Take a personal escape during the holidays

Yes, the holidays are stressful. No matter how far in advance shopping lists are checked off or how well-behaved your family (usually) is, anxiety, tension and uneasiness have a way of creeping into your life during this time of year.

So, before you reach a volcanic-level blowup, take a little time for yourself with these personal escapes around San Diego.

Customized facial

Wipe all of your holiday cares away with a customized facial. Head over to North Park, where a holistic esthetician at Shop/Good, the new brick-and-mortar store for website good-life.com, will pamper you with a totally unique facial that’s mixed on the spot to cater to whatever skin ailments you may have (the 60 and 75 minute treatments even come with a foot massage). Plus, for those who may have over indulged this festive season, grab a Holiday Rx gift bag for yourself or your bestie. These three-item kits are designed for Winter Skin, Hangover and Stress.

Shop/Good, 3030 North Park Way, North Park, 619.501.5362, good-life.co

Sweet treat

Yes, the holidays are already filled with tons of sweet treats around every corner, but the newly opened Sugarfina at Westfield UTC has candy that is a little different. Sneak away from wrapping presents to a quiet corner of your home and indulge in the confectioner’s boozy candy lines including Casamigos Tequila and Cuban Rum cordials, or Champagne Candy and Rosé All Day (the latter two of which are alcoholic in name only). Bonus: Grab some extras to give out as presents or hostess gifts at all the holiday parties you’ll be attending.

Westfield UTC, Sugarfina, 4545 La Jolla Village Dr., #H-8, La Jolla, sugarfina.com

Earth-shattering rejuvenation

Make the world come to you with one of the Global Rituals at SpaTerre. Here, they are always looking to “bring unique and culturally rich experiences to their guests in a tranquil environment.” Try the Ancient Earth Cleanse, which includes a full body dry brush, an application of clay to detoxify the body, then finally the Body Melt with Macadamia Oil and wax to help calm angry skin. Spa Director Tricia Sterling said, “After treatments like this many feel a sense of lightness and rejuvenation leading to a greater sense of well being.”

Kona Kai Resort & Spa, 1551 Shelter Island Dr., Shelter Island, 619.221.8000, resortkonakai.com

Fresh air

Head to the outdoors and get those workout endorphins flowing. The weather in San Diego is way too nice to spend another second indoors at a crowded mall or throwing back another cocktail. Check out this list of top hikes around San Diego for a sun-filled outing that’s sure to lower stress levels.

Explore San Diego

Are out-of-town-guests encroaching on your space? This list of “coolest things to do when someone visits San Diego” is the perfect way to keep them busy and out of your hair. Don’t feel guilty if you just point guests in the right direction, or untie yourself from holiday ribbons and wrapping paper and get out and explore the city with them.