Holiday Timeout. Take a Break to Pamper Yourself

On the 6th day of The Daily Croissant Christmas, I urge you to take a holiday timeout for some self-care!

Forget your to-do list, kick off your shoes, and give yourself a little midweek pampering! With the hustle and bustle of the holidays we can really neglect our own self -care. Skip your yoga class and go shopping instead; rush out of the shower to get your wrapping done; stay up late scouring the internet for that perfect gift just to wake up a few hours later and do it all over again.

We’ve all been there. As much as we try to achieve balance and stick to a self-care regimen, the holidays stress us out and we need this downtime now more than ever! Luckily you still have some time to get everything on your list checked off. What you need right now is to forget about rushing around and schedule in some time for yourself!

About a month ago, I wrote about the benefits of incorporating more rest into your life. Coming from someone who is always on the go, I know how hard it is to just be still. It still feels odd some days when I have nothing on my calendar after work. But I have learned to embrace the moments of stillness and I’m getting creative about how I pamper myself without splurging!

Here are 5 ways to kick back and pamper yourself:

1.Give yourself an at-home facial

There are few things in the pampering department I love more than a facial. But it’s the holidays and I’m trying not to spend money on myself (not easy), so a facial is just not in the budget right now, but a $5 face mask is!! Oh yea, I picked this one up at H-mart at the Korean beauty counter. Score!

I’ve also been really into the sephora eye masks that run from 4-8 bucks. Worth it! Wash or exfoliate your face before using the mask. Put on some chill tunes, turn your phone on airplane mode, and sit for 15 minutes of pure bliss.

2. Light your candles to create a relaxing atmosphere

I’m currently loving the CHILL candle from bath and body works. It’s a calming lavender spruce made with essential oils. It’s currently sold out online, but I got mine in the store and it was on sale!

3. Diffuse Essential Oils

Speaking of essential oils, I’m diffusing my oils now more than ever! There are so many health benefits of diffusing oils at home. Use lavender for a calming effect. Feel like you may be coming down with something? Use On Guard, DoTerra’s protective blend. It is known for its ability to boost the immune system when ingested and can boost cardiovascular function too. Frankincense is amazing for the brain, concentration, and also great for the skin. Add a few drops to your moisturizer and apply for anti-aging benefits and brightening the skin. I’m a wellness advocate so if you need anything, you can order from me directly here.

I’m currently diffusing a combination of the three oils mentioned above and I love that I’m getting the calming, healing, and anti-anxiety properties all in one!

4. Take a long shower with some good products

This is such a luxury if you ask me. Over the summer I discovered L’occitane’s Amande shower and body oils and I am hooked! If you’re looking for a special gift and still unsure what to get, check out this great gift set that includes both products! You can also pick out a few free samples upon checkout. Grab the Divine eye cream. It truly is divine. Another inexpensive gift is the bath and body works stress relief body lotion. I love how this smells. It has been a go-to of mine for as long as I can remember.

The almond shower and supple skin oil are my must haves!

5. Dive into a good book!

Put the screen down and grab a physical book. I am guilty of spending more minutes than I’d like to count scrolling through instagram, but one of my intentions for the new year is less screen time and more book time. Reading online is too much of a distraction for me. I’m currently reading a lot of yoga books to deepen my practice and my teaching. Eastern Body, Western Mind by Anodea Judith is all about the psychology of the chakra system as a path to understanding yourself. What are you reading?