Our tips for self-care this holiday
At The NOW we’re all about celebrating love in all its forms, and that includes self-care. After all, the key to showing up for everyone in your life is making sure you feel your best and that means taking time to reset and recharge on a regular basis. No matter how you feel about Valentine’s Day, an extra dose of self-care may be just what you need to make this holiday something special. Check out our favorite tips for treating yourself this season:
Create a Bath Ritual
Avoid the crowds and luxuriate in a ritual bath this year. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, take a break from going out and opt for a soothing soak instead. Research has actually shown that regular baths can lift your mood over time and alleviate symptoms of depression. We love escaping by lighting our Jasmine Coconut candle and adding a few drops of Nourish by The NOW Classic Body Oil to a warm tub. With skin softening botanicals, an uplifting scent, and rejuvinating reishi, what’s not to love? Just don’t forget to turn off your notifications! It may be Valentine’s Day, but it’s ok to break up with your phone for a while.
Meditate
Adding a boost of mindfulness to your self-care routine is a great way to make sure you’re taking care of your mental health along with your physical health. Whether you’re looking to manifest something, soothe any love-related anxiety, or just give your brain a break from the stress of everyday life, meditation is a powerful tool for an instant mood lift. According to self-care specialist Heather Shoopman, “meditation helps you stay connected and can be a useful tool to help manifest your needs and desires. Sometimes, taking a moment to be still and be present is all you need and the rest will follow.”
To tailor your session to Valentine’s Day, we recommend meditating with Rose Quartz, which is great for promoting love, compassion, and peace. While you breathe, imagine energy going to your heart chakra, filling you with joy and peace. Rose Quartz not only helps you bring in romantic love, it also cultivates self-esteem. The perfect self-care stone!
Get a Massage
Every special occasion (and every day, for that matter) is made better with a massage, and Valentine’s Day is no exception! Taking time to recharge with a restorative treatment is the perfect way to relax and reset, no matter how you feel about the holiday. In fact, massage has actually been proven to boost oxytocin (often dubbed “the love hormone”) and mood elevating endorphins, so you can get that Valentine’s Day feeling while you unwind.
“You can communicate and operate at a much higher level when you’re centered,” says Malarie Ortiz, General Manager of The NOW Santa Monica. “Massage helps you to do that so you can better connect with others.” Book a massage with a friend or family member, or go big this year and treat yourself to an extended 80 minute treatment. Add a Gua Sha enhancement (ours are made with Rose Quartz) to increase circulation and give you a glow that will warm anyone’s heart.
