Holiday Relaxation Tips to Help You Sparkle
Stuck in a holly daze? The hustle and bustle of holiday celebrations can leave you craving a dose of relaxation. Don’t wait till next year to practice self-care though! Use these holiday relaxation tips to crush any “ba-humbugs” that come your way!
1. Save the Date… for Yourself
During the holiday season, it feels like everyone wants you to “mark your calendar” for some social outing, from holiday work parties to family gift exchanges! Some days, you may even have double or triple events stacked back-to-back on your planner, all with different dress codes, expectations, and other things to remember. Even if you’re pretty extroverted, the “go-go-go” of the season can leave you feeling exhausted, which is why setting aside a night for yourself can be so important!
This year, mark your calendar for an evening of self-care — a chunk of time to do what you love on your own terms, whether that’s painting, going to the hair salon, or taking a well-deserved nap!
2. Get Your Sweat On
According to WebMD, the endorphin release that accompanies exercise can help reduce stress, improve sleep, and diminish feelings of depression and anxiety. We’ll take those benefits any day, no matter the season! Make some time for your favorite type of exercise to help you beat the winter blues. You’ll walk out with that just-exercised glow, whether you take your dog for a quick walk or try a boot camp class at your favorite gym!
3. Stop & Meditate
During the holidays, it’s easy to get caught up on what you need to do next (or what you should’ve done already), but a busy brain can make it hard to enjoy the here and now! You can reel yourself back into the present with a short meditation session.
If you’ve never meditated before, try the following process. Find a quiet space and a comfortable seat, and queue up a short audio-guided meditation on your smartphone — a soothing voice will give you step-by-step instructions leading you back to a more mindful state. You can find guided meditation recordings with a quick Internet search or by downloading mindfulness apps like Headspace and Insight Timer.
4. Moisturize
Late-night parties and cold snaps can do a number on your skin and hair, which can do a number on your self-esteem and general sense of swagger. Re-claim your confidence with a little stay-at-home spa session! A leave-in conditioner or a post-shower sheet mask can leave you feeling hydrated, pampered, and ready to face the day. Strapped for time? An overnight face mask or peel can help refresh your skin while you sleep — so you can wake up on the bright side of the bed.
5. Give Back
Want to do something that’ll help you feel good, meet new people, and combat stress? According to HelpGuide, those are just a few of the unexpected benefits of volunteering (not to mention the positive impact you can have on your community). During the holiday season, there are plenty of extra opportunities to give back, from sorting presents at gift drives to serving holiday dinners at your local soup kitchen. Reach out to non-profits in your area for opportunities to be of service this winter to have a great time for the greater good!
6. Do What You Love
Some people swear on the life-changing benefits of yoga, others find their sense of ZEN in carpentry, reading, or spending time with friends. Are you overdue for a night out with your besties? If so, book a Girls Night Out paint party at Painting with a Twist — where you and yours can paint, drink, and be merry!