Holiday Mental Health Morning
It’s Ellavate day 10 and it’s holiday break!! Do you know what that means? It’s time to sit back, relax, and enjoy as many mental health days possible. Not just mental health days, but mental health days full of holiday treats. For today’s post I wanted to share a fun holiday morning in bed to help you relax and immerse yourself in the holiday spirit! Down below I have a few ideas on how to allow yourself to recuperate from the stresses of daily life. This mental health morning is all about what you feel like doing so you get to decide if you like these ideas or not.
Sleep in: Remember that your body and mind need sleep to function and recover. One idea is to go to bed slightly earlier the night before so you can get even more sleep and be awake and happy the next morning.
Take the morning slow: I always feel like I am in a rush and I never get the time to really take life in. So, now that we finally have the time, wake up slow and relax in bed until you feel like getting up.
Skincare: Our skin deserves love too. You don’t need to have some crazy skincare routine, but wash your face. Washing my face makes me feel so much more alive and clean and it gives a great start to my day.
Clean your room: A happy space makes a happy person. I can’t think clearly when all of my stuff is a complete mess. Turning on a good show, podcast, or music can help make the cleaning process much more enjoyable. You also can set a time limit for yourself so you don’t get too overwhelmed. Just clean for 15 minutes and move on. Making my bed is a favorite of mine. I love how it makes me feel productive, makes my room look cleaner, and it doesn’t take much effort at all.
Make a yummy holiday breakfast: I made the best pancakes ever and decorated them to look like Santa Claus. Cooking/Baking is so relaxing and so much fun for me. I can clear my head and just enjoy what I’m doing. This recipe is from New York Times Cooking and is absolutely amazing.
Ellavate tip: Add chocolate chips and use the gingerbread simple syrup from my post, Homemade Holiday Starbucks Drinks.
Ingredients:
2 cups/256 grams all-purpose flour
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
1 ½ teaspoons baking powder
½ teaspoon baking soda
1 teaspoon kosher salt
2 teaspoons ground ginger
2 teaspoons ground cinnamon
½ teaspoon ground allspice
1 ¼ cups whole milk
⅓ cup unsulfured molasses (not blackstrap)
2 eggs
3 tablespoons unsalted butter, melted
1 teaspoon finely grated fresh ginger
½ teaspoon finely grated lemon zest
Recipe:
In a large bowl, whisk together flour, brown sugar, baking powder, baking soda, salt and spice.
In a separate bowl, whisk milk, molasses, eggs, melted butter, fresh ginger and lemon zest until well combined.
Add the two mixtures together and combine.
Heat a griddle or pan and bake away!
Put on your favorite comfy clothes: As you guys can see I decided to out on a Rudolph onesie! I wanted to get in the Christmas spirit and also be comfy so this was perfect. If you have any Christmas pajamas those would be perfect to wear.
Watch your favorite show or movie: During this holiday time there are a bunch of movies to cuddle up and watch. If you don’t want to watch something holiday related you can also just watch a normal TV show. I love watching old shows that I used to be obsessed with like Cupcake Wars. There is something about watching a show that you have already watched before that feels so comforting.
Go outside: It is so nice outside and this is the perfect time to appreciate the beauty of the earth. Sometimes it’s good to just sit and think and not overwhelm your brain with things to do. Put your phone away and get comfy for a bit. Maybe play some music or allow yourself to simply think.
Read a book: Reading is a great way to drift off into another land especially because the holiday time can be super hectic and crazy. I love putting on a nice fire in the house and sitting right near the fireplace as I read my book.
Take a bath or shower: Clean yo’ self. I typically take really quick showers because I don’t want to waste time, but now, I have time to enjoy a long shower or bath. When you take a bath you can light a candle and turn down the lights to make it feel super relaxing. I you want this bath to get you in the holiday spirit, add a holiday scented candle.
Put on a face mask: I absolutely love putting a face mask on because it feels like you are having your own spa day right at your house.
Move your body: Only do this if you want to, but I love to walk my dog or do a yoga class on mental health days. One of my favorite yoga classes to do online is: https://youtu.be/1nTHJkbQXJU
Meditate: Being mindful and focusing on my breath is one of the only things that truly calms me down. Give your mind and body time to breathe in and out and release all of your toxins. I love any meditation from Insight Timer or just some relaxing music.
Bake/cook something: As I said, working in the kitchen helps me to destress and focus on the holiday fun. I have cookie recipes up on my blog and the internet is exploding with other recipes for fun treats to make. If you don’t have a sweet tooth, find a recipe for a savory meal to make. You could even make something for friends/family.
Have some tea, coffee, or hot cocoa: a festive holiday drink is the only way I could think to end this wonderful holiday mental health morning.
Go enjoy your relaxing, festive holiday mental health morning. Rejuvenate and have fun!