Be mindful, pamper yourself and feel glamorous this holiday season — you deserve it!

Between shopping lists, frantic in-laws, family get-togethers, parties and work deadlines, the holidays have a tendency to be a stressful time of year. All the work that goes into preparing for the big day can often lead to burnout (also known as the January blues). ‘Tis the season for giving, and there’s no reason why you shouldn’t indulge and take a few moments for yourself so that you can feel confident, energetic, empowered and determined to slay the holidays.

Keeping your mental and physical health in check isn’t selfish — it’s imperative. Here are 10 ways to be kind to yourself and practice some much needed self-love this time of year.
 

Sign up for a yoga class

Simply taking time to breathe is sometimes all you need to clear your mind and reset. Spending an hour in a yoga class is a great way to centre yourself, listen to your body and regain some of the energy that the holidays have drained out of you.
 

Pamper your nails

Don’t let anything slow you down this season by getting a fresh CND Shellac manicure, which comes in over 100 shades. The long-lasting product lets you enjoy over two weeks of flawless, high-shine nails as you race from holiday party, to business meeting, to social event. Plus, the polish is easily removed without any damage to your nails after the season ends. Check out CND’s salon locator, ask your manicurist about CND Shellac professional gel polish or look for the bottle on your salon’s shelves. Your nails will thank you!
 

Hit up the spa

There’s nothing quite like slowing down and enjoying the simple elegance of being pampered. Find a spa service near your home or book a treatment like an RMT massage. Never underestimate the therapeutic effects of putting on a face and hair mask and letting all your worries fall away.
 

Try a new look

This can mean splurging on a new outfit, getting a new ‘do, trying a bolder brow or simply jumping on the eyelash extension bandwagon. Finding a way to break out of your comfort zone and try something new is a great way to build confidence and flaunt the beautiful, strong woman that you are.
 

Write down what you’re thankful for 

For some the holidays can invoke feelings of joy and nostalgia; for others, they can bring unexpected feelings and somber memories. Take a moment to reflect on the things in life that you’re grateful for and appreciate the most. Focusing on the things that are going right is a sure way to boost your mood and remind you that each year is a clean slate with new and exciting opportunities just waiting to be discovered.
 

Invest in a pre-holiday detox

Flush out your toxins and prep your body for all of the dessert, turkey, stuffing and sugary goodness that it will get hit with over the holidays. Giving your body a break and letting it reset will increase your energy levels and optimize your digestion and metabolism. If you’re up for it, try a juice cleanse so you can say “bring it on!” to those tasty treats.
 

Participate in a fitness challenge

Getting your body in shape before the holiday turkey coma hits means it will be easier to jump back into it once the holidays are over. Try a 30-day challenge of barre, spin or boxing and prove to yourself that you can fearlessly conquer any task that comes your way.
 

Volunteer your time

Giving your time to others can boost your morale and empower you to connect your passion to a purpose. Volunteering for an organization that strives to make a difference in the lives of others can help put things into perspective in your own life. Plus, you never know what you might learn about yourself along the way.
 

Connect with nature

Take a break from the hustle and bustle of holiday chaos and spend a moment of solitude by embracing nature and enjoying the simple things in life. This can be a great way to ground your thoughts, de-stress and grant yourself permission to reflect and prioritize what is truly important this season. You can’t do it all, nor should you try to!
 

Get cozy while watching your favourite holiday flick

There is nothing better than spending an evening cozied up with hot cocoa and watching classic movies, whether you’re alone or with friends and family. From It’s a Wonderful Life, to Elf, to Burl Ives singing “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” holiday films and songs spark a feeling of childhood nostalgia that embodies the pure happiness that this wonderful time of year can bring.