DON’T STRESS IT

Let’s face it: this time of year is stressful. The days are getting darker and colder, and the upcoming holidays have everyone feeling frazzled. It’s the perfect moment to take it down a notch and invest in rituals of self-care. Here are the top three ways we’ll be proactively caring for ourselves this season:

ELEVATE BATH TIME

The soothing effects of hot water are well documented. Help stress-tightened muscles to loosen and the mind to unwind by dedicating time to a hot bath or a steamy shower.

MOVE THAT BEAUTIFUL BODY

Exercise is a potent stress-reducer double-whammy, helping to both decrease stress hormones in the body and to release endorphins (a.k.a mood boosters). No need to run a marathon, but be sure to get up and get moving throughout the day.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH SOOTHING SCENTS

Some research indicates that aromatherapy can actually alter brain waves. Try some essential oils, candles or teas for relaxation and let your senses take over.

And what do all these things have in common? They’re perfect companions to a daily Happy Clam self-care ritual, of course!