Stressed about travel plans? Anxious over Christmas parties? Missing someone over the holidays?

Christmas isn’t always merry and bright, and that’s okay. The holidays can bring up a lot of stuff, that’s why it’s important to take a step back and keep your stress levels in check.

Feeling pressured to feel festive?

Pursue peace in the chaos of Christmas with these 12 holiday self-care ideas to help you keep calm and merry on:

1. Get some sleep.

You’ve been hustlin’ hard the whole year round. Now’s the time to catch some z’s. Wake up late, enjoy a whole day of rest and don’t feel guilty about it. 

Not one to fall asleep easily? Let the soothing powers of Lavender Oil (P245) take you away to dreamland.

Breathe in, relax and get ready to sleep like a baby.

2. Squeeze in a quick workout.

I know, I know, no one likes working out during Christmas. But I swear, working out will make you feel better in all sorts of ways. A proven mood booster and stress reducer, exercising allows your body to release chemicals called endorphins that trigger a positive feeling in your body.

Really can’t find the motivation to work out? Use this Orange Oil (P245) to perk you up and get you in the mood to move.

Go outside, get some sunshine and enjoy the many earthy scents of nature.

3. Wash all your worries off with a long, hot shower.

Transform your shower into a self-care experience by washing away traces of yesterday, cleansing yourself of negative energy and showing yourself some love.

Lift away old, dull skin cells to reveal newer, smoother skin with a skin-soothing body scrub like this Coffee & Vanilla Body Scrub (P279.75) that contains aloe extract to help keep your skin soft, plump and hydrated.

Prepare to be get swept away as you wrap yourself in pure relaxation with its calming vanilla fragrance.

4. Hydrate and moisturize.

Now that you’re clean, calm and relaxed, it’s time to hydrate and moisturize.

Not drinking enough water can cause headaches, fatigue and dizziness, leading you to feel exhausted during the busy holiday season. Dehydration also causes dry skin so be sure to drink lots of water and prep your skin ahead of the festive season.

To do this, use the Day Moisturizer (P174.75) to prime and nourish your skin and the Night Moisturizer (P174.75) to replenish lost moisture and nutrients.

Dealing with dry, rough hands and cracked heels? The cold season tends to wreak havoc on our skin so be sure to arm yourself with this Hand & Foot Salve (P149.75) to pamper your hardworking palms, soles and heels using natural plant emollients.

Here’s an overnight treat for your dry skin: After applying the Hand & Foot Salve, put on socks and gloves before you go to bed to absorb the excess oil and help soften the skin. Voila! You’ll get softer, healthier skin and nails in the morning.

5. Clean out your closet.

Have a closet full of clothes but nothing to wear? It’s time for a closet clean-out. 

Segregate your clothes and set some rules. If it’s still in good condition but you haven’t worn it in a year, donate it to charity. If it has holes, rips and tears, throw it in the trash bag. 

Notice a musty smell developing on your clothing? 

Wrap one of our Scented Cleansing Bars (P 84.75) with a cloth and tuck it inside your closet to keep your clothes fresh and nice-smelling.

Let go of clothes that don’t make you feel great. This way, you’ll also save time deciding what to wear in the morning.

6. Make a Get Well Kit.

‘Tis the season to be jolly but ‘tis also the season for the flu. Put together a little survival kit so in the event that you do get sick, you won’t have to go to the drugstore and you can just stay home and rest.

While there is no single cure for the common cold, the distinctive cool, crisp scent of Eucalyptus Oil (P295) helps clear a stuffy nose and soothe headache symptoms.

And while we’re on the topic of wellness…

7. Get a massage.

Untie those knots. Relax those muscles. Release the tension. You deserve it.

Don’t have time to go to the spa? Experience the touch of pure relaxation at home with these 100% natural Calming and Rejuvenating Massage Oils (P219).

Unwind and pamper yourself with the scents of nature’s relaxing trio - lavender, orange and lemongrass - all in our Calming Massage Oil that will help calm your busy mind, body and soul.

Comfort your hardworking body with the pure relief of our Rejuvenating Massage Oil with eucalyptus to help ease aches and rosemary to help relieve exhaustion.

Dispense onto palm and warm the oil by rubbing your hands together. Knead gently onto your legs and lower back to ease tiredness and muscle pain. Massage the base of your neck with circular motions and breathe in and out slowly and deeply.

8. Learn how to say no.

Don’t just say yes to everything. Have a plan.  

Don’t overbook: You don’t have to do everything and be everywhere. Focus on connecting with your loved ones and yourself. 

Don’t overcommit: It’s okay to opt-out of a holiday activity. Stop worrying about FOMO and put yourself first. 

Don’t overspend: Avoid impulse shopping and set a budget to avoid spending too much. 

Don’t overeat... But just in case you do, we have an indigestion solution for you. 

Massage a mixture of Rosemary Essential Oil (P270) and a carrier oil onto your tummy to create a gentle digestive discomfort soother.

One of nature’s most potent solutions, Rosemary Oil relieves flatulence, stomach cramps, constipation and bloating.

9. Light a candle and let out all your thoughts.

As the nights grow longer and the days get darker, light up your life by lighting a candle and reflecting on your thoughts. Free your imagination and clear some headspace. 

Use this Thrive Journal (P299) to write about things you’ve been grateful for this year.

Soak in the good and practice gratitude.

10. Unplug.

You know what they say. Almost everything will work again if you unplug it for a few moments. Even you. So unplug from everyday stress and recharge your batteries. 

Use your holiday break as a chance to practice self-control. Take a break from social media to regain focus on things that actually matter.

11. Curl up with a good book or watch your favorite holiday movie.

Remember how Christmas felt when you were a kid? 

Remind yourself of simpler times by indulging your imagination. Feed your mind and read a good book or watch an old Christmas movie that makes you feel warm and cozy inside.

It doesn’t matter how old you are. As long as you have a sense of wonder, you’ll always stay young.

12. Lastly, enjoy the season.

Don’t worry about it being perfect. And if you find that old traditions don’t serve you anymore, don’t stress. Drop expensive, high-stress rituals. Create your own traditions and set realistic expectations for yourself and the holidays.

Besides, Christmas is all about kindness after all. If you don’t know how to be kind to yourself, how can you be kind to others?

Care for yourself by choosing products that are genuinely natural and good for you. Browse our Wellness and Skincare products at www.humanheartnature.com or find a Human Nature store near you via http://humanheartnature.com/branches.