The self-care rituals you’ll actually have time for this holiday season

Self-care is a fantastic concept year-round, we know – but with gruelling work schedules and crazy social calendars, it’s hard to actually find time to fit it in.

But now that the Christmas holidays are near, we can finally relax (and we couldn’t be more ready). So, in the name of committing to a luxurious and lengthy self-care routine, here are the ridiculously relaxing rituals we recommend.
 

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Take a salt soak

A bath is a self-care staple, there’s no doubt, but what you should be adding to your water depends on the result you’re after: relief or relaxation.

If you’re dealing with pain or inflammation, a salt soak is the way to go. Able to increase energy, soothe muscles and improve overall skin health, salt baths are great for physical rejuvenation.

bh loves: Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Pink Himalayan

Just after a classic serene soak? A bath bomb is the obvious choice. We’re always fans of ones that add frothy fizz and fruity flavour to our tub.

bh loves: DB Cosmetics Juicy Fruits Bath Bomb Set

Whichever way you go, we highly recommend you include a candle in the equation – it dials the zen factor up to 1,000 every time.

bh loves: In Essence Relaxation Therapeutic Candle

Treat your feet

If you’ve been strutting around in heels all silly season, a foot spa session will be your sole saviour. Switch between the deep-tissue and vibration massage options to rid your feet of tension and pain, and then just leave your soles to soak for a good hour or so in the soothing bubbles – you’ll feel like you’re walking on clouds in no time.

bh loves: Homedics Tru-Heat Footspa White ($99, myer.com.au)

 

Use multiple masks

Take time to mask the right way – cleanse first, of course – a freshly-washed face will work as a far more receptive canvas, and your formula will be able to get straight to work without anything in its way. Speaking of formulas, who says you have to stick to just one?

Your party season face is often dehydrated, oily and acting up acne-wise all at once, so applying  a different mask based on what each individual complexion section needs is a fantastic (albeit fiddly) fix. Try a mattifying formula on your forehead, a hydrating one on cheeks and chin, and a detoxifying option on your nose to absorb oil, hydrate and nix blackheads in one go.

bh loves: Paula's Choice Rehydrating Moisture Mask, NIVEA Urban Skin Detox Peel Off Mask – Mattify, Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask

Test-drive your tools

Invested in tech swearing the hefty price tag was worth it cause you’d obviously use it every day (and then didn’t)? Relatable. Well, now is the ideal time to get well acquainted with your tools. Skin care doesn’t stop at the serums you apply, and with all the holiday ham, alcohol and falling asleep in your makeup (yikes) that December brings, your face is going to need all the help it can get.

It all depends on the main skin concern you’re trying to fight – we recommend using one tool at a time as to not over-stimulate or irritate skin. Looking to clear pores, calm acne or firm up your face? Try these nifty devices (again, best to stick to one per session).

bh loves: Rodan + Fields Deep Pore Cleansing MD System, Dr. Dennis Gross Spotlite ($80, mecca.com.au), Kat Burki Micro-Firming Wand ($153, mecca.com.au)

Meditate mid-mani

Doing your nails doesn’t have to be a hassle, especially when you add a little meditation into the mix. Some forward-thinking U.S. nail salons have started combining guided meditation with their nail appointments (genius!). 

But while we wait for the combo option to hit Aussie shores, we’re going to settle for doing it DIY style: aka popping in a pair of headphones post-polish application and pressing play on a meditation app. You’ll feel less stressed and more relaxed in a flash; the fresh manicure is just gravy.

bh loves: Calm: The App For Meditation (free in the App Store)

Nourish at night

One of our absolute favourite things about the Chrissy holidays? The lack of early morning alarms, of course. And seeing as you’ll be using the free time to sleep in far later than usual, why not double down with snooze-friendly treatments to nourish your hair and face through the night? Your skin and strands will wake up feeling refreshed, replenished and ready to enjoy another day of pure holiday bliss.

bh loves: Alpha-H Beauty Sleep Power Peel, Dermalogica Clear Start Breakout Clearing Overnight Treatment, Clinique Moisture Surge Overnight Mask, Sephora Collection Coconut Hair Sleeping Mask ($7, sephora.com.au), IGK Antisocial Overnight Bond-Building Dry Hair Mask ($49, Sephora.com.au)
 

Main image credit: @bathbox

Do you have any favourite ways to unwind and commit to self-care?