5 Expert Tips To Enhance Self-Care During The Holidays

As we get close to the holidays, many of us are beginning to feel the stress and chaos of the season. Whether it’s fitting in last-minute shopping, prepping for a dinner party, or just sitting in holiday traffic, we’re all busy running around and caring for others during this time. Unfortunately, this disruption to daily life can cause our own self-care routines to take a back seat. The irony is that practicing self-care techniques actually helps to reduce our cortisol levels (the body’s stress hormones). However, when things get too busy over the holidays, the first to go are the little rituals that we do just for ourselves. In the spirit of the season, we’r sharing this Holiday Self-Care Survival Guide with five expert tips on how to enhance self-care, as told by experts and founders of Enhance Arts Spa, Tila Huynh and Linda Huynh. —Vita Daily

1. Book time for YOU: December is gone in a blink of an eye, and with only days before many of us break for the holidays, it’s important to schedule time for ourselves. As self-care takes many forms, scheduling time for a massage, workout class, or even an hour to make a meal can be hugely beneficial in reducing our stress levels. 
2. Try Reflexology: Reflexology is an ancient Chinese traditional massage that focuses on the feet and hands. It is believed that the feet and hands are actually intricately connected to our vital organs and systems, and by providing the right pressure, Reflexology can relieve stress, anxiety and pain all over the body. 
3. Opt for a CBD product: Cannabidiol (CBD) is derived from Hemp cannabis and is used to soothe, reduce pain and lower anxiety and stress, without giving its user a ‘high’ like THC. CBD products like essential oils, balms and lotions, can be used on the outside of the body to put users into a state of relaxation, help with muscle pains and aches, and lead to a better sleep. 
4. Remember, beauty services count: When caring for ourselves, it’s important to understand that self-care looks and feels different for everyone. Oftentimes, beauty services, including manicures, facials, and waxing, are seen as luxuries, but these rituals can be part of our self-care routines. Instead of feeling guilty about partaking in your favourite “glam” activity, make a conscious effort to include beauty services into your self-care narrative, as long as it makes sense for you. 
5. Share the care: Many of us may need a reminder during the holidays to prioritize ourselves. If you know someone that’s busy looking after others throughout the holidays, send them an extra-friendly self-care reminder with a gifted massage, facial, makeup product, or gift card. As the premier destination for self-care in Vancouver, Enhance Arts has a variety of spa, beauty and take-home product options for anyone that needs some self-love this holiday season.

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