Has the season got you feeling a little less festive and a lot more stressed? The lead-up to Christmas with the shopping lists, decorating, entertaining, traveling, all in frigid temperatures can really leave you feeling worn out and dreaming of a quiet day at home in your pajamas on the sofa, eating Christmas treats and binge-watching Netflix. And maybe that’s exactly what you should do! The notion of “self-care” seems counter-productive when your to-do list seems to just get longer and longer, but de-stressing and forcing yourself into a time out can recharge your batteries keeping you healthy, not to mention sane, during the holiday season.
I know I am not the only one who needs me-time and my friends are just as stressed out as I am, so I will be treating not only myself but my girls to pampering treats to warm them up, slow them down, bring some peace and tranquility, and to help them get a much-needed good night’s sleep. Skipping a holiday spice flat white latte isn’t so hard when I am tempted with the loose teas in the David’s Tea Wellness Box especially the blend called Serenity Now, served up in my artisanal Arendelle mug from Anthropologie (the best place, by the way, to find the most beautiful selection of tea cups and coffee mugs for holiday gifts). Scent has a strong effect on well-being and can really calm, refresh, or invigorate depending on which fragrance elements you choose. I love Halcyon Crystal Eau De Parfum in Amethyst which is infused with peony, jasmine, rose, which slows me down and helps create a peaceful feeling.
Nothing soothes like good soak in a fragrant bath, chasing away the chill and warming you up. Yuzo Soap Bath Bomb Cubes in Lavender Sage is so good you won’t want to get out of the tub. Essential oils are a wonderful way to channel tranquility, to energize, and to help you sleep. Vitruvi’s Stone Diffuser in Blush looks like a beautiful decor object and I love their Quiet Blend Essential Oil before bed to help slow down a racing mind. Pleasing all my senses, including visual.
Jo Malone’s candles are legendary and come with gorgeous packaging making them the perfect gift, but are just as lovely as a treat for yourself. The luxurious Mimosa and Cardamom candle is a delicious winter scent with delicate golden mimosa blended with spicy cardamom, damask rose, heliotrope, earthy tonka, and sandalwood. An indulgent way to create a calming atmosphere.
Sleep: nothing melts away stress quite like a good night’s sleep, yet it is one of the hardest things to achieve. I can’t count how many things I can find to start worrying about just as my head hits the pillow. But beauty sleep is possible! Slip’s silk eye mask and pillow case in pink are sumptuous and soft, and make me feel so pampered while dozing off. Just in case my mind takes off on a tangent, I love This Work’s Deep Sleep Pillow Spray, which I actually spray on a handkerchief so as not to mark the silk pillowcase. And it’s true - This Works! Don’t forget your feet - Make + Model’s plush faux fur scuff slippers are so cozy and give your feet a treat.
All the pampering in the world won’t help if you don’t set aside some me-time to take care of yourself over the holidays. It is easy to get caught up and think that you will rest up afterwards, but it is a time of giving, and that means giving to yourself too. So don’t race to exercise or do yoga, ease off the self-imposed holiday diet, and let yourself rest and relax, and recharge. You are worth it!
XOXO Shelley
#beatholidaystress #selfcare #beautyandwellness #howtomanageholidaystress #metime #pamperingtreats #wellnesstreats #copingwiththeholidays
