When it’s so cold out and summer feels like a lifetime away, you might find yourself feeling down. Couple that with short, mostly dark days and seemingly never-ending days at the office, you’re likely counting down the moments until you can go home change into your comfiest jammies and cry in bed. OK, maybe the last part is a little bit dramatic (but hey, if that’s you, don’t worry, we’ve all been there), but giving yourself time to unwind, re-ground yourself and relax this holiday season is probably the best thing you can do for yourself (other than buy yourself a brand new pair of shoes because YOLO). However, if you’re used to being a woman on-the-go 24/7, unwinding is a lot harder than it sounds. Here are a few tips to get you started:
Unplug
Put down your phone, and turn off your computer (after you finish reading this post, of course). The most important step to unwinding this holiday season is unplug, and enjoy some time to yourself before you’ll be surrounded by relatives for your family gatherings. To avoid ringxiety, put your phone on “Do Not Disturb” or airplane mode.
So now what do you do without your phone to distract you? You can …
Try a guided meditation
OK, OK, you’ll need your phone for this, but it can be kept on airplane mode/DND while you meditate. Calm app is a really great choice for beginners, with several guided meditations for stress, anxiety and even sleep. Choose a meditation that speaks to you, take a seat on your yoga mat, close your eyes and prepare to feel, well, calm.
Take an epsom salt bath
Not only are epsom salt baths great for soothing achy, sore muscles, but they’re also grounding and cleansing, clearing away all of that negative, stressful energy you probably absorbed this holiday season. So dim the lights, light some of your fave candles, put on one of your fave playlists, and take that nice, hot bath. You deserve it.
Treat your skin to a face mask
Now that your bathroom has basically been turned into a spa, it’s time to treat yourself to a nice face mask. There are plenty of great options out there, but our personal fave is Charlotte Tilbury’s Goddess Skin Clay Mask, which basically acts as a “rebirthing” of your skin.
Journal
Your phone is still put away, right? Good. Now it’s time to pull out that old journal of yours and start writing. Even if you’re not a writer, it can feel incredibly therapeutic to dump your thoughts and feelings onto a piece of paper. Trust us, you’ll feel so much better afterwards.
Read a good book
If you really don’t want to be writing, try distracting your mind from the world with a good book. Not sure which one to pick up? Here are some of our current faves.
Do something that is good for your soul
When was the last time you did something you really loved? Perhaps it’s picking up that old guitar that’s been collecting dust in your apartment, pulling out that canvas and painting or simply just singing along to your favourite tune.
Get a good night’s rest
Now that you’ve relaxed your mind and body and rejuvenated your soul, it’s time to catch up on some zees. If you’re still having trouble sleeping, try Bach Rescue Sleep Remedy, a natural flower remedy that’s non-addicting and will help insomnia caused by stress.
