Keep Calm and Holiday On
Give yourself a reprieve ahead of the year-end finale with these finds.
When you’re a kid, the holidays are all about mystery. What presents will I get this year? What parties will I go to? What treats will I eat? As an adult, there is little mystery. Why? Because you’re likely planning at least a good chunk of the fun. That’s why it’s important to make sure you’re taking the time to look after yourself between all the cooking, shopping and running around. Sneak in some solo activities that keep you feeling calm, cool and collected, even if it only lasts a few moments (or until “All I Want For Christmas Is You” comes on again).
This week’s product roundup is all about giving yourself a little bit of love during what can be a hectic month. Each one will help you relax, stay comfortable and recuperate amid all the merriment.
Because the best you can give yourself is to take care of yourself.
1. HUM Nutrition Calm Sweet Calm ($30)
No matter how far in advance we plan, stress ultimately sneaks in during the festive season. One of my favorite ways to manage it is with ashwagandha, an adaptogen known to keep cortisol—the stress hormone—in check. These tasty gummies from HUM Nutrition, the supplement range started by Chris Coleridge and Walter Faustroh in 2012, combine ashwagandha with amino acid L-Theanine to help you relax. They are also vegan with a sour cherry flavor that’s not too sweet. Take two before a flight, before guests arrive or any time you need help winding down.
2. Saint + Sofia Reveal Runway Dress (on sale for £99)
Hosting is part of the holidays and usually means a lot of running around. You’re cooking, greeting guests, filling drinks—wearing something uncomfortable isn’t an option. A long dress is an excellent choice when entertaining because it allows you to move freely. I featured UK label Saint + Sofia in the first-ever edition of MIDDI and they remain one of my go-to brands for basics. Made of soft cotton with a bit of elastane for stretch, this dress holds its shape for a sleek silhouette. This versatile style works with your choice of footwear and accessories for easy dressing.
3. TEMPUR® Comfort Pillow Cloud (£109)
With so much going on this time of year, sleep is often low on the priority list. Having the right pillow can make every precious hour count. I was hesitant to splurge on a better pillow until I realized how often I was replacing cheaper ones—or how many I needed to stack to avoid neck pain. I’m going on year three with this one from TEMPUR® and it’s just as comfortable as the day I bought it. It’s one of the softer pillows in their range, but it still manages to keep its shape and provide excellent support. The removable cover also makes regular cleaning simple.
Something to think about …
If you’ve been thinking of volunteering more, now is the perfect time to start. There are people and organizations in every community that need your support. If you’re looking for further inspiration, here are some other ways to give back right now.
Last week on MIDDI …
