Get Through the Cold, Dark & Dry Winter with These 7 Relaxing Self-Care Rituals

Many of us spend so much time thinking about the next task on our to-do list that we forget to take a moment for ourselves. A life of constant busyness becomes exhausting and it’s only a matter of time before all that stress starts to negatively affect your mental and physical health. If you want to get as much out of life as possible, you need to keep your mind, body, and soul healthy. Self-care is a necessity, both to relieve stress and keep your mind well, but to keep you healthy enough that you can enjoy everything life has to offer. Whether you indulge in self-care for a few minutes a day or for a longer period of time once a week, it’s always worth it. Winter is a difficult time for many of us which is why it’s also the perfect time to focus on self-care. Below you’ll find seven relaxing self-care rituals to help you get through this cold, dark, and dry winter.

The Importance of Self-Care

In our society, it’s no surprise that people pride themselves on being busy. We work long hours, pass up vacation days, and push ourselves to our limits and beyond. There’s an underlying belief that we always have to be productive – that there’s always more we could be doing. Holding ourselves to this impossible standard leaves little room for relaxation and our mental health can suffer for it. Self-care is the act of caring for yourself. It has no specific definition because it varies for every person. In short, it’s anything you do to keep yourself physically, mentally, and emotionally healthy. Making self-care part of your regular routine helps relieve stress, improve concentration, boost mood, and improve your overall happiness. It isn’t selfish, it’s necessary.

Try These 7 Relaxing Self-Care Rituals

The beauty of self-care is that there are no rules. It’s all about doing what relaxes you. If you’re new to self-care and aren’t quite sure how to start, give some of the relaxing rituals below a try.

Soak in a hot bath.

Nothing relieves stress like soaking in a hot bath. Take your bath up a notch with Yon-Ka Phyto Bain soothing bath oil. Powered by a proprietary essential oil blend, this silky, lightly foaming bath oil delivers a touch of luxury to your at-home spa experience. Pure essential oils like lavender soothe the skin while horse chestnut extract and rosemary essential oil firm, detoxify, and tonify. If you’re looking to double down on relaxation, apply your favorite hydrating face mask before you settle-in to soak. Hydra No. 1 Masque is the perfect pick for winter. Intensely hydrating, this mask reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, delivering a relaxing and psychosensory effect with a blend of rose, jasmine, and shui essential oils. It will leave you physically and mentally de-stressed.

Take a break for tea.

Even if you only have a few minutes to spare, you still have time for self-care. Put the kettle on, grab your favorite mug, and brew yourself a hot cup of tea. It’s a great way to start your day or a simple method to unwind when you finally make it home after work. Research has shown that drinking tea can help people recover more quickly from stressful tasks. If you have a little bit more time on your hands, sip your tea while you are enjoying another relaxing activity. Catch up on the latest episode of your favorite television show. Listen to a podcast or start a new book. Even sitting quietly and listening to music can be incredibly relaxing.

Indulge in a spa shower.

A hot shower can be relaxing, but if self-care is the goal, then make it a spa shower. Use your favorite products from the Yon-Ka body care line to exfoliate away dry, rough patches of winter-worn skin then apply the accompanying after-shower product to bring the ritual to a close. Gently buff away imperfections with Gommage Sucre Mandarin, breathing deep the sweet scent of mandarin and orange essential oils, or transport your mind to French Polynesia with the nourishing Gommage Sucre Jasmine sugar scrub. After stepping out of the shower, lock in hydration with a nourishing dry oil. Huile Delicieuse delivers a smooth, velvety feel with a blend of sunflower, sesame, and baobab oils while Huile Silhouette visibly sculpts and tones the silhouette. For an invigorating boost, try Huile Detox, powered by Chios resin and complemented by nourishing sunflower and sesame oils.

Learn to meditate.

Meditation is one of the most effective stress-relief strategies around and it’s easy to get started. There are several forms of meditation, though all it really involves is taking a step back from activity to quiet your mind and focus on your breathing. Mindfulness meditation is particularly beginner friendly. Here’s a simple guide to get you started:

1. Find a quiet and comfortable place to sit.
2. Set a timer – aim for 5 to 10 minutes if you’re just getting started.
3. Close your eyes and start taking slow, measured breaths.
4. Feel the sensation of your breath entering and leaving your body.
5. Take notice when your mind wanders and return focus to your breathing.
6. Avoid judging yourself when your mind wanders, just get back on track.
7. Finish by opening your eyes and noticing how your mind and body feel.

Meditation isn’t a miracle cure, but it can help you relieve stress and come to deeper understanding of your own mind and body. Regular meditation can help improve focus and productivity as well.

Make time to mask.

The new year is the perfect time to set new skincare goals. Even if you don’t have the energy to commit to a complex daily skincare routine, you can make time to mask at least once a week. Yon-Ka offers a generous collection of masks to suit all skincare needs. To clarify oily skin and tighten pores, try Masque 103. This triple clay mask creates a fresher, healthier complexion in just 15 minutes. Masque 105 is formulated specifically for dry, sensitive skin and helps purify and detoxify the skin. If you’re struggling with redness or sensitivity, Sensitive Masque tames redness and comforts sensitive skin. For overnight application, try Glyconight 10%. This creamy sleep mask reduces the visible signs of aging while amplifying the skin’s natural luminescence.

Spend time in nature.

Whether it’s going for a hike or spending a little time playing fetch outside with your dog, connecting with nature is good for the body and soul. In fact, studies show that the human-animal bond supports numerous health benefits, mental as well as physical. Here are some other simple ways to connect with nature:

• Enjoy your morning coffee on the porch.
• Take a walk during your lunch break.
• Spend some time reading or journaling outside.
• Explore a local park or nature preserve.
• Learn about native wildlife and go birdwatching.
• Start an herb garden at home.
• Volunteer at a local animal shelter.

As you’re enjoying your time outdoors, make an effort to really be present in the moment. Take in the sights and sounds around you and let your mind loose from the stressors and worries of your day.

Unwind with facial massage.

Nothing is more relaxing than a massage, but it can be difficult to administer an effective massage on yourself. If you want the stress-relieving benefits of a massage without enlisting the help of a professional, give facial massage a try. Facial massage stimulates circulation, boosts collagen production, releases muscle tension, and improves skin elasticity. Start by applying Nutri+ Booster to the face and neck and Phyto-Contour to the eye and lip contours. Using the My Face Massage Crystal, massage the skin on the forehead, cheeks, and chin. Made from green aventurine, the crystal’s natural healing power softens the skin and neutralizes pollutants while the crystal’s negative ions draw out particles to detoxify, cleanse, and heal the skin. When it comes to self-care, it’s all about what makes you feel most like yourself. If none of these rituals seems quite right, think about an activity you enjoy and start from there.