8 Self-care products you need to unwind this holiday season after a stressful year

We have finally reached the end of one of the most tumultuous years in living history. And between financial stress, homeschooling, social distancing and job losses, it’s safe to assume that ‘me time’ wasn’t high on the 2020 agenda. 

"Self-care is a must!" says self-care consultant and keynote speaker, Leigh Joy Mansel-Pleydell. "Nothing else can function optimally in our lives without it. And it doesn’t make you selfish, either. It means that you take your life seriously." 

The practice of taking time out for yourself can take a while to become a fully-engrained habit. "It does take time to find a rhythm and to find the self-care tips, tools and techniques that suit your personality, lifestyle and available time," explains Leigh. 

Here are some product suggestions to help you unwind after the stressful year. Who knows? They might even be your ideal self-care match:

A scented candle

Set the mood and create a calm environment by burning this Scented Pillar Candle. Placing them in your bathroom for a candlelit soak in the tub is a good substitute for a trip to the spa - and much easier to arrange!

A hair mask

Give your locks some much-needed love by treating your hair to a hair mask. The Palmer’s Coconut Oil Deep Conditioning Protein Pack nourishes your strands with coconut milk, keratin and silk protein for strength and shine.

A body scrub

Get your blood circulation going and smooth out your skin with Iwori Baobab Renewing Body Scrub. The formula gently buffs away dead cells while also moisturising and nourishing your skin with 100% organic African baobab oil.

An eye mask

Give your eyes a break from your phone or computer screen and minimise puffiness with the Sorbet Gel Eye Mask. Keep it in the fridge when not in use and take it out as needed to keep it cool and calming. 

A face mask

Chocolate lovers - you’re in for a treat! Smooth the Clicks Revitalising Chocolate Mud Face Mask, which contains clay, shea butter and antioxidant-rich cocoa powder – on your face for an indulgent treat for dry skin. 

A foot peel

Get your feet summer-ready with the Skin Republic Foot Peel. The treatment peels the dead, dry skin off your feet (which is oddly satisfying), leaving your skin soft, smooth and perfect for your summer sandals.  

A thorough massage

Ease tense muscles – no masseuse required! – with the Safeway Sports Massager. It comes with a ball and two additional attachments to target muscle pain and aid in relaxation (and is the next best thing to a spa treatment). 

Calming massage oil

Lavender is revered for its calming qualities, The Body Shop Spa of the World French Lavender Massage Oil lets you combine the aroma of this popular essential oil with relaxing massage techniques to help you unwind more effectively. 

IMAGE CREDIT: 123rf.com