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?
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64 Member Comments
I always make it a priority for a little self-care ritual. Listening to calming meditation music whilst waiting for my face mask to work its magic is just bliss- I feel so much calmer and more refreshed afterwards!
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I think is about also have enough sleep and stop watching too much news
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I was too flat out to take time out to treat myself much before Christmas. I did have a bath with a bath bomb though! I needed the break.
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I have so many different types of masks and when I want to put one on, I pop it in the fridge overnight before I put it to be more relaxing and refreshing.
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Need to spend some more time on me since I have a few days off work -love a good face mask.
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I love putting on a face masks
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This all sounds pretty good to me :) :)
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Salt soaks for me...
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does anyone have a good meditation to do a mani or pedi to?
This is a good idea.
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We went out last night and I managed to get my feet done and painted, body scrubbed and shaved, hair washed and styled. Hopefully over the weekend a facemask and a manicure too
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I love using aromatherapy essential oils in an ultrasonic diffuser as well as including them in a massage oil blend.
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I am sticking with my tried and tested pampering routine and I do love the Dr Teal’s Epsom Salt Pink Himalayan which I have almost run out of. As the weather heats up I find using a face mask a bit too 'sweaty' but if we get a cooler day then I just might use my Swisse Manuka Honey Detoxifying Facial Mask again. Time is just being used up with other things to do.
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A bath is my treat - with bubbles
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I'll be masking and taking care of my feet.
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I really need treat my feet this summer.
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Yes please! I definitely need to do a lot more of these.
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Glam glow face mask is calling for me to use it this weekend.
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Adding this to my favourites today to remind me to take a bit of time to relax and pamper myself in the few days off between Xmas and new year
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Treating yourself is important
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I love face masks, I do them regularly. I also love a good foot soak which I never seem to have time for.
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I’m so overdue for a pedicure it’s not funny, just wish I could have a soak in the bath too.
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A good skin care regime is a must after the holidays
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Lots and lots of sleeping masks!
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Salt soak? Never heard of that?
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Always wanted to try a salt soak.
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