Do you find that once October hits life begins to feel a bit frantic? Schedules fill up and to-do lists run long. Home and family life can quickly begin to turn a little chaotic and feelings of overwhelm can start creeping in. For someone who loves people but loves to be home even more, that gets old really fast. So this year, for the month of November, The Sweet Tea Sisters are going to try to engage in one or two simple things each week that will encourage us to slow down just a bit and enjoy a sweet moment of rest here and there.
Here’s a list of ten things that can be done anytime during the next five weeks–whenever it fits the schedule–but no pressure allowed! The goal here is not to add extra work or expense to the budget, but to find a few simple things that, with minimal effort, cost or prep work, will hopefully energize our spirit and bring moments of rest in the chaos. There is no set time frame for this–there isn’t a particular day of the week or even a particular week to do any of the activities. If it makes your life easier you could schedule some, while others you may decide on at the last minute. You don’t even need to do all ten–five is the goal, but you know the SweetTea Sisters like to have OPTIONS and sometimes we might feel like doing a little extra!
Any of these things can be done by yourself, with your family, or with a group of friends. Mix it up! Welcome to The Sweet Tea Sisters 5 in 5 Restful Fall Challenge, and we’d love to have you join us!
Here’s what’s on our list and some thoughts about each one.
- Eat dinner by candlelight
This does not mean you need to make a fancy dinner or set the table with cloth napkins and wine goblets–but you certainly could if that’s what will bring you joy without stress! There’s a good chance we will dish up our food in the kitchen and take our plates to the dining room table, or maybe even our living room coffee table! But there’s just something about candlelight that makes even the most humble thing feel special and relaxing about candlelight. In fact this sounds like the perfect way to elevate a pizza and paper plate evening! - Send someone a card or letter of encouragement
Stopping to take the time to think about and then tell someone how grateful you are for someone is usually a sure-fire way to put yourself in a better frame of mind (and heart). Instead of focusing on all the chaos and to-do lists swirling around, take a moment to be thankful for the blessing of the people God has placed in your life. - Movie Night
We love a good movie and sometimes a mid-week movie with a big bowl of popcorn sounds delightful! A pile of blankets and pillows, your favorite pajamas, and a cup of hot cocoa with whipped cream and sprinkles are a great way to enjoy 2 hours. - Go to bed early
Pull out a sleep mask, diffuse a little essential oils and hit the hay 30-45 minutes earlier than usual with the mindset to do a little relaxing breathing while thanking God for some of the things you’re thankful for as you fall asleep. - Buy a bouquet of flowers
Fresh flowers are a great way to lift drooping spirits. Pick up a bunch or two from your local grocery and divide them into a few smaller arrangements to place all around your home to bring spots of life and color when the world outside is getting darker and colder earlier and earlier. If you have a florist you love and it fits your budget you can get a great bouquet from there as well. (If you want to be even more extra, grab a extra bouquet and share it with a friend!) - Take a leisurely bath or shower
When it’s chilly outside, warm up with water! Use all the pretty smelling lotions and potions, light a few candles, play some soothing music and soak up the moisture until you feel sufficiently pruney. (Shaving your legs is an option, not a necessity!) - Schedule coffee or tea with a friend
In person or over a video call, in a home or at a cafe, just schedule some time for an uninterrupted heart to heart chat with a dear friend. Make sure to include some belly laughs if at all possible! - Game Night
Invite a few people to get together to play a few games or assemble a puzzle. No need to make a big meal–a potluck hot cocoa bar is fun and simple! - Read
Put the phone away, turn off the TV, slip into your favorite cozies, and spend a little time reading whatever you love…magazines, scientific journals, biographies, chick-lit, novels, gossip rags…whatever will give your brain a little break! - Eat dessert
Bake it, pick it up at the grocery, or get it from your favorite bakery, but indulge in your favorite dessert. Slow down and really enjoy every bite!
None of these things are hard, magical, or even unusual, but when done with intention, a thankful heart, and a mind to enjoy them fully, they might bring some much needed rest into the middle of what can quickly become a season long to-do list.
Do you need to find a few minutes of rest this season? Follow us on Instagram, check out our stories throughout the month of November to follow along, and then join us in this challenge! Use our list or make your own. Either way, we’d love to hear what you do– tag @thesweetteasisters and use #STS5in5restfulfallchallenge to share your peaceful moments on Instagram.
XOXO,
Shan and Doe