Navigating Holiday Stress: A Melaninated Woman’s Guide to Self-Care

By La Trecia Doyle-Thaxton

As the holiday season approaches, finding moments of calm becomes essential.

In this blog, we’ll explore ways to manage stress, embrace or navigate celebrations, and incorporate healing crystals like lepidolite, clear quartz, amethyst, and green aventurine. Additionally, we’ll delve into the soothing ritual of healing baths infused with herbs, essential oils, and crystals.

Celebrating or Navigating:

While in school I realized that Pilgrims were bullies and felt like Thanksgiving was something that we just tolerated because we got the day off. As I grew older and began to read the bible more as my mother suggested, I realized that we are reaping what we are sowing, especially celebrating genocide. And that does make “the Book of Revelations” more real.

When I became an adult, I put away childish things and decided I would no longer allow capitalism to control when I would visit my loved ones or celebrate good times. Sure, born days may fall on days of atrocities but I am only celebrating life not an act of violence against humanity.

During the last few months of the year, I wish to go to resorts, turn off the TV, and just listen to music, not to abandon my family members who are not like me and my household but to block out what society is constantly trying to force on us to keep us at war with each other like the one going on in Congo that we never see on the news. But that is for another time.

At this point, I am here to share some tips on how to navigate through these celebrations for your own mental wellness.

Healing Crystals:

Healing crystals have been used for centuries for their unique energies and properties. Here’s a breakdown of the purposes of some popular crystals you might resonate with:

Lepidolite:

Purpose: Calming and Stress Relief

How: Carry it in your pocket, use it in meditation, or create a calming crystal grid at home.

Clear Quartz:

Purpose: Amplification and Clarity

How: Use it during meditation, place it in your living space for positive energy, or incorporate it into your daily routine, like wearing it as jewelry.

Amethyst:

Purpose: Emotional Balance and Serenity

How: Wear it as jewelry, place it in your bedroom, or use it during meditation for a sense of peace.

Green Aventurine:

Purpose: Luck and Abundance

How: Carry it in your purse or pocket, incorporate it into manifestation rituals, or place it in your home to attract positive energy.

Rose Quartz:

Purpose: Love and Compassion

How: Use it in self-love rituals, wear it as a pendant, or place it in the bath for a soothing and loving experience.

Generally, crystals can be used in various ways, such as:

Meditation: Hold or place crystals around you to enhance your meditation experience.

Jewelry: Wear crystals as jewelry for a constant energetic connection.

Décor: Display crystals in your home to bring positive energy to your living space.

Grids: Create crystal grids for specific intentions or manifestations.

Healing Baths:

Healing baths can change your life, especially during the holiday season. Here’s why they’re essential:

Stress Relief:

The holiday season can bring a mix of joy and stress. A healing bath with calming herbs, essential oils, and crystals provides a serene escape, helping to melt away tension and promote relaxation.

Self-Care Ritual:

Amidst the hustle and bustle, taking the time for a healing bath is a powerful act of self-care. It’s a moment to prioritize your well-being, recharge, and show yourself some love.

Emotional Support:

The holidays can evoke a range of emotions, from happiness to nostalgia. A healing bath, infused with crystals like rose quartz for love and amethyst for emotional balance, can provide emotional support and a sense of calm.

Physical Rejuvenation:

Cold weather and busy schedules can take a toll on the body. A healing bath with herbs like lavender and chamomile, combined with the warmth of the water, can soothe muscles, ease aches, and contribute to overall physical rejuvenation.

Detoxification:

With holiday indulgences, a detoxifying bath can help eliminate toxins from the body. Adding ingredients like Epsom salt and essential oils supports the body’s natural detox process.

Mindfulness and Reflection:

The quiet solitude of a healing bath provides an excellent opportunity for mindfulness and reflection. It’s a time to set intentions, express gratitude, and align your energy for positive change.

Improved Sleep:

Quality sleep is crucial for overall well-being. A relaxing bath before bedtime can signal to your body that it’s time to wind down, promoting better sleep quality.

A healing bath is not just a physical experience; it’s a holistic practice that nurtures your mind, body, and spirit. Here is a DIY guide for a relaxing healing bath, including:

Herbs like lavender and chamomile for their calming properties.

Essential oils such as lavender, eucalyptus, and bergamot for a soothing aroma.

Crystals like rose quartz can be placed in the bath for an extra dose of love and compassion.

Conclusion:

It is critical to be mindful of your wellness, asking “who is all over there” is self-care! And it is okay to stay home and get into the tub for 20-30 minutes with your favorite crystals, oils, and herbs, then catch a bad flick on Tubi after. Some of you don’t even know it but you have herbs in your kitchen cabinet that you can start with right now like basil, thyme, and oregano. You may even use some peppermint and baking soda for your bath.

While I am not encouraging anyone to skip out on a family gathering, I am saying it is not unheard of if you do, show up the next day, hell you have four days to mingle with family.

And before I close, I want to leave you with some affirmations:

I am resilient and powerful. In the face of challenges, I trust in my ability to overcome. Each obstacle is an opportunity for growth, and I embrace the strength within me.

I deserve love and kindness. I celebrate the unique and beautiful person that I am. Today, I choose to love myself unconditionally, knowing that I am worthy of all the good things life has to offer.

I am a magnet for positive change. With every breath, I release negativity and invite positivity into my life. I trust the process of growth and transformation, and I welcome the abundance of joy, success, and love.

I encourage you to repeat these words daily and incorporate them into your routines to cultivate a positive mindset and attract the positive change you are seeking. 🌟💕

I invite you to please share your own self-care rituals in the comments.

Sending you positive inner-G and Happy Holidays

Keywords: Holiday stress, healing crystals, lepidolite, clear quartz, amethyst, green aventurine, self-care, healing baths, herbs, essential oils, positive vibes

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