PUT YO’SELF ON YOUR LIST: SELF CARE IN THE SILLY SEASON
If you’re here, you’ve most likely seen a Christmas or two in retail, and if you’ve seen almost five or more …
At Relier, we know first hand that it can be hard to catch your breath during that hustle month on the shop floor. IT’S A LOT.
You are a bright and shiny gift, gal - it’s time to treat yourself like one. That’s why we’ve compiled a go-to self care checklist for your Christmas retail shift this holiday szn.
Jess’s top self-care tips:
Set up a strong morning routine:
A morning routine sets you up for success. Whether you’re working from home this holiday season, or on the shop floor, a solid morning routine including small tasks increases brain productivity throughout the day. This also includes a better mood, boosted energy levels and reduced brain fog! The benefits are endless, time to start seizing the day.
Some lil’ thangs us Relier gals love to set us up for the morning:
A sunshine stroll on the sand in our bikinis, to replace the usual high-pace walk (some vit d and a slower start during this wild month works wonders)
Adding Maca Powder to our smoothies for an extra boost
A glass of PROTECT by imbibe (proven to help your system manage stress)
And of course, a good 8 hours of beauty sleep. A good morning routine actually starts with a smart bedtime one ;)
Get some solid footwear:
If you’re on the shop floor, we all know that dreaded feeling of spending 8 hours in bad shoes. It’s time to say goodbye to that mini first aid kit in your bag prepared for the retail blisters and invest in a cute pair of sandals or sneakers to get you through those long days!
Your gals at Relier are loving the Alias Mae Chunky Slide or a good pair of Cream Veja’s.
Meal Prep for days:
How many of us rush to the food court during our breaks in the Chrissy period and then wonder where our money is going?
*slowly raises own hand*
We’re all guilty of it, so no hard feelings. Now is the best time to start your health kick while saving money. Set up your Sundays to make your work lunches, and you’ll thank yourself before pay day.
Hydration:
An emotional support water bottle is a must in retail, especially during the Christmas rush. Keep one out the back full at all times and keep yourself full of fluids.
Our fave hydration station friend is this Frank Green water bottle. Cute, boujee, personalised and functional.
Cut the caffeine after 3pm:
I really should take my own advice here. Any caffeine after 3pm will affect your sleep that night so CUT THOSE COFFEES OUT! Opt for a tea or a hot choccie instead to manage those Thursday nights on the floor. And if you do get desperate, withhold the judgement here, but why not try out decaf for that afternoon hit?
Limit your time at the Gym:
In December, retail shifts are our workouts! Did you know an average shift on the shop floor in retail averages 14,000 steps per day?!
Your Apple Watch is quaking… the gym and you deserve a little break this season.
Take it easy and listen to your body during this crazy time. We all put so much pressure on us to hit our weekly milestones, but honestly we say give yourself a little break and pull back when you need to - WITHOUT the guilt trip.
Use your breaks wisely:
Hear me out, you do not need to rush to Sephora’s 20% off sale. I always found myself in my breaks during the Christmas period rushing to do my last minute gift shopping. Save that til the end of your shift or gift yourself the pleasure of shopping online. Your breaks are your recharge time so put your feet up for that half-er and give yourself a well deserved rest.
PICTURED: not you and not me rushing to the sales on our breaks
So there you have it, hunny bumpkin. Follow these steps and you’re sure on your way to a far more zen retail experience this Chrissy period.
Remember, Christmas in retail is a marathon, not a sprint… and health is wealth!
With love,
Jess x