How To Craft A Winter Wind-Down Ritual For Better Sleep & Happier Holiday Feels

Holiday bliss and holiday stress—sometimes there’s a fine line between the two. As much joy as the holidays can bring, they can also come with a side of chaos. With family in town, festivities, and to-do lists galore, wellness routines are often pushed aside in favor of gift exchanges and parties. But considering how much there is to enjoy this time of year, stress management should really be No. 1, which is why it's time to lock down your winter wind-down routine. 

With a winter wind-down routine, it very well can be. We may already have go-to relaxation practices, but for the holidays we'll likely need something festive and extra-strength, like a mug of beam's White Chocolate Peppermint Dream Powder, formulated with nano CBD from the hemp plant to support sleep.* This healthy hot cocoa is the secret ingredient to a delicious wind-down ritual that sticks, but it's not the only way we're slowing down this season... Read on for five more ways:

This decadent drink is a winter wind-down ritual in itself. Not only is it formulated with sleep-supporting ingredients like nano CBD and melatonin, but it also has a lineup of other ingredients that promote stress management and calm, like reishi, magnesium, and L-theanine.* There's nothing like this guilt-free peppermint white chocolate treat, sweetened with monk fruit, to trigger a little holiday nostalgia. When it's mixed with warm milk or hot water, you'll be happy to make sleep your top priority.*

A wind-down ritual is all about giving yourself time to step out of the busyness and into the present moment. One of the most effective ways to do that is by tapping into your senses. And nothing awakens the senses quite like essential oils—especially when they smell like this special time of year. For a more comforting mood, use a diffuser to spread the warm aroma of this NOW Essential Oils Pumpkin Spice Blend throughout your home. Or for a burst of festive energy before your holiday shopping, dab this NOW Essential Oils Candy Cane Oil Blend on your wrists and the back of your neck.

This time of year, gratitude is top of mind as we appreciate all we have in our lives. You can design your winter wind-down ritual to inspire even more of that (or access it, if it feels difficult!). Insight Timer is a free app with thousands of guided meditations to meet every need. There's an entire category of Gratitude Meditations that you can explore, or get more specific to the time of year with a meditation for managing holiday stress. Followed by warm swirls of white chocolate peppermint in your nightly cup of beam's holiday Dream Powder, your seasonal stress doesn't stand a chance.* 

Sometimes all it takes is a relaxing atmosphere to step out of the stress cycle and into what the moment has to offer, and holiday aesthetics provide plenty of inspiration there. Create a calm environment by getting that fireplace crackling a few hours earlier than usual; feel free to grab a book, kick back, and enjoy. If you don't have a fireplace, load up on wood-wick candles to create a similar vibe. To create even more magic, decorate your space with twinkling lights and your favorite festive details that draw your attention to the little things.

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