It’s a fun season right now, right? Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas parties (in person this year), and New Year’s is coming! But the holiday season has its hard parts, too. If you’ve ever lost someone during the holiday season, that yearly anniversary can be difficult. Maybe money is a little tighter this year, so you’re worried about the season not being exactly what you or your loved ones expect. Maybe all those parties and big holiday meals have already gotten to you, and you just don’t feel your best, but you also don’t want to pass up once-a-year treats and opportunities to see family and friends.
I’m about to blow your mind: That’s all normal! A lot of people find the holiday season exhausting and overwhelming, despite its being “the most wonderful time of the year.” But Poppie’s and I are here to have your back! I’ve got some tricks to help you feel better when you start to feel down about yourself or that party you’re secretly dreading but also want to go to. As an eating disorder survivor and frequent traveler (hello, airplane bloat!), I can definitely attest to the value of faking it till you make it through, when necessary. Here are five ways to lift your spirits and your mood. You don’t have to feel pressured to do them all, just pick one and see how it goes!
1. Go Pantsless
The fact of the matter is, ladies, that dresses make us feel pretty. I know it’s not just me! I can go from “frumpy and restricted” to “free and easy” with just a change of clothes. Take off the sweatpants, jeans, or sleep shorts and slip into that swingy little number in your closet you’ve been passing over for one reason or another. Whether you’re going to a Christmas party tonight or just hanging out at home, put on a dress and see if it makes a difference in how you feel about yourself and your body.
2. Put on Something Sparkly
A little sparkle makes everything special, am I right? Put on that top with the little gold flecks instead of the solid black one this time. Go for sparkly, dangly earrings instead of the studs tonight. That sequin dress you’ve been saving for a special occasion? Girl, tonight is what you’ve been waiting for! Seriously. It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a party to go to or not. Wear that sparkly dress and make you some hot cocoa because a night of watching Christmas Hallmark movies is the perfect occasion to put on something fancy and remember how pretty you are when you choose to be!
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- Seriously Sparkly Dress/Tunic
- SPANX Dark Wash Jeans
- Yenni Black Gold Chain Booties
- Gold Star Charm Necklace
- Gold Glitter Statement Hoop Earrings
3. Grab the Closest Pair of Leggings
I think at some point, all women have felt like they’re in a battle with their body. So here’s your reminder that you can choose to befriend your body. If you know your body wants a pair of stretchy pants, why try to force yourself into something else that won’t feel as good and gives you a reason to feel bad about yourself?
Grab that favorite pair of leggings and dress them up! Pair them with a flowy tunic, a chunky sweater, or some statement jewelry! Better yet, treat yourself to a pair of SPANX to give your body something comfortable and help you feel special, too. Leggings are the most versatile piece in your closet, so use them when the need for stretchy pants arises.
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4. Don’t Waste Your Waistline
Just as we need to let ourselves luxuriate in our stretchy pants, we can also sometimes use a reminder that we’re not a blob during a holiday food fest. Remind yourself that you do, in fact, have a waistline! As a petite lady in the “short-waisted” category, I often benefit from creating a defined waistline when my dress or longer top doesn’t have one!
My favorite way to do this? Add a belt! This is a great way to not only add some interest to your outfit, it also completely changes the silhouette. My other favorite way to define my waist? With a knotted tee! I seriously love this trick because it gives me an entirely different outfit option when I’m on travel or if I just need a change. You’ll be amazed at how just reminding yourself you have a waistline will help you feel better in your body.
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5. Go for a Walk
One of the best things you can do for your body is move it. I will never advocate for over-exercise, and I firmly do not believe you need to “earn” your once-a-year favorite holiday foods (or earn any foods!), but it’s truly amazing what just a short burst of movement will do for your mood, as well as your own view of your body.
I don’t know about you, but after weeks of Halloween candy, Thanksgiving (and days of leftovers), and much-needed Christmas get-togethers, I start to feel like an actual slug. What helps? A walk, a run, a yoga session, whatever you’re motivated to do that will get your blood flowing. Find something you like, put on some adorable winter workout gear, and just commit to 10 minutes. Feel free to recruit a friend to keep you company, too! Then see if you’re motivated to do more. If not, congratulate yourself for doing your best 10 minutes!
Shop this look!
- Balloon Sleeve Crochet Sweater
- SPANX Velvet Leggings
- Cozy Luxe Pom Pom Beanie
- Zip Sweater
- Combat Booties
Author Bio
Whitney O’Halek of @quickwhittravel is a travel blogger, author, and small business enthusiast. Her blog, QuickWhitTravel.com is all about encouraging other women and girls to live their dreams and see the world. You can find her working on her 10th book, planning her next trips, or holding hands with her sweet husband. Her favorite destinations are Hawaii, Cambodia, and Poppie’s Boutique!
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