4 ways to take care of yourself this holiday season

This is a sponsored post written by me on behalf of Vaseline. All opinions are 100% mine.

Every year, right before Thanksgiving, I take a deep breath, give myself a little pep talk about how, “You can do it!” and prepare to hook myself up to a continuous, intravenous supply of caffeine until Jan. 2.

This year, however, I’m vowing to hop off the holiday hamster wheel for a few moments to experience the true meaning of the season, and to take care of myself for once.

Today I thought I’d share four specific ways I’m doing that right now. You should try them, too!

1. Stop doing something that’s bad for you. 

We all have those little things we do every day that we know we shouldn’t do. (There is time to tackle the big things after Dec. 31, right?) 😉 For me, it’s texting while driving. In an effort to be a safer driver, I’ve decided to ditch the mobile distractions. Maybe I’ll listen to some Christmas music instead …

2. Start doing something that’s good for you. 

Again, these are baby steps … no added stress allowed. In the colder months, I suffer from severely dry skin that becomes itchy and painful. In an effort to improve my problem and pamper myself a little, I recently took the Vaseline 5-day challenge.

I received a Vaseline healing kit in the mail that included Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Fragrance Free Lotion, dry skin test strips, a personalized mug, GODIVA hot cocoa and marshmallows.

I’ve used the lotion regularly over the past week and have noticed a difference in the way my skin feels. The proof is in the strips.

It’s amazing what a little lotion, jewelry and polish can do for my DIY project-ravaged hands.

Vaseline Intensive Care Lotions contain healing micro-droplets of Vaseline Jelly to deeply moisturize dry skin. The Vaseline Intensive Care Advanced Repair Fragrance Free Lotion is clinically proven to heal dry skin in five days and keep it healed for three weeks. The 10-oz. bottle I got is about $4.99 at your favorite mass retailer.

3. Express thankfulness. 

I’ve always found it a bit ironic that families spend Thanksgiving Day expressing gratitude for their overflowing, abundant blessings, then immediately rush out the following day to stuff their shopping carts full of more stuff.

This year, I’m spending more than just one day focusing on gratitude. When I can spare 15 minutes, I love heading outside with a warm blanket and a cup of cocoa. I chill out in my Adirondack chair; enjoy the crisp, fall weather; and express thankfulness for this extraordinary life. It’s one way I’m avoiding getting sucked into the holiday shopping vortex.

Aren’t these marshmallows the cutest?

4. Spend one day doing nothing. 

One Saturday a few weeks back, I did nothing. And I can’t wait to do it again. On my “do-nothing” day, I slept in. I didn’t make the bed or do any laundry or dishes. I lounged around and watched movies and played games with my family. I flipped through home magazines and catalogs. My do-nothing day was glorious and therapeutic. Some of my most creative ideas and favorite memories have come as a result of do-nothing days.

The holidays can be hectic and stressful; I certainly don’t have to remind you of that. But I hope you’ll consider trying a few (or all four) of these ideas. They will help to give you the meaningful, healthful and joyful holiday season we all crave.