I’m not gonna lie: I find parenting exhausting. It’s just so frigging unrelenting! Some days, I would give anything to throw in the towel and run away to Canyon Ranch, or at the very least take a half hour at the massage parlor down the block from me. Alas, dinner won’t make itself and my daughter and I are halfway through The Magic Treehouse series, and I gotta find out what happens.
However, there are a few things I can do for myself to put a little pep in my step and make me at least feel like I went to the spa, even if I only got five minutes by myself in the bathroom (hah). It can be as simple as adding a bit of color to my beauty routine with a fun new lipstick, or exfoliating my skin. Check out this list of awesome stress relieving products, and try to chill out a little. You deserve it (and a whole lot more!).
More Stress Relieving Ideas:
Feeling Frazzled? 8 Brilliant Stress Relieving Products That'll Chill You Out in No Time
Seek (Aroma)Therapy
The simple act of inhaling a particular scent can have a mood-lifting effect on the mind and body. A dab of an aromatherapy oil on pulse points---wrists, neck, and behind the ears---may yield a sensation similar to what you experience in a relaxed spa environment. Opt for fresh, radiant scents during winter; they’re the antithesis of the season’s moody propensity.Pictured : Tata Harper Aromatic Irritability Treatment , $65
Cultivate a Nighttime Ritual
Adopting a committed PM beauty routine is a simple way to calm yourself. Take a few moments to center your thoughts, shelve the day’s worries, and pamper your body. A relaxing massage---even one that lasts just a couple of minutes---relieves tension and prepares your mind for a more restful sleep. Pictured : The Body Shop Divine Calm Relaxing Massage Oil , $20
Dry Brush Your Skin
It’s nearly legendary in its efficacy, and with good reason; dry brushing tends to make a believer out of everyone who tries it. A quality body brush, with a sturdy handle and stiff bristles, is the only tool you need. Massage it in an upward circular motion, starting at the feet and moving toward the heart. The process increases circulation, exfoliates skin, and leaves it baby soft. (The jury is out on its cellulite-blasting abilities, but it can’t hurt to try.) Pictured : EcoTools Bamboo Bristle Bath Brush , $3.99
Soothe Your Eyes
There’s nothing a little makeup can’t fix, but sometimes the answer is less about eye shadow and more about the actual eye. When stress takes its toll on your eyes, even the brightest peepers may exhibit redness and bleariness. Minimize this by adding a drop or two of a redness-relieving formula to each eye. They’ll brighten instantly, and you’ll look like you actually slept---even if nothing could be further from reality. Pictured : Clear Eyes Maximum Redness Relief Eye Drops , $7.49
Get a Massage
Invest in a hydrating massage bar that lavishes skin with conditioning ingredients and leaves it softly scented. Not only will you ease your mind, distract yourself, and soften your skin, you might even use this as an opportunity to spend some quality time with your significant other. Pictured : LUSH Tender Is the Night Massage Bar , $14.95
Brighten Up
Seasonal affective disorder is a very real thing that many people suffer from this time of year. While professional treatment is the best course of action, it doesn’t hurt to make spirits lighter and brighter when possible. Add a dash of color to your beauty routine for a little pick-me-up; chances are you’ll appreciate the boost it gives you. Pictured : Smashbox Be Legendary Long-Wear Lip Lacquer , $24
Pamper Your Skin
While makeup removal is more of a chore than a treat, what you do after you cleanse your face can make a big difference. Seek out serums, moisturizers, and treatments that indulge your skin and treat it to just what it needs, be it moisture or defense against aging. You’ll wake up with nourished skin and, over time, you'll notice that your complexion looks anything but stressed. Pictured : REN Clean Skincare Bio Retinoid Anti-Wrinkle Concentrate Oil , $60
Take a Bath
While long, languid showers and baths can spell trouble for skin during the winter months, the occasional dip will relax muscles, relieve aches and pains, and provide a comforting hug on chilly days. Enhance the water with a bath oil that moisturizes and soothes---it will prevent itchiness in the long run, too. Pictured : Aveeno Stress Relief Foaming Bath , $6.99