The holidays and this hectic time of year can really throw me off course and wear me out in a big way — and I know I’m not alone in this feeling. This time of year can come with so much pressure. Pressure to find the perfect gift, not over-cook the turkey, keep the house clean for guests, remain cool, calm, and chipper… all of those things can really wear on me and leaf to a Joanna who’s not so much fun to be around, if you know what I mean. Recently Pure Leaf and The FeedFeed reached out to me to share some of my tips on how I maintain my perspective during the holiday season (and beyond), so I was excited to share those tips with you guys, something that I’ve definitely worked on over the years!
I’m definitely an introvert, meaning that I cherish my alone time. Simply put, taking time just for myself is how I regroup and recharge, especially during the holidays. I find that it’s so easy for me to slip into being overly social…. and then I wind up totally depleted, cranky, and exhausted. While I do value hospitality and welcoming guests into my home, I need more of a balance to ensure that I stay sane! For me, taking a moment to reset can come in different forms, but one of the simplest is taking a moment to sip some warm tea and bask in the quiet of my home, often with a book in hand.
Unlike coffee, which puts me on high alert, tea is much more a part of my unwinding ritual. From boiling the water, to selecting a blend (currently loving the spiciness of Chai), to patiently allowing it to steep, I find that the ritual of tea making is grounding in and of itself. I tend to stash my phone in another part of the house, anything to get away from the seemingly never-ending notifications and text messages. Then, I tuck into a good book while holding the steaming mug near my day to absorb the aromatic tea steam and wake up my senses.
For me, the ultimate luxury is taking time to wake up each of my senses. It’s a bit like getting back to basics. I go down the list: What do I smell? What do I see? What does my skin feel and what do my ears hear? And, lastly, what do I taste?
This simple exercise is utterly key to helping me maintain my personal happiness during this season, my most hectic time of year. Pure Leaf bagged and loose teas are now available nationwide. Visit Amazon.com or head to your local grocery store to try all 10 hot and iced varieties.
Pure Leaf is also hosting a tasting event for their new hot and iced teas here in Seattle on Nov. 16. Be sure to stop by 4th Ave and Pine Street to say hi and check out the 8′ tall replica of a Pure Leaf bottle!
Pure Leaf is also offering a giveaway this week: to enter, be sure to follow @PureLeaf & @TheFeedFeed on Instagram and be on the lookout for the Pure Leaf giveaway they are running on November 17 — you could win some amazing prizes!
If you’ve got more tips on how to stay grounded, I’d love to hear ’em!
Photography and styling by Jojotastic.
This post is sponsored by Pure Leaf and The FeedFeed. All opinions are my own and always will be! Thanks for supporting content that keeps Jojotastic going.
