Now that the holiday season is winding down, you are probably recovering from a hectic schedule of family get-togethers, professional obligations and the general stressors of daily life. You definitely don’t want to see another gingerbread cookie for a long time.
As you get ready to welcome 2020, take a moment to step back, take a deep breath and focus on yourself. Sometimes, it’s easy to forget to prioritize yourself, which is why it’s important to incorporate self-care rituals when possible. Take care of your emotional, physical and mental health in the new year by adopting some of the following suggestions.
Detox Drink
One of the best parts about the holidays is that you can indulge to your heart’s content. It’s fun to throw moderation out of the window once in a while and welcome carbs with open arms. However, you might need some help recovering from the post-holiday slump to get back into your old routine again. This is where a detox smoothie comes in handy! One of the best ways to cleanse your body is with an easy-to-fix recipe that will instantly boost your energy levels and give your metabolism a kickstart. Try this healthy but delicious purple power smoothie that you can whip up with the following ingredients:
- 3/4 cup carrots, cut into chunks
- 2 cups baby spinach
- 1 apple, stem and seeds removed
- 1 banana
- 3/4 cup frozen blueberries
- 1/2 cup frozen mango chunks (or other frozen fruit)
- 1 Tbsp chia seeds
- 1/2 inch cube fresh ginger root, peeled
- 4-5 ice cubed
- 3/4 cup water (or coconut or almond milk)
Simply grab all the ingredients and blend until smooth. Enjoy!
Book a Massage
Nothing says self-care like booking a relaxing full-body massage at your favourite spa. No one’s immune to stress and it can manifest in our bodies in different ways. It might range from headaches, back pain, fatigue, mood swings and even behavioral changes. Massage therapy is a powerful tool that can help naturally relax you and melt away all the tension. Just imagine lying there on a comfortable massage table, with serene music playing in the background while you inhale calming essential oils. The best part is evidently the massage therapist performing their magic on you. So, are you sold yet or do you need more convincing?
Spa at Home
Not everyone likes to go out and get a massage, and that’s okay. Instead create your own spa at home! First start with a nice manicure and pedicure by making sure you are working with clean finger and toe nails that are nicely trimmed and ready for some polish. For an extra layer of decadence, soak and scrub your hands and feet for about five minutes to exfoliate and get them feeling silky smooth. Then, pick out your favourite face mask and make your favourite drink to completely pamper yourself. And lastly, sink into a lavish bubble bath and let the relaxation take over you.
Stay Active
When we say active we don’t necessarily mean you must slave away at the gym for hours. Find an activity that works best for your body and that brings you a sense of joy. Whether that be doing a circuit workout for thirty minutes or taking your dog out for a long walk, make sure to allot yourself some time every day to get that heart pumping. It’s proven that when you exercise or partake in any physical activity it produces endorphins – chemicals in the brain that act as natural painkillers – which helps reduce your anxiety level. It is also the perfect way to enjoy some “me” time.
Enjoy a Lazy Sunday
Sometimes the best recipe to combat the year-end blues is by taking a step back from your busy schedule and to completely unplug. We give you permission to lounge around your house in your most comfortable pyjamas all day and binge-watch your favourite movies or TV shows on Netflix.
Not in the mood to watch TV? Brew a cup of your favourite tea and grab a book and enjoy some quiet time next to the fireplace. At the end of the day, give your mind and body a well-deserved break, and make sure to take a moment to regroup yourself.
Were you inspired by our holiday self-care tips? Don’t forget to tell us by leaving a comment below.
