wanderinglistener:

So it’s that time of the year, again— holidays and finals. There’s lots of stress going around, and we can get caught up in our busy schedules to the point where we get sick (or worse). So, I’d like to make a little post with some ways to hopefully help in our self care. You can take a whole day for yourself or just a few minutes, if your schedule won’t allow it.

• Take a shower, bath, or run a warm, damp washcloth over your face, neck and shoulders. Take some time to pay a little extra attention to other grooming, as well! You can do things like manicures, pedicures, face masks, etc. in the comfort of your home, if you prefer it.
• The air gets really dry this time of year, so you can get lotion or a humidifier to help with that. If you have a wood stove, you may consider putting a pot of water on top so it releases the steam into the air (but keep an eye on it). You can add things like cinnamon sticks in the water that creates a lovely smell, but be careful of the water level, as you don’t want the cinnamon to burn!
• Treat yourself to a little (or big) something, if your budget allows. Maybe you’ve been eying a new book, for example!
• Wash/change your blankets, sheets, and pillow cases. Perhaps you’d like to get a new detergent for an extra nice smell!
• Curl up with some music and a book, hot drink, knitting project, etc.! I’m personally fond of melting a candycane in hot chocolate while listening to musicians like Loreena McKennitt, Enya, and Mozart. Loreena and Enya both have Christmas related albums if you’d like to listen to them and are in a festive mood.
• Play with a pet you may have or a friend’s! (Be sure to ask permission first!)

• For this one, I would suggest seeing a doctor about prior. I’m in a place that gets very little sunlight in the winter, so I need it, but you may not! With the lack of sunlight in the winter, our immune systems can take a really big hit, and pulling all-nighters for finals doesn’t help any,either. When I was in school (and even now) I’d take a single tablet of vitamin D3 every day. It would keep me feeling more energized, happier, and would rarely get sick. Again, talk to a medical professional before getting these. (You can also take daily vitamins! )

I hope these suggestions help you guys, and that you all have a happy and safe holiday season!