Seven Self-Care Tips for This Holiday Season!

It’s the most magical time of the year! Sleigh bells ring through the air and the smell of cookies baking seems to be everywhere. Presents are waiting to be unwrapped and we’re feeling….tired. We’re tired.  And we have a feeling that we’re not the only ones feeling that way.

The holidays are fun and can be really magical, but they’re also really, really stressful for a variety of reasons. So if you’re not feeling holly jolly–we see you. We understand. And we’re here to share some tips for how to practice some hard core self-care this month and into the new year. These are things that have worked for us. We recognize that not every tip will work for every woman, but our hope is that this gives you permission to breathe, relax and focus on yourself for a little while this holiday season.

Without any further adieu, here are seven ways to practice some self-care this December. (And 2022!) 

Make yourself comfy.

Slip on your favorite socks. Pull on those soft sweatpants. Rock that hooded blanket. Got a onesie? Sweet! Throw that on when you’re at home chilling. Whatever brings comfort and joy and keeps you warm should be what you reach for right now. Baby, it’s cold outside and you deserve to feel cozy! Life feels just a little easier if you’re comfy, so don’t be afraid to downshift into cozy mode this holiday season.

Drink some water.

How much water have you had today? Serious question. We ask because we know that we don’t always prioritize hydration–especially when we’re stressed! So this is a gentle reminder to go guzzle some water. Staying hydrated is one of the easiest ways to show yourself some care and love so go grab a glass of ice water right now!

Make time for a favorite book.

Reach for something you love to read. Or stream a favorite movie. Maybe binge your favorite show. (We recommend Supernatural, Parks & Recreation, or 90 Day Fiance for a good marathon!) Escaping into a different world when you’re stressed can help you decompress and get some perspective.

Even if you don’t have time to watch a bunch of episodes of your go-to show or read half a book, giving yourself a little time to relax and enjoy something simply for you will help you to recharge.

And if you’re reading this and thinking “I don’t have time for this!” that means that you really need to take time for yourself! Consider this your sign and permission slip to sit down and zone out for at least twenty minutes. You can give yourself that much time. We promise the world won’t end if you focus on you for a little while.

Treat yourself!

Tis the season for giving–are you on your own list? When we say to treat yourself we don’t necessarily mean that you need to splurge on a shopping spree. (Though that is always a fun idea if your budget allows for it!)

There are many ways to treat yourself that range from small to ginormous. If you have a day of errands ahead of you, grab your favorite latte to help fuel up! End a long day with a bubble bath or hot shower. Pick up your favorite kind of wine while grocery shopping. Book that Jezebel session you can’t stop thinking about. Buy that book you’ve been thinking about. 

And if your budget doesn’t allow for a small indulgence? You can always spend some time dreaming and planning for your future. Start planning your dream vacation! Take some time to reflect on your year and forecast how you want the new year to go. There are many ways to treat yourself. You’ve been through a lot this year, lovely. You deserve a small treat at the very least! 

Get glam.

Sometimes the cure for a stressful day is dressing the fuck up. Not because you have anywhere to go or anyone to impress, but precisely because you DON’T. This is something we recommend doing just for YOU.

Donning your favorite dress and some jewelry can do wonders for your mood. It can also help to remind you of what a glorious human being you are.

It’s easy to forget how beautiful we are when our calendars are packed and we have no time to ourselves. By slowing down, dressing up, and gazing at your hotness in the mirror, you’re reminding yourself of what a fucking queen you are! What are you waiting for? Go grab your favorite outfit and have a dance party in front of your mirror! 

Or…get naked!

We’re a boudoir studio, so this suggestion shouldn’t be too much of a surprise! We’re huge advocates of getting naked for many reasons. It’s comfy! It’s fun! It can be sexy, but it doesn’t necessarily need to be. We think spending time in the buff is a fantastic way to show yourself some love. You don’t have to necessarily do anything–you can just exist in a naked state for a little bit.

We know it might sound awkward, but we recommend trying something routine to start off. For instance you could simply lounge around naked for a couple minutes after you shower. Or you could slather on some luxurious lotion before getting dressed in the morning! It’s lots of fun to take a nap nude!

You’ll level up your self-love and acceptance just by being naked because you’ll become more familiar and comfortable with every inch of your skin. Start small and just disrobe for a couple minutes once a week. Then work your way up to an amount that feels both comfortable and nurturing.

Unplug.

Step away from screens. Say no to any events that don’t bring you joy. Sleep in. (Or nap if you can find a small pocket of time.) Rest in whatever way feels right for you. Spend a day devoted to doing nothing.

It’s been a stressful year, so give yourself permission to rest.

That’s exactly what the Jezebel VonZephyr team is doing. Our studio will be closed December 18th to January 5th so we can rest, reflect, and spend time with our loved ones. (Though we do want to note that if you’re on a payment plan, your card will still be run, so keep that in mind!)

We wish you a season filled with joy, rest and things that make your soul sing! See you in 2022!