Before holiday stress takes its toll, it’s important to build self-care rituals that will see you through the season. We’ll walk you through some of the best ways to recharge this winter, with expert tips from Massage Envy Franchising employee and skincare specialist Adrianne Lackey.
Why holiday self-care is important
If the holidays tend to make you feel overwhelmed, know that you’re not alone. Nearly 9 in 10 U.S. adults say that something causes them stress during the holiday season, whether it’s financial concerns, the pressure to make the occasion feel special, or anticipating family conflict.[1] Add to that the packed schedules, extra responsibilities, and colder weather, and it’s no wonder many people feel pushed to their limit.
Heightened stress can take a toll on physical and mental health if left unchecked — chronic stress has been linked to increased risks of anxiety, weakened immunity, and even heart problems over time.[2] Building in self-care practices, even small ones, can help you manage this stress by giving your mind and body a chance to recharge.
How to practice self-care for the holidays
Caring for yourself doesn’t always come naturally! Here are some small ways to make self-care a priority this season.
Make time for yourself
The most important thing to remember this winter? Self-care isn’t selfish. While the holidays are a wonderful time to gather with family and friends, it’s equally essential to set aside moments to recharge and reconnect with yourself.
“It’s such a busy time around the holidays, and it's extremely easy to forget about taking care of yourself!” says Adrianne. “When I am short on time after a hectic day, I try to find a couple extra minutes in the evening to apply a face mask, maybe some eye gel patches, or even just spend a few moments massaging in my moisturizer and taking some deep breaths to decompress from the day.”
Give yourself permission to take a few minutes just for you, even if it’s taking a short walk, savoring a cup of tea in silence, or reading a few pages of your favorite book. These small holiday self-care resets can help you show up for the rest of the holiday season with more calm, clarity, and joy.
Hydrate and nourish your body
It’s easy to grab another mug of hot chocolate or eggnog, but it’s tougher to remember to keep a water bottle handy, too. Between late nights and holiday treats, one of the best ways to practice self-care for the holidays is to stay well hydrated.
When you’re dehydrated, your whole body feels it, often leaving you feeling dull and lackluster. By staying hydrated and nourished, you’ll have the energy to take on anything—even those last-minute holiday errands!
Prioritize sleep
The holidays are full of excitement, but this isn’t the time to burn the candle at both ends. Quality sleep is the foundation of feeling your best, especially when the season gets hectic. Set yourself up for better rest by creating a calming wind-down routine: dim the lights, avoid screens, and stick to a consistent bedtime.
Book a massage or facial
When stress starts to wear you down, a massage or a facial can work wonders in helping you feel like yourself again. Whether you choose from one of Massage Envy’s massage and facial treatments, or opt for a Total Body Stretch session, you’ll leave feeling recharged, glowing, and ready to take on whatever the season has in store.
Massage therapy has been shown to significantly help reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol and support overall emotional well-being.[3] Regular facials, in particular, are a fantastic way to keep your skin refreshed, dewy, and ready to shine at special holiday events.
“My favorite, most relaxing skin care treatment is the Nourishing Light Treatment,” says Adrianne. “You get to experience 20 minutes of soothing, warm LED light therapy (which helps improve the appearance of facial wrinkles) and a relaxing hand and arm massage, followed by a soothing face massage with chilled cooling globes. By the end of the treatment, you feel relaxed and refreshed – and your skin looks radiant, too!”
Don’t overcommit
While RSVPing ‘no’ to a holiday invitation might feel a bit Grinch-like, protecting your time is essential. You only have so many hours in a day, so spend them on the things that matter most to you. Practice holiday self-care by managing your calendar and trying not to overextend yourself. That way, you’ll show up fully engaged and ready to enjoy the events you do attend.
Stay active
When your usual routines start to slip during the holidays, it gets easy to feel a little sluggish or cooped up. Make time each day to get moving, even if it’s just a brisk, after-meal walk or a quick morning stretch session. Staying active is a great way to shake off holiday stress and get yourself in a wellness mindset.
Get your nice list covered with Massage Envy gift cards
Stressing over last-minute gifts? Let’s take one thing off your plate! A Massage Envy gift card is the perfect present for every body on your list, encouraging them to practice self-care for the holidays in a meaningful and restorative way. Care for yourself by helping those you love care for themselves, too — it’s a win-win.
Don’t forget to gift yourself
Small moments of self-care can make a big difference. Hopefully these tips help keep you grounded through the busy holiday season, but why not build self-care into your routine year-round? Check out the promotions and available services at your local Massage Envy franchised location, and consider becoming a member to enjoy perks like a monthly 60-minute wellness session and more.
