In today’s episode, we’re talking about rethinking rest during the holiday season and why traditional “relaxation” doesn’t always make us feel restored. If you’re overwhelmed by holiday expectations, juggling motherhood, managing a busy home, or trying to keep up with homesteading tasks while feeling exhausted, this conversation is for you.
After weeks of dealing with a lingering sinus infection, I realized that true rest isn’t always about slowing down, sitting on the couch, or doing nothing. Instead, I discovered that my body and nervous system felt more rested when I prioritized connection, movement, simple accomplishments, and intentional comfort rituals—all things that helped reduce stress more than “relaxing” ever did.
Inside this episode, we explore:
Why holiday overwhelm hits so hard (and why rest feels impossible)
The unexpected thing that finally helped my nervous system reset
How a simple girls’ night helped my body start to heal
Why sitting still can sometimes increase anxiety and mental load
How to find rest through connection (girls’ nights, date nights, family time)
How to feel restored through accomplishment and finishing lingering tasks
What “rest through movement” looks like in real life
Simple sensory comfort ideas to bring peace back into your home
How stress impacts your immune system and overall homestead routine
Practical ways to feel grounded, calm, and prepared going into the holiday season
Whether you’re navigating motherhood, trying to stay consistent with homesteading routines, or just craving a calmer December, you’ll learn how to identify your personal rest style so you can support your mental health, reduce stress, and create a holiday season that actually feels good.
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Ep 161. 6 Easy Things to Forage in November
In this episode, we’re talking about what you can still forage in November—even if there’s snow on the ground. I share six easy-to-identify wild foods and herbs like pine needles, rose hips, late-season mushrooms, acorns, crab apples, and black walnuts that can stretch your grocery or medicine budget. Plus, I chat about my failed attempt at extreme couponing and why foraging feels like a much more peaceful (and practical) way to get “free” things from nature this time of year.
Evergreen Recipes
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/evergreen-bath-salts/
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/simple-winter-evergreen-simmer-pot-recipe/
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/cedar-face-toner/
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Ep 160. 5 Ways to Make Taking Herbs Easier When You're Sick
In this episode, we’re talking about herbal compliance — the simple truth that herbs only work if you actually take them. After being sick all week and realizing she barely used her herbs, Brittany shares five super practical ways to make herbal remedies easier and more convenient to use when you’re not feeling your best. From pre-filling tincture shots to creating a “sick day” herbal basket, this episode is all about setting yourself up for success before cold and flu season hits.
Cold and Flu Tea Recipe: https://thehomesteadchallenge.com/herbal-tea-for-cold-and-flu/
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Ep 159. Pantry Restock The Smart Way: How to Refill without Overwhelm or Overspending
In this episode, we’re talking about how to restock your pantry intentionally after the Pantry Challenge so you can avoid waste, overspending, and overwhelm. Brittany shares practical tips for creating a core pantry list that actually fits your family’s needs, restocking slowly on a budget, and organizing for function over perfection. It’s all about building a pantry that supports real life—not one that looks Pinterest-perfect.
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Ep 158. Free Up $500 Before Christmas by Shopping Your Pantry
In this episode, we’re challenging ourselves to free up $500 before Christmas by shopping our pantries instead of the grocery store. We talk about how to take inventory, build meal plans using what we already have, and make it fun with a visual savings tracker. It’s all about using our resources wisely, wasting less, and creating a little extra breathing room before the holidays.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
https://www.facebook.com/groups/thehomesteadchallengecommunity
About The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living
Do you feel like you want to cook from scratch, grow more of your own food, or live intentionally—but never have the time or energy to do it all?
Tried diving headfirst into homesteading only to end up overwhelmed, burnt out, or wondering where to even begin?
You’re not alone.
If you’re ready to build a homestead life that actually works with your modern, busy schedule—this podcast is for you.
Inside The Homestead Challenge, you’ll find time-saving routines, realistic strategies, and practical tips to help you simplify home systems, grow what you can, and start living from scratch—without the pressure to do it all perfectly.
Hey friend. I’m Brittany—crunchy mom, city homesteader, and your go-to for making slow living possible in real life. I tried the all-at-once approach to homesteading… and crashed hard into burnout. Turns out, trying to master everything at once just wastes time, money, and a whole lot of mental energy.
But here’s the good news: homesteading doesn’t have to be all or nothing. You can do this in small steps that make a big impact.
If you’re ready to create a from-scratch lifestyle with more rhythm and less chaos—grab that sourdough starter from the back of the fridge... it’s time to rise.
https://thehomesteadchallenge.com
Listen to The Homestead Challenge Podcast | Suburban Homesteading, Gardening, Food From Scratch, Sustainable Living, The Moth and many other podcasts from around the world with the radio.net app
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