Happy Holidays from SI&A

As we close out 2021 and ring in 2022, all of us from SI&A wish you all an happy and healthy holiday season. While the term self-care is starting to feel a little hollow, these holiday self-care tips from Pure Wow seem “doable” during the winter break.

1. CREATE (AND STICK TO) A CALMING MORNING AND NIGHTTIME ROUTINE

Think about the things that set you up for a happy day and a restful night and turn them into habits. The repetition will ensure that you start—and end—your day in the right mind-set.

2. PRACTICE GRATITUDE

Now is the time to reflect on the past year and what you’re grateful for.

3. MAKE TIME FOR BEAUTY RITUALS

We like to think about our beauty rituals as a form of self-care in and of themselves.

4. TRY MEDITATING

According to a Harvard University study, meditation may actually change the structure of your brain (in a good way). Researchers found that people who meditate had a decrease in brain cell volume in the amygdala, the area of that brain that is responsible for fear, anxiety and stress.

5. USE THE THREE-DAY RULE WITH GUESTS

Having friends and family come to visit is wonderful, but it’s also…exhausting. Enter this genius rule by which you let guests stay with you for only three days—no more.

6. EXERCISE—EVEN JUST FOR 5 MINUTES

Getting your sweat on has been proven to decrease stress, improve sleep, boost productivity and lift your mood.

7. PUT YOUR PHONE ON ‘DO NOT DISTURB’

If only for an hour, spending time without texts, emails and Instagram stories looming over your head is so refreshing. Don’t forget to do the same for your laptop or iPad—you want to be unreachable for a little while.

8. WATCH YOUR CAFFEINE INTAKE

Stick with water (or better yet, herbal tea), take deep breaths and try your best to stay in the moment.

9. DO SOMETHING NICE FOR SOMEONE ELSE EVERY DAY

Every single day might sound daunting, but these don’t have to be grand gestures. Whether it means buying coffee for your work wife, holding the door for someone or just smiling as you walk down the street, random acts of kindness are so satisfying.

Have a wonderful holidays!