Self-care practices to keep your light shining this festive season
Manage holiday stress so that you thrive (not just survive) with these simple self-care rituals
While Christmas is definitely the most wonderful time of the year, it can also come with an emotional and physical toll. It’s so easy to get swept up in the cooking, gift-buying and socialising that we forget to take a moment for ourselves — leading to burn out, exhaustion, and not being able to enjoy special time with friends and family.
“There is so much pressure on women today, with work, families and running a home. Women tend to give to everyone before they give to themselves.” — Mel Gleeson, endota Founding CEO.
In line with Mel’s sentiment, we know that you can’t pour from an empty cup, so it’s important to instil a few simple self-care rituals to help you maintain a sense of calm throughout the festive season. It doesn’t have to look like a 10-step daily skincare routine (though in-spa we’d never refuse!), rather a series of small, mindful rituals that force you to slow down and show yourself some love… because you absolutely deserve it.
Keep reading for our holiday wellness survival tricks.
Meditation
Whether you’re a seasoned meditator or new to the ritual, pausing and coming back to your breath is one of the most grounding, calming practices we can do (it’s also quick, free and you can do it any time). endota Retreat offers complimentary classes that are easy to follow and will help you to cultivate the habit with ease. Simply log in and find one that speaks to you.
Run a candlelit bath
While it’s far from revolutionary, a 30-minute soak in a warm bath surrounded by candles is the perfect way to unfurl tense shoulders and soothe frazzled nerves. Add a sprinkle of endota Mint & Macadamia Recovery Bath to further increase the therapeutic benefits, thanks to muscle-relaxing magnesium, healing arnica and zingy peppermint.
Call a friend
It might not be productive per se, but never underestimate the power of a good download with a close friend in a similar boat. Similarly, reconnect with someone you haven’t heard from in a while — the conversation will be a nice departure from grocery lists and family group chats.
Endorphin rush
We get that exercise might not be high on the agenda during the Christmas period (and we’re all for giving the body a break) but if you’re feeling stressed, flat or mentally spent, the endorphin rush that accompanies a sweat sesh is hard to beat. From yoga and Pilates to HIIT, find a free workout that appeals to you on the endota Retreat platform.
Take a moment to care for your skin
While skincare isn’t the only way to practice self-care, we’re still big believers in a simple but ritualistic routine to bookend your busy days. If you’ve got a few extra minutes to spare during the evening, apply a decadent layer of endota Intense Moisture Mask and let it soak in while you enjoy a cup of peppermint tea. The nourishing, vitamin-rich treatment will pep up skin and restore your glow.
Try breathwork
If you’re not quite sold on meditation just yet, a simple breathing exercise is an effective tool that will help to diffuse high-stress situations as they arise. You can find some easy-to-follow examples on endota Retreat that you can commit to memory and utilise whenever (or wherever) it’s necessary.
"At most spas, women walk in on autopilot and leave relaxed, less stressed and a much better version of themselves. I feel very proud to offer women this escape, which in turn helps to empower them. I think it’s imperative to make sure you take that time out for yourself so that you can be the best version of you."
— Mel Gleeson
Give yourself the gift of relaxation
It’s Christmas, so why not give yourself the gift of a restorative endota facial or massage treatment? Pre-booking a treatment can encourage you to set aside some much-needed "me time" (that you may not get otherwise). There's no denying that the benefits of having glowing skin extend beyond how it makes us look, but also has a lasting impact on the way we feel.
Get some sleep
Simple, but true: sleep is imperative when it comes to mental and physical wellbeing, especially during busy holiday periods. Try switching off your electronic devices and rolling endota Sleep Sound Roll On onto wrists before bed to really foster a deep, restful slumber. Even better, enjoy a restorative sleep aided by our Beauty Sleep Gift Pack, containing a 100% Mulberry silk pillowcase and eye mask, as well as our Sleep Sound Roll On.
Instil boundaries
Remember that when things get too much, it’s okay to use the word ‘no’. Whether it’s hosting or attending another holiday party, buying and wrapping gifts for the entire extended family or cleaning up after Christmas lunch, asking for help and delegating some responsibility isn’t rude, it’s essential. If you find the holidays particularly daunting, sit down with family prior and map out a plan as to who is in charge of what — it will ensure there’s no last-minute panic or extra pressure.
Nature is healing
Swap out Netflix for a hike, a calming bush walk or seaside stroll, either on your own or with family. If you can, take your shoes off and practice some Earthing — while it might feel silly, we encourage you to lean into it, enjoying the feeling of connectedness. If you’re able, an ocean swim is also a great way to press the mental reset button.
