Self-Care During the Season of Giving

Ah, the hustle of the holidays. This season contains some of my favourite things. I look forward to it all year, though it is easy to become overwhelmed with the never-ending to-do lists, functions, get-togethers, and let’s not forget the frenzied hordes of shoppers! Despite it all, I love this time of year. I am conscious that, by the time autumn starts, I need to be proactive in the maintenance of my health and sanity if I want to focus on giving and receiving joy with those around me. While there are practices I try to be aware of year-long, there are added pressures during the holidays.

To maintain my mental and physical health, here are a few self-care tricks:

Opti-Calm

This formula, a blend of Relora, Rhodiola, and L-Theanine, is a go-to during times of stress. I find taking 1-2 capsules in the morning, and 1-2 more mid-afternoon if necessary, allows me to remain calm while remaining alert and active. The blend directly lowers cortisol, which is the hormone responsible for our flight-or-fight response.

When I take Opti-Calm on a regular basis, I sleep better, experience fewer mood swings, have fewer cravings for junk food, and better resist symptoms of fatigue in prolonged high-stress situations.

Opti-Calm keeps my brain happy and heart relaxed: the best state to celebrate the season!

Essential Oils

There are so many uses and benefits in essential oils. During the winter, not only do I use them but love to gift them as well. There are two go-to oils from Earth’s Aromatique that cover my bases for the season: Vetiver and Clove Bud.

The antibacterial properties of Clove Bud make it a great choice to diffuse through the house to prevent illness. It is also a great decongestant to help alleviate symptoms of a cold or flu. When mixed with a few drops of cinnamon (as I find this brings a sweetness to the bitter hints in the clove), it is very festive for gatherings to not only help dispel the spread of germs but also to warm the room and help your guests stay mentally invigorated. I also make an amazing toothpaste, in a base of coconut oil, flavoured with clove bud, or add a couple drops to a glass of warm water for a refreshing mouthwash. Clove bud is always on hand in my house.

Vetiver has a warm, earthy, almost smoky scent to it. It is incredibly grounding and balancing. When mixed with a bit of citrus or rose, the effect is pure aromatic bliss! As vetiver can stimulate the immune system, sedate the nervous system, and help promote sleep, I love to use it as a perfume. I find it especially useful for social events, as not only do I smell heavenly but I also have a quick calming solution should I start to feel anxious. A few whiffs of the scent ground and calm me so I may carry on with the festivities.

For information on how to make your own blends, check out our Essential Oil Blending Chart.

The Dr. Hauschka Ultimate Experience

The first time I received this treatment was shortly after my first child. The spa experience was nothing short of transformative. I felt as though my disconnected body and soul had been gently guided back into one whole piece. I jumped at the opportunity to learn this treatment and offer it to my clients. In the hustle and bustle of holiday festivities, it can be too easy to let go of self-care routines, so why not schedule it in along with everything else? There is nothing more lovely to do for yourself than book a few hours of pampering.

This 2-hour treatment consists of facial cleansing, masques, toners, treatments, and creams. All this is accompanied by a delightful full-body rhythmic massage, using stimulating brushes and aesthetic massage techniques. It is so rewarding seeing my client relax and transform on the table and see them leave in a blissful daze of relaxation, ready to face whatever their holiday brings.

Book Now.

Nerve and Sleep Support Tea

The recipe for this tea was created by Alecia from Kolya’s Botanical Apothecary. This tea is delightful for calming nerves and inducing a peaceful state. Lemon balm and thyme are added specifically for their antiviral properties. There’s nothing more calming after a long day than settling down with a hot cup of tea.

This herbal blend provides a light, fresh taste, and appealing aroma. It’s great for preparing for a busy day ahead or to soothe the spirit before bed.

Find the Recipe Here.

Belly Breathing

In a moment of panic, the quickest way to calm and restore your senses is to pause, look inward, and focus on your breath. Belly breathing technique has been in practice for thousands of years. It is achieved by extending your belly outward as you inhale slowly, which lengthens your diaphragm, allowing your lungs to fully expand and saturate with oxygen. This effectively switches our state of response from sympathetic to parasympathetic, which is our body’s natural state of rest.

Whether I’m waiting in a long line-up with an impatient child, driving on icy roads in high traffic, or quieting my mind so I may fall asleep at night, this practice is my go-to. It is a simple, cost-free way that I reclaim control of the moment and move forward with loving intentions.

However you choose to celebrate this season, I wish you peace and joy throughout.

Best wishes to you and yours,

Trina

Wholistic Aesthetician & Healthcare Consultant

Take self-care to another level and indulge in the joy of hand-making beautiful gifts for people you love, or yourself. 

Find DIY gift ideas in our 2018 Holiday Gift Guide.

Inside, you will find a collection of gift ideas and recipes, hand-selected by our staff and founders to inspire comfort and joy. 



We have a variety of beautiful products to gift and glow for everyone on your list… including yourself!

View the Gift Guide