Week 2: Sensory Rituals To Bring You Back to Center

December has this way of asking us to do everything, at once, while also whispering, “Hey, it’s ok to slow down for a second.”
And honestly? That whisper is the part we should listen to more often.

This week, we’re leaning into the tiny moments — the ones that don’t take much time, energy or effort but somehow make the whole day feel a little less crazy

. Sensory rituals. Cozy textures. Little moments of calm you can feel in your heart and body the second you exhale.

Because wouldn’t a quiet, grounded moment in the middle of holiday chaos be a luxury?

A Slow, Warm Facial Cleanse to Reset Your Mood aka Me Time

Hear me out: taking 60 seconds to cleanse slowly is basically a mini reset button.
Warm water. Gentle pressure. A quick neck-and-jaw sweep to release tension you didn’t even know you were recruiting while wrapping presents and answering emails. Take in the scent and texture of your face wash. Enjoy the moment.

A tiny habit, huge payoff — for your skin and your nervous system.

Midday Mist Moment (aka the 3-Second Holiday Miracle)

Winter air dries everything out — skin, mood, motivation, some days your will to live (hahaha J/K but you get it) you name it.

A few spritzes of Essential Mist feels like a deep breath for your face: cool, refreshing, and instantly softening. Keep it at your desk, in your bag, or on your kitchen counter for a quick pick-me-up that reminds you to pause.

It’s the easiest ritual you’ll adopt all season.

Oils for Nighttime Calm (and Netflix-Level Cozy)

There’s something almost ritualistic about warming a few drops of oil between your palms and pressing it into your skin at night. Or even just inhaling the scent of lavender or vanilla oil.
Instant calm. Instant comfort. And the perfect way to signal to your brain: “We’re done for the day.”

If your evenings are chaos , this little habit helps your shoulders drop a solid two inches. And calm your mind.

A 30-Second Jaw & Temple Massage

Is it glamorous? No.
Does it work? Absolutely.

We all carry more tension in December than we pretend we don’t. A quick circular massage around the temples, jawline, and behind the ears releases tightness and boosts circulation.

Glowy skin + less stress = a win-win situation.

Cozy Scents & Textures That Shift Your Mood

Certain sensations instantly put your nervous system at ease:

• warm water
• soft cloths
• botanical scents
• velvety creams
• nourishing oils
• soothing scents

Leaning into sensory cues during the holidays can help your mind slow down, even when life refuses to cooperate.

Why These Tiny Rituals Matter

These aren’t just life tricks — they’re micro-moments of calm woven into a month that usually runs on glitter, caffeine and chaos.

Small, consistent sensory habits help:
✨ reduce stress
✨ support hormone balance
✨ calm inflammation
✨ improve hydration (my number one not good at it)
✨ boost emotional well-being

It’s where beauty meets well-being… and where you finally get to breathe.

Want a personalized ritual built just for your skin?

If you’ve been curious about what your skin actually needs this time of year, this is the easiest place to begin:
👉 Take the ABBI skin scan — a quick selfie analysis that builds a custom routine around your unique skin.

And if you’re shopping for some holiday glow, my Holiday Shoppe is open with simple, stress-free gifts and glow goodies ready to ship.

Take a moment for yourself today — even if it’s just three seconds and a spritz.
Your skin (and your sanity) will thank you. 💛✨