The holidays can be a stressful and expensive time. Between buying gifts, traveling, and attending social events, it’s easy to feel drained. However, self-care is essential for maintaining your physical and mental health. With some creativity, you can pamper yourself without breaking the bank this holiday season. Here are nine ideas to try.
Take a Long Bath
Run a warm bubble bath, light some candles, put on relaxing music, and soak away your stress. Bring a book or just let your mind wander as you enjoy having nowhere else to be for a little while. For extra relaxation, add Epsom salts or essential oils. Dim the lights, close your eyes, and let the water soothe away all tensions.
Give Yourself a Facial
Mix together ingredients from your kitchen like lemon juice, honey, yogurt, oats, etc. and apply to clean skin for a nourishing homemade facial. Wash it off after 10-15 minutes and feel refreshed. Splash your face with cool water afterwards to tighten pores. Apply a rich moisturizer while skin is still damp. The natural ingredients will leave your complexion smooth and radiant.
Bake Holiday Treats
Baking always makes the house smell amazing. It can also lift your mood and give you something sweet to munch on later. Try making peppermint bark, gingerbread cookies, or another favorite using pantry staples you likely already have at home. Play your favorite music and sip mulled wine while prepping the dough and waiting for treats to bake. Feel pride in your creations and package up extras in festive tins to gift.
Have a Solo Dance Party
When no one else is home, crank up the holiday tunes and just dance it out! Moving your body releases endorphins that reduce stress. You can even stay in your PJs to really let loose. Belt out the lyrics at the top your lungs. Let yourself go silly copying dance moves you see in videos. Shake it all out until the very last song.
Craft DIY Gifts for Loved Ones
Making gifts can be just as rewarding as receiving them. Try your hand at framed photos, candles, knitted scarves, baked goods, etc. Wrap them with some nice paper from the dollar store to complete the experience. Find satisfaction in personalizing presents specifically for each recipient. Spread out all your materials and take your time embellishing. When done, write meaningful tags for who will open each creation.
Host Christmas Movie Night for Yourself
Pop some popcorn, make hot chocolate, light candles, snuggle under a blanket, and queue up your favorite festive flicks for the night! It’s bound to get you feeling merry. Make the night extra special with themed snacks like sugar cookies or candy canes. Let yourself have a good cry during the sad parts. Laugh wholeheartedly at the silly moments. Comment out loud like you’re watching with friends.
Go through Old Photos
Sit down with a cup of tea or coffee and flip through cherished photo albums or scroll through your camera roll. Take a nostalgic trip down memory lane brightened by happy moments caught on film from holidays past. Reminisce on where the pictures were taken and who you were with. Note how much has changed. Appreciate that you have a record of beautiful memories that shaped who you are now.
Do Your Hair and Nails
Give your hair a deep conditioning treatment followed by a festive manicure or pedicure. Paint your nails a deep holiday red or glittery green shade or get creative with nail stickers. It’s an easy way to glam yourself up a bit. Look for hair and nail products deals, such as holiday scented lotions and scrubs to smooth skin pre-polish. Try more intricate designs like snowflakes that show off your artistic side. The flashy gems and shimmer are sure to catch eyes at any seasonal soiree.
This holiday season, focus on inexpensive but thoughtful ways to treat yourself to some much needed rest and rejuvenation. By incorporating some of these budget-friendly ideas into your schedule, you’ll be kinder to both your wallet and your wellbeing.
