As the seasons change, and we head into the industry’s busiest time of year, our stress, anxiety, and depression can increase as quickly as our schedules fill up. This year, let’s take time to be intentional in reducing our stress, and increasing our joy with self care this holiday season.
On the first day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… the ability to practice deep breathing.
One of the best techniques you can use to help combat stress is also one of the easiest: breathing. Deep breathing has been used as a way to help fight stress and relax for decades. It is easy to learn, does not take a lot of time, and can literally be done anywhere. You do not need any fancy meditation music or space to practice deep breathing. Simply take a few minutes to focus on your breaths and continue this for as long as you need to feel centered, relaxed, and calm.
On the second day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… the gift of moving your body.
Being an esthetician is wonderful, though it is not a career that involves a lot of movement. The day is spent standing, sitting, and bending over clients, which leads to stress on our bodies and poor posture. That is why you should make time each day to move your body. Exercise can help to improve your mental health by reducing anxiety and depression. Simply going for a daily 10-minute walk can make a difference in your overall health and wellness. You can also work in various ways to get more movement into your day by changing your habits. Some examples include: taking the stairs, parking furthest from the door, and walking around the building on your breaks.
On the third day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a reminder to prioritize sleep.
Sleep. We all need it, and during the hustle and bustle of the holiday season, we can be running on empty. Remember that your best you is well rested and ready to deal with whatever your busy schedule brings you!
On the fourth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… the idea to hire temporary help.
If you are struggling with simple tasks, such as responding on social, messages, or emails, you may need help! Temporary assistance can make all the difference! College students and stay-at-home parents are often looking for work that is minimal hours. You will be surprised at how an extra set of hands can help you get everything back on track and conquer this holiday season.
On the fifth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… being present.
You know the old adage “stop and smell the roses”? Well, you should do just that! Living in the moment is about mindfulness. It allows you to appreciate what’s right in front of you instead of worrying about struggles outside of this moment. Being present also allows you to remove distractions and focus on what you are doing. Life moves quickly, but if you can work on being present then you may be able to enjoy it just a little bit more — and enjoy your career even more, too!
On the sixth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a time out.
Perhaps as a child, we thought of time outs as punishments, but as adults, we should see them as a reward! Much of the holiday season as an aesthetician is constantly being on the go, with back to back clients, and little time for yourself. Taking a time out, being alone, or pampering yourself, can help you to recenter and enjoy the season. Your time out can be in perfect solitude, or simply talking with an old friend over your favorite beverage or finally drawing that soaking bath with aromatherapy. Whatever nourishes your body and soul.
On the seventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… swapping services with a friend in the industry.
Perhaps you need a time out, but you would prefer to be pampered during your time out. While this time of year is busy for you and your esty besties, sometimes reaching out and swapping services are just what you both need. If the timing does not align before the holiday rush is over, be intentional about getting yourself scheduled for a service at the first of the new year.
On the eighth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a reminder it is okay to say no.
Overdoing it often goes along with the holidays as an aesthetician, and as human. Make sure you give yourself the gift of saying “no” when you feel overwhelmed.
On the ninth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… a reminder to treat yourself.
Okay, you are spending day in and day out recommending all of your favorite Image Skincare products, new bath bombs and essential oils from Blake Spa, your favorite line of body lotions, etc. You spend so much time explaining the benefits and encouraging self care to continue at home, are you listening to yourself? Are you treating yourself with these same gifts that uplift and rejuvenate you?
On the tenth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… The ability to practice gratitude.
Gratitude is such a powerful emotion, one that can make your life better in so many ways. It is quite difficult to feel depressed or sorry for yourself when you are feeling gratitude. It leads to more positive endorphins and reduces stress. Try journaling each day to remind yourself of what you are grateful for.
On the eleventh day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… The gift of giving.
Random acts of kindness, no matter how small, can have a huge impact on others and come back to us ten fold. It does not have to be monetary giving. A smile, a compliment or gesture can go a long way and literally change the path in someone’s life, including our own.
On the twelfth day of Christmas, my true love gave to me… The ability to dream.
Allow yourself to day dream. It is an important part in everything we do to allow dreams to inspire us to action. Dream on!
You may love what you do for a living, but that doesn’t mean you can avoid stress completely. That’s why it’s critical for you to find healthy ways to cope with it. That way, you’ll not only feel better but be better for yourself and your clients. When you’re ready to get back into the swing of things register for one of our MasterClasses to give your business the care it needs!
