …good luck for the competition!! ๐ x
emily4444 says
eat what I like and walk the dog! merry xmas!
Elle Linton says
haha! I'm with you there! it's nice to "let go" just once in a while ๐ hope you have had a great christmas too!
Petite Heartbeat says
Great pampering tips! Thanks for sharing.
Elle Linton says
Thank you ๐ and thanks for stopping by!
Stephanie Bradbeer says
My favourite way to relax in the holidays is to treat myself to a nice class of mulled wine and play board games with my family, maybe followed by Polar Express or a classic Christmas movie and great food.
Elle Linton says
I have not had any mulled wine yet! Gah! …Hopefully there will still be some in the shops by the time I get there! Good luck for the competition!
Beki Cadd says
My favourite way to unwind and destress over the Christmas holidays has to be walking in the countryside – my parents live in a village in the middle of nowhere and it's always lovely to escape from the craziness of the city!
Elle Linton says
Sweet! It's always nice to have somewhere to escape to!! Good luck for the comp ๐
Bei Braithwaite-Cotton says
It's simple for me, onesie, feel good movies and good wholesome food oh can I add one more having hubby home as he works so much. Great giveaway Elli. Thanks for the opportunity.x
Elle Linton says
Goo luck for the comp! Hope you've gotten all the things above x
Corey @ Learning Patience says
A1 Vitality Brighton Half MarathonA2 Henlow, Liphook, SwadlincoteMy favorite way to relax over the holidays is to put on my new tiger onsie (we don't have those in the US) and cuddle with my husband and doggie watching a Christmas movie by the glow of the Christmas tree drinking a nice glass of red wine!
Elle Linton says
It's been s warm, I haven't had the onesie out yet! Good luck for the competition!
Milly Youngman says
AND, my favourite way to relax over the holidays is by being super lazy and having long lie-ins. Hopefully I'll get a few of them over Christmas! ๐
Elle Linton says
Hope you did indeed! …I'm probably on the verge of oversleeping! ๐
Milly Youngman says
A1. Vitality Brighton Half MarathonA2. Henlow, Liphook, Swadlincote
Elle Linton says
Good luck for the competition!!
Kalliopi Sakellariou says
Number 2 is so true that happens to me all the time!You are planning your perfect days off and you get ill!Loved this post!Have a great time!
Elle Linton says
Thanks Kalliopi!! Hope you've managed to stay well so far! thank you and Happy Holidays x