Adding salt, minerals, and plant extracts to a bath isn't new, cultures across the globe have been doing it for centuries. Ancient Egyptians used essential oils and mineral baths for spiritual, medical, and beauty purposes. The Romans also used baths for relaxation and to ease aches and pains. The benefits of aromatherapy and mineral baths were well-known in India and China, where herbal remedies were used to treat various ailments.
Is it worth it?
Definitely.
There are numerous therapeutic benefits of soaking in a bath for your skin, muscles, and mental well-being.
Our bath salts include a mixture of Epsom salt, pink salt, and baking soda.
Epsom salt has a high magnesium content, which is known to reduce inflammation and improve skin health. It also helps to relax tired and sore muscles, reducing body tension.
Pink salt is a naturally occurring mineral with a high concentration of minerals such as potassium and calcium, which can help to improve muscle and joint health. Salt also 'softens' water (like using a water softener) which feels great and can improve skin clarity.
Baking soda is an excellent addition to a bath because it helps to soothe and soften skin. Additionally, adding baking soda to a bath can help to balance the body’s pH levels, leaving your skin feeling refreshed and revitalized.
Our bath salts get their scent exclusively from pure essential oils. Natural extracts are known for their therapeutic benefits and are often a great choice for people with sensitive skin.
You can curate the perfect aromatherapy moment you need with different essential oil blends.
Lavender is one of the best choices for creating a calm and relaxing experience.
Eucalyptus Mint is perfect for tired and sore muscles, or for when you're feeling a bit stuffy. The menthol in mint paired with eucalyptus can soothe your body and open up your airways.
Harmony creates a gentle balance between bright, uplifting orange and the grounding, woody notes of cedarwood and frankincense. This blend was designed to evoke feelings of calm and peace.
Spa Escape is a fresh and herbaceous blend of lime, bergamot, eucalyptus, and basil. It can help you feel uplifted and add a little bit of luxury to the everyday.
On top of the more concrete benefits baths salts have for your body and mind, they're also a great form of self-care.
Taking a bath is a simple way to unwind from the day and unplug from a busy world. Adding bath salts into your bath time routine will add a bit of luxury and self-love along with it's other benefits.
Take a break and take a bath with bath salts, you deserve it.
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our Essential Oils for Self-Care Printable Guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
]]>I don't think cedarwood gets quite enough attention, so I'm giving it a spotlight today because I'm personally obsessed with it.
First, it's an inexpensive and accessible essential oil, our 10ml bottle is just $8.50. Regardless, it has great aromatherapy benefits (aromatherapy doesn't have to be expensive)!
The cedarwood essential oil we source for Wild Grove Essentials is Himalayan cedarwood, with its botanical name being Cedrus Deodora. To make the essential oil, the wood of the cedar tree, a tall evergreen, is steam distilled.
The scent of cedarwood essential oil is sweet and woody. It's a cozy scent that's perfect all year, but perfect for fall (which is coming very soon).
Cedarwood is well-loved for aromatherapy. Its calming scent is known to help relax both the mind and body. This oil is great for calming the nerves, reducing stress, and helping you feel more grounded.
If you love the benefits of lavender but need a break from the floral scent or like something more woody or masculine, cedarwood is a great option.
It has benefits outside of aromatherapy as well. This oil is great for combating orders and is nourishing for the skin.
Ways to Use Cedarwood:
Cedarwood smells great on its own, but smells even better when blended.
What to blend with cedarwood:
If you've never used cedarwood before, or don't really know what to do with it, I hope this inspires you to try something new this week!
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our Essential Oils for Self-Care Printable Guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
]]>The candle shop I worked for was homey and made comforting-smelling candles like bakery scents. I remember we would stand around and test fragrance oils only to be appalled by floral scents because they were SO floral - sometimes headache-inducing - and revert right back to bakery scents.
When it comes to floral scents, I’ve never been a fan of artificial ones, but I actually really enjoy natural floral scents in moderation. I know a lot of people can be wary of floral essential oils because they can be strong and overpowering (and maybe remind you of those crazy strong room sprays). In fact, I know quite a few people who won’t give floral essential oils a chance at all because of bad experiences with strong floral scents in the past.
My goal with creating essential oil blends is to craft scents that are balanced in both scent profile and aromatherapy benefits. That goes for floral scents too.
If you’ve been avoiding floral essential oils, it might be time to give them a second chance with this blend that’s floral but not too floral.
Meet Wildflower.
She’s a cute little blend of floral geranium and ylang ylang balanced with tangerine and black spruce. Combined, these 4 oils balance out to create a sweet, floral, and earthy blend that will remind you of walking through a field of wildflowers. This blend will lift your spirits and soothe your soul.
The scent profile starts with geranium, which is a slightly herbaceous and middle-note floral essential oil. This is blended with ylang ylang, from a tropical flowering tree with sweet-smelling blooms that are popular in the use of perfumes. Together these two oils are quite strong, but they balance out beautifully when combined with citrusy-sweet tangerine and the soft, evergreen scent of black spruce.
Use Wildflower Essential Oil Blend in your diffuser, on diffuser jewelry, and in your own unscented products. You can also find this scent in our Bath & Shower section as Wildflower Mini Fizzies to use in your baths, showers, or foot soaks!
If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our Essential Oils for Self-Care Printable Guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all.
]]>If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our Essential Oils for Self-Care Printable Guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
]]>If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our Essential Oils for Self-Care Printable Guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
]]>If you enjoyed this post, you might enjoy our Essential Oils for Self-Care Printable Guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
One main benefit to using essential oils for cleaning is for their odor-eliminating properties. Most essential oils can help to eliminate odors, but the ones on this list, in particular, do it quite well while also making your home smell fresh and clean.
Essential oils also contain natural compounds produced by the plants they are derived from that antibacterial and antiseptic (1), making them a great addition to your cleaning products.
Finally, using essential oils in combination with natural or handmade cleaning products is a great way to reduce or eliminate the harmful chemicals in your home found in many conventional cleaning products.
It can be fun and simple to add essential oils to your cleaning routine. In this post, we’ve included the best essential oils for cleaning, diffuser blends for cleaning day to make your house smell amazing, and some easy DIY cleaning recipes using essential oils!
You can use the links below to navigate to exactly what you're looking for!
Best Essential Oils for Cleaning 10 Diffuser Blends for Cleaning Day |
Citrus Essential Oils: Including lemon, bergamot, grapefruit, tangerine, and orange. Citrus essential oils not only smell fresh and clean, but they also have great odor-eliminating properties. Choose your favorite citrus essential oil to diffuse on cleaning day or add into your favorite unscented cleaning products.
Citrus oils can also clean away sticky substances similar to ‘goo-gone.’Lemon works the best for this, but you can use whatever citrus oil you have on hand.
Keep in mind that citrus essential oils can stain fabrics due to their natural color, so they may not be ideal for use in laundry cleaning or as fabric sprays.
Rosemary: an herbaceous essential oil that is fantastic for eliminating odors. It blends well with lavender, citrus oils, and other herbaceous essential oils. Rosemary essential oil can be very strong, so add sparingly. It makes a great addition to diffuser blends, DIY cleaning products, and can also be added to your laundry routine.
Lavender: This warm floral oil is known for its antibacterial and deodorizing properties. It works great when used as a linen spray to freshen up stale fabrics or when added to dryer balls.
Apothecary Blend: This essential oil blend is a mix of the herbs and spices that old apothecaries would have likely used to help their clients stay well and fight off germs. It combines clove, lemon, cinnamon bark, eucalyptus radiata, and rosemary essential oil in a spicy scent that’s ideal for cleaning. Add this blend straight to your diffuser or to your favorite unscented cleaning products.
Peppermint: A vibrant essential oil with a fresh scent and antibacterial properties. Peppermint essential oil blends well with lavender, eucalyptus, rosemary, and citrus oils in cleaning products and diffuser blends. It’s also known to deter pests.
Cinnamon Leaf: A great choice when dealing with mold and mildew. Cinnamon leaf’s warm and spicy aroma isn’t commonly associated with cleaning, but it’s antibacterial and pest deterring properties make it a great choice. It blends well with orange essential oil.
Eucalyptus: The fresh scent of eucalyptus is a favorite for cleaning recipes and diffuser blends. This is a great choice to freshen up musty spaces. Both eucalyptus radiata and eucalyptus globulus work well for cleaning.
Lemongrass: Lemongrass has a sharp scent that can eliminate odors and freshen spaces. Its fresh scent is similar to citronella making it a great choice for spring cleaning.
These essential oil diffuser blends for cleaning day use the essential oils for cleaning above, along with some other essential oils that can help to freshen your home and blend well with those oils.
Our diffuser blends are formulated to be about 10 drops total, but feel free to adjust based on the size of your space and how strong you like your blends to be.
If you're looking for essential oils to use in your diffuser blends, you can check out our own line of pure essential oils!
Clean Kitchen:
Cleaning Day:
Line Dry:
Lavender Lemonade:
Spring Cleaning:
Pine Fresh:
Open Windows:
Orange Spice:
Spring Blossoms:
Spring Rain:
Did you know you can make your own DIY all-purpose cleaner at home? It’s only 3 ingredients and I bet you already have all 3. This recipe works well to clean laminate (faux wood) and tile floors, glass and windows, and countertops.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Yes, this solution will smell vinegar-y when first applied, but that scent soon dissipates. Vinegar is a great natural cleaner on it’s own. Adding the essential oils can improve it’s cleaning properties and leave your home smelling fresh!
I personally like to use an equal combination of eucalyptus globulus, peppermint, and lemon. But any combination of essential oils that you prefer will work great. For inspiration, try using one of the Diffuser Blends for Cleaning - just double or triple the recipe!
Carpets and fabric furniture like couches and mattresses can get musty over time. You can make a quick and easy dry powder to sprinkle on carpet and fabrics with just 2 ingredients that can help freshen up almost anything from stinky feet to pet odors.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Again, you can use any combination of essential oils you prefer and use the blends above for inspiration. Be careful with using citrus essential oils in this recipe as they are naturally colored and may stain lighter fabrics.
Keep children and pets away from the rooms while the powder sets as baking soda can be irritating to the skin and eyes.
Another easy and 3-Ingredient recipe, this DIY Kitchen and Bathroom Scrub is great for tough build-up in sinks, showers, and on tile. It combines baking soda - as a scrubbing agent - with water to form a paste and citrus essential oils to help remove build up.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Freshen up any room or fabric quickly with this DIY Room and Linen Spray. It combines essential oils with water and witch hazel (to help the scent linger). You can try using the Diffuser Blends for Cleaning above, or check out this post for more room spray scent recipes.
Ingredients:
Directions:
Unlike conventional air fresheners that can contain harsh chemicals, this DIY room spray won’t have an overwhelming scent. The essential oils, though, will be working to eliminate odors. And if you leave the room and come back, you’ll be able to smell the fresh scent without it being overpowering (your guests will notice, too)!
Again, keep in mind that some citrus essential oils may stain light fabrics.
Did you know that lemon essential oil can be used to remove sticky things like jar labels, sticky food residue, and adhesive? This DIY is less of a recipe and more of a method. Here’s how to do it:
Directions:
Lemon Essential Oil works best here, but you can also use whichever citrus essential oil you have on hand!
We hope you enjoyed this post! If you're looking for essential oils to use in your diffuser blends and DIY recipes, you can check out our line of pure essential oils here!
]]>The holiday season can be a stressful time for anyone. Through meal preparation, organizing and decorating, there can be a lot on your mind to get your home ready for the festivities. Now is the time to pay extra attention to yourself while in the season of giving, and not let stress impact your holidays. So whether you are planning on hosting the holidays with your family at home in Denver, CO, or on your way to a gathering in Toronto, CA, here are some ways to destress at home during the holidays to prepare you for anything.
One easy strategy for destressing over the holidays is to create a morning self-care ritual. Even if you only have 5 minutes, establishing a restorative morning routine can set a positive tone for your entire day. Examples of morning self-care rituals at home:
By intentionally putting an activity that excites you on your calendar each week this holiday season, you'll have something to consistently look forward to. Rather than focusing on your stress and anxiety, you'll instead feel excited about the activities you've planned. Just a few ideas could be a family outing like ice skating, exploring somewhere local you've never gone before, or meeting up with an old friend who you've lost touch with! - Modern Therapy
I recommend 3 to 4 rounds of conscious deep breaths every morning after waking up and before bedtime. The optimal number of breaths per round is 30. The morning routine helps keep our blood pressure lower providing an emotional reset to better face the challenges of the day. The bedtime routine is to sleep better and faster. - Timeqube
During the holiday season, we tend to over-exert ourselves with cooking, baking, decorating, shopping, and socializing. If you’re feeling especially stressed and anxious around this time of year, cross off some of the unnecessary activities on your to-do list and devote that time to restful reflection. Making a gratitude list and journaling about your favorite memories from this year will help to ground you, so you can savor this special time with your loved ones lightheartedly. - Dr. Messina & Associates
I recommend putting together a playlist of your top favorite sounds, such as sounds of the ocean, raindrops, morning sounds or even a slow heartbeat, and taking a daily 10-minute break to put headphones on and listen to it. The right combination of sounds can lower your heart rate and cortisol stress hormone levels and help calm your mind and body. My personal favorite is Weightless, which was created specifically to help calm the nervous system. - Cohesive Therapy NYC
Practicing radical self-care during the holidays is an absolute must for mind/body/spirit health. Keep it simple: get outside and connect with nature every day, carve out sacred space for no-phone quiet time, balance every glass of eggnog or holiday sweet with a glass of water! - Spirited Living
If you are wound up like a top and have no time to de-stress at a spa, bring the spa to you.
muscles before bed for a sound sleep. Add your favorite essential oils to lull your mind.
Self-care doesn’t have to look like a spa, the gym, or a luxurious indulgence. It can look like simply setting boundaries with your friends and family around what you will accept and how many holiday events you’re able to participate in. It can look like creating a safe space inside your home and scheduling a specific timeframe each day where nobody is allowed to bother you in that space, and journal, meditate, exercise, or do anything else that brings you joy. Maintaining those boundaries and taking care of yourself is key to keeping your mind and body balanced and ready to take on all the holiday stressors that may arise – inside or outside the home! - JK Photos
Whether you think you can or can’t, you’re right. Honor your feelings and respect those of others and everything will be alright. - Vori Health.
Engaging in art-making can be used as a therapeutic self-care activity because it promotes the flow of creativity and increases your imagination, which can reframe negative thoughts and emotions. You will find that just ten minutes of rest with a mindful activity can uplift your mood, reduce stress, and replenish your energy. Try doodling, drawing, collage-making or knitting. - The Art Therapy Project
Holidays are not about perfection, rather family, connection, and yes, messiness, so, show yourself some self-care by loosening up on those high expectations. Share experiences, for example, divvy up the holiday meal preparation - put the name of each dish in a hat and have everyone pick one randomly; you'll have less to do, and your kiddos will learn some skills. Laugh heartily and when you feel the signals of stress, try some box breathing to bring down your heart rate (in for 4, hold for 4, exhale for 4, hold for 4 and repeat). Remember wellness isn't stuck on a container ship - it's right in your grasp - just choose mindful ways to enjoy this season without carrying all the burden! - Reset Lounge
Create an aromatherapy ritual that allows you to slow down and be present, like diffusing essential oils every evening or having a weekly aromatherapy bath to unwind. Lavender is great for calming, frankincense is known for grounding, and citrus oils can uplift the spirit. Be sure to use your aromatherapy ritual as an intentional time to focus on your breath. - Wild Grove Essentials
What’s the ultimate de-stressor? Focus on making your partner happy, and you might see your anxieties lessen. There’s nothing like a little snuggle time at home to take your mind off things!
The holidays are also the time of year where we tend to reflect and remember someone we have lost during the year. It could be a parent, friend or a pet. Instead of bottling up these emotions, it is important to talk about your loss, seek support or bereavement groups, and know that it’s “ok to not feel ok.” It also helps to act on behalf of our loved ones and honor them through a donation or sharing positive stories of their lives on Social Media. This is therapeutic for us too. - HCO Behavioral Health Services
Whether you are working at home or are back at the office, it's very easy to forget how sedentary our lives have become. This holiday season, we strongly advise taking baby steps to increase your activity levels on non-working days. It can be as simple as showing your pet some love and taking them for a long walk, or as complex as performing a 10-minute no-equipment home workout. The beauty of it is that moving more will increase your endorphins and adrenaline levels, which can be a great stress reliever during the holidays. - Vantage Circle
]]>If any of these resonate with you, it’s time to create and implement a Sunday self-care routine.
We live in a world that glorifies business and overwork. It’s hard to not feel guilty about resting and taking time for ourselves.
But the truth is that we can’t show up fully present to life and be effective if we don’t take time to rest.
And if we’re honest with ourselves, do we really want to be busy all the time anyway?
Despite feeling like you need to do more and be more productive, here are 10 reasons you actually need to slow down and have a self-care Sunday:
The actual process of creating and implementing a self-care routine is fairly simple. It goes something like this:
Take a bit of time to really figure out what you need from a self-care Sunday and why.
Do you need to let go of last week? Do you need to calm your nervous system? Do you need to get inspired and motivated?
Once you figure out your why, then you can move onto the fun part: picking out what activities you’ll do!
You’ll need to decide what components make up your self-care day.
Woo! I love this part.
To create a fully balanced self-care Sunday, I recommend choosing a few activities from each of these four categories: rest, reset, fill up, and prepare.
It’s important to do a little of each because, for example, if you rest all day you may not feel prepared for Monday, but if you only prepare you might not have gotten enough rest.
Let’s dive deeper into each category.
You can’t show up and be effective without rest. Humans require rest, it’s non-negotiable. You can either make time to rest regularly or pay the consequences later when your body and mind force you to rest.
Ideas for resting:
For me, I like taking my morning slow with a good cup of coffee and a book. Sometimes Joe and I like to watch a movie or 1-2 episodes of a show on Sunday, but we stay intentional about not binge-watching to make sure there’s time for everything else.
You know how sometimes all you have to do to fix your computer is turn it off and back on again? Well, a reset can do our minds and bodies a ton of good, too! A few ways you can reset:
I often forget about physical self-care like tweezing my eyebrows, touching up my toenails, and moisturizing my skin. So, I like to take a really good shower and catch up on all my physical self-care on Sundays. It feels like a physical reset for me. I also love to journal to help reset my mind so I can go into Monday feeling fresh and openminded.
A self-care Sunday is the perfect opportunity to do things that fill you up and bring you joy. Think about what really lights you up, makes you happy to be alive, and refuels you energetically for the week ahead. Here’s what that might look like:
I’m an introvert, so I like to spend time alone (or just with Joe) in the sunshine to refuel for the week. And I always love to do something creative on Sunday, even if it’s small. It really fills up my soul and makes me happy.
If you’re ready to stop dreading Monday mornings and head into each week ready to go, then it’s important to do a few activities that help you prepare for the week ahead. We often think of bubble baths and candles when we think of self-care, but helping ourselves be prepared is just as important and useful as relaxing. Here’s how you can prepare for your week:
This list sounds like the least amount of fun, but it’s super important to fully round out your self-care Sunday with these types of activities. I recommend taking these tasks slow instead of trying to rush through them. Being mindful about preparing can actually be quite meditative and enjoyable.
That’s it! You’re ready to start preparing your very own self-care Sunday!
If you enjoyed this list, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>Unfortunately, in our crazy world, there is a lot to be stressed about, even if those things aren't life threatening.
It’s super important to get better at dealing with stress since it can take a serious toll on both our mind and body (1). One piece of the stress puzzle – which is what this post is all about – is relieving stress through self-care so that we can feel rested, recharged and sane enough to take on life again.
In this post, we're sharing 21 self-care activities you can do at home to relieve stress.
First things first, it’s important to get familiar with your stress. The more you understand it, the better you’ll be able to cope with it and find methods that relieve stress for you.
Here are a few things to take note of (and maybe journal on!):
Take some time to really reflect on your experience with stress before you more forward. And really tune in to what YOU need.
Courtney Carver from Be More With Less talks about ‘putting your hand on your heart‘ practice. You get quiet, put your hand on your heart, and just tune into yourself. It’s a really beautiful practice of showing self-love and connecting deeper with yourself. It’s one I’ve taken a liking to when I’m feeling stressed and not sure what to do about it.
If you stay surface level with understanding your stress, you’re going to give yourself surface level stress relief. Dive deep, get a little uncomfortable and really get to know your stress so that you can address it fully. You’re worth it.
If you do nothing else, rest.
Rest is the number one way to calm your mind and give your body the time it needs to heal and recover from stress. Rest doesn’t mean you’re being lazy or not dealing with your stress. Not at all.
It’s often truly necessary to be able to recharge and be fully present for life again.
If life is extra stressful, you might take an afternoon or a weekend to create your own at-home retreat where you can fully relax and pamper yourself. You can learn how to create your own retreat here: How To Create A Self-Care Retreat At Home
Journaling is a great way to work through your stress.
All of our thoughts and emotions get trapped in our heads, making it hard to let them go or fully understanding then. Getting things onto paper can help you sort through them and clear your head.
You might journal to get a deeper understanding of your stress. Or, you could write everything that is causing you stress and all of your worries so that you can let them go.
There’s a lot in life that we simply can’t control. And a lot of the things we can’t control also cause us stress.
Make a list of everything that you can and can’t control about the stressful situation that you’re in. Then, use this list to help focus your energy on what you can control and let go of what you can’t.
If your stress causes you to endlessly worry about the future, then it might be helpful to create an action plan.
You don’t need a perfectly laid plan here. You just want enough of a plan to help swap your worries for action steps. Use a journal and your list of things you can’t control to help guide your action plan.
Yoga is great for stress relief because of the mind-body experience it creates. Stress happens in the mind AND body so it’s important to tend to both.
We absolutely love Yoga With Adriene, here are a few of her free yoga videos specifically for stress:
When life feels stressful, make sure you take time to connect to what matters most.
In stressful times, reconnect with your values, intentions, and priorities. This will help you ensure you’re tending to all the important things in life despite the stress. It can also help you relieve some of the stress by reminding you what is truly important.
Expressing gratitude is a direct path to happiness. Our brains are wired to focus on the negative. So, taking the time to express gratitude every day –especially stressful days – can help us remember all of the good things in our life.
If you know me, you know I’m a lover of essential oils. And stress relief essential oils are probably my absolute favorite. Lavender is always a great go-to.
You can shop our line of essential oils and essential oil blends, or learn more with our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide below!
Any sort of soothing art is a great stress-relieving activity. But I like to use coloring as an example because you don’t have to be an artist to do it and it takes minimal effort.
There’s something so calming about just focusing on filling each space with color. And when done quietly and attentively, coloring is a great mindfulness activity.
Just like coloring, doing a relaxing craft can help calm your nerves and focus your mind on something else. And if you’re a crafty person, it’s an opportunity to focus your attention on something you love instead of your stress.
You might try needlepoint, weaving, woodworking, or even scrap-booking. Anything that helps you refocus your mind on creating.
As I said, our brains are wired to focus on negative things. It’s a built-in survival tactic. So, it’s really important to counteract this tendency. A great way to do that is to read something inspiring.
You might read a post from your favorite blog, hop onto an inspiring Instagram account, or pick up a motivating book.
Meditation can relieve stress because it helps create space in your mind for the stress to live without taking us over. It can also help you find calm and clarity during stressful times.
Taking a bath or shower is a relaxing activity that can help you unplug from technology and find a sense of calm. There’s something about water that helps us feel refreshed and renewed. It’s also a great way to relieve stress fast.
Our stress response can be heightened if we aren’t tending to our physical needs. So, when you’re feeling stressed, take a moment to check-in and see what you need.
Do you need nourishing food? A good stretch? Supplements? Sleep?
Tending to your health can help reduce stress in the moment and prep you to handle future stress better.
Technology can be a huge stress point. There’s all the work that needs to be done and all of the information that is constantly being thrown at us from the news and social media. If you’re finding yourself stressed out because of technology, then it’s time to unplug.
Find a time to unplug that works for you. This might mean choosing a certain time each evening to stop using technology. Or, you might choose a whole day to do a digital detox.
Not only will unplugging help you reduce the causes of stress, but it will also help you make time for more of what matters and things that will help relieve your stress.
You know what’s stressful? Trying to do 8 million things at once when you really only have time for 3.
When you’re stressed, take time to get crystal clear about what’s most important. Decide what your top priorities are and instead of trying to do everything, just focus on the most important things.
Slow down to tend to your needs. Slow down to enjoy the little things that relieve stress. Slow down and let go of things that don’t really matter that much.
All through my time as an interior designer I came across LOADS of research about the effect of nature on our well-being. As designers, we tried to incorporate nature and a connection to the outdoors into our designs as much as possible. My point is – connecting with nature is super important and often very healing.
We come from nature, so of course connecting with nature can help us relieve stress. You can do this in a variety of ways.
The best way to connect with nature is to go for a walk outside (or, forest bathing, as some call it). But you can also situate yourself by a bright window while you read, get house plants, or spend time in your yard.
Using pressure points is something I’m pretty new to, but I love giving myself foot and neck massages. I’m excited to dive into learning more about pressure points soon.
Here’s a passage from this Healthline article: “Acupressure is a form of traditional Chinese medicine that may provide temporary relief from anxiety symptoms. It involves stimulating pressure points in your body, either on your own or with the help of a professional.”
Head here to learn 6 Pressure Points For Anxiety Relief.
There are a couple ways that talking to someone can relieve stress.
First, talking to someone can help us let go of our stress and worry. We often keep things bottled up inside, and simply talking out your problems with someone can help you let go of them.
Second, talking with someone you can are about can relieve stress because of the connection you feel with them, knowing there to support you and be with you. We’re social creatures (even us introverts), so we need social interaction, especially in stressful times.
We can all agree that pets make us feel better. I can’t imagine not having cats, even on the days when they drive me nuts.
Pets make us feel like we aren’t alone, they bring us to the present moment, and their energy can be very calming. They also fulfill our need for physical touch and can raise our spirits by making us smile (2).
We hope this article helps you spend a little more time on self-care, you're well worth it.
And don't forget to snag your free copy of Essential Oils for Self-Care
]]>Maybe you feel like you have to put everyone else’s needs before your own and self-love feels selfish. Maybe you’ve got wounds from past experiences that make you feel unloveable. Maybe you never feel good enough, so you don’t allow yourself the love you deserve.
Does any of this sound true for you? There are so many reasons that self-love is hard, and it’s different for everyone. I want to assure you that you’re not alone. Regardless of how much I write about self-love and intentional living, it takes daily effort to love myself.
Regardless of how hard it can be to love ourselves, we deserve more growth, joy, and meaning in our lives.
A self-love list is exactly what it sounds like: it’s a list of things that you love about yourself. Similar to a gratitude list, it’s a collection of everything you love about yourself and a list that you can continue to add to overtime.
Self-love lists include your accomplishments, favorite traits about yourself, obstacles you’ve overcome, and affirmations that remind you how to love yourself.
The purpose of a self-love list is to create a collection of everything you love about yourself so that you can use these things as reminders to practice self-love every day.
We’ve already established that it’s hard to love yourself. But even when you get better at self-love, it’s hard to remember to love yourself.
Our lives are usually hectic so self-love doesn’t usually get prioritized. We are constantly bombarded with social media and news that makes self-love even harder. And on top of all that, we’ve got this leftover survival tactic called the negativity bias that basically wires our brain to focus on negative things.
Having a list of everything you love about yourself will allow you to create a daily self-love practice. This daily practice will counteract all of the negativity and serve as a constant reminder that you’re amazing.
If you struggle with self-love and remembering to practice self-love, then you need a self-love list.
You can use your self-love list in a few ways.
You can write down one thing from your list in your planner every day. For example, if you’re working on a new project, write down some things you’ve accomplished to remind yourself that you can do awesome things.
You can also choose to keep your self-love list handy and pull it out when you’re in need of love.
Or, jot down a few things you love about yourself at the end of the day, using your self-love list as a reference point.
Creating a self-love list is truly as simple as writing down everything you love about yourself. You can create the list in a notebook, sheet of paper, or somewhere on your computer or phone.
Make your list an ongoing list. It can be surprisingly hard to remember the things you love about yourself. Start with just one idea, then add to your list every time you think of something new.
If you’re struggling to think of things you love about yourself, try thinking about the things you love about other people. How could you love yourself for these qualities as well? You can also recruit a friend or family member and ask them what they love about you. How can you love yourself in the ways you are loved by others?
Use the ideas below to start creating your own self-love list!
What have you achieved? Think about projects you’ve completed or goals you’ve reached. These can be in any area of your life: career, physical health, mental health, education, etc. Knowing that you can achieve things is a helpful reminder when you’re working toward goals.
Sometimes, I feel selfish and I forget that I’m a kind person. I love including ways I’ve helped others on my self-love list to remind me that I am good and compassionate, and also to inspire me to keep helping others.
How have you helped others? Do you volunteer regularly? Are you completely and fully present with your friends? Do you do the best you can to provide for your family? Does your work benefit the lives of others? You probably help people in more ways than you think!
Think about adversity you’ve overcome or how you’ve succeeded despite the opinion of others. Think about tough times you’ve got through like losing a loved one or a job. Think about the physical or mental struggles you’ve had to overcome to continue to grow as a person.
If you’re facing obstacles in your life, it can be helpful to remember that you’ve already overcome so much.
How have you already grown over the course of your life? Life is always changing, so it’s inevitable that you’ve already experienced growth!
What are some of your favorite things about yourself?
Personally, I love that I can always love the bright side of any situation. I love that I can piece together information in creative ways. I love that I love trying new things. I love that I believe in kindness.
We are all so unique and amazing, and there’s so much to love about each of us.
Finding physical traits that you love about yourself can be a sore spot for many people. But I encourage you to try. The more you feel shame or self-hate toward your body, the more important it is to practice loving it. With practice, everything gets easier.
If you have a hard time loving your physical appearance, try starting by loving the way your body provides for you.
Finally, include some affirmations in your self-love list.
For your list, choose affirmations that are inherently true but hard to believe (ex. I am enough). The idea is to use these affirmations as reminders to affirm to yourself that you’re amazing.
Here are some ideas to get you started:
We hope this helps you create your own self-love list and, in turn, helps you love yourself a little more.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care guide. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
]]>It’s okay, it happens to the best of us. But in order to live our best, most beautiful, most vibrant lives, we need to practice self-care.
An at-home self-care retreat isn’t a replacement for regular self-care. But it will help recharge you if you’ve been neglecting self-care, and it can be a helpful event to schedule into your life regularly.
A self-care retreat is a scheduled time to rest and give yourself the love and care you need.
One of the best parts of creating and enjoying a self-care retreat at home is that it’s super low cost! You can create your retreat for $0, or spend a small amount of money on items to pamper yourself.
So, since self-care is super important and you can create your own retreat for free, there’s no reason not to do it! Whether you’re stressed, overworked, overwhelmed, completely drained, OR you’re just trying to maintain wellness, you deserve a self-care retreat.
So let’s dive in! You can plan your self-care retreat in these 7 steps.
In our crazy lives, it’s important to schedule time for self-care. Otherwise, it might not get done. So, plan your retreat ahead of time.
Block out a chunk of time in your calendar, whether it’s a whole day or just an afternoon. Truly write it down and make it official. Then, make sure to keep your appointment with yourself. If people ask if you’re busy at that time, you can confidently tell them that you are.
It’s also helpful to plan out what you’re going to do during your retreat. Planning in advance can prevent the overwhelm of trying to figure out what to do in the moment. And, it can keep you from accidentally scrolling social media or binge-watching Netflix.
We've included some ideas in steps 4-7 below, but do whatever makes you feel best. I recommend choosing one thing each for your mind, body, and soul. And then I also love adding in something just for fun. Having all 4 activities in your self-care retreat makes it a well-rounded experience.
Make sure you have a relaxing space to have your self-care retreat in. Don’t worry about having the perfect space, just work with whatever you’ve got. And get creative if you have to.
First, pick your space – preferably away from kids or distractions. If the weather is nice, you can have your retreat outside. Of course, you don’t need to stay confined to one room but choosing one area for your at-home retreat can make it feel more official, give you personal space away from family, and give you a place to get set up with everything you need.
If you can, try to tidy up your space before your self-care retreat starts. A tidy space can help ease your mind so you can really enjoy it.
Finally, add relaxing touches like candles, essential oils, and cozy blankets. Stock your space with snacks and drinks. This self-care retreat should tend to your needs, but it should also feel like a treat.
Taking a break from technology is often essential for self-care. It helps us rest, relax, and connect with ourselves. Unplug from the items you can during your retreat so that you can focus on yourself and your needs without accidentally getting sucked into technology.
Incorporate something for your mental health into your self-care retreat. Our minds are going 24/7 with thoughts, worries, and emotions. They deserve a rest and probably a bit of mindful attention.
Doing something for your mind will, of course, look different for everyone. I like to meditate and do a brain dump to clear my mind from stress and overthinking. You might try journaling, doing a mindful activity like coloring, or even doing a puzzle. Find an activity that helps you let go of the business in your mind and find a little peace.
There are so many loving ways you can care for your body. You might go for a walk, do yoga, or take a bath if you need to relax. You can cook a great meal for yourself – something that makes your body feel good. If you love being pampered, doing a facial and a manicure is a great option. And if you’re exhausted, make time to rest or even sleep in.
Tending to your mind and body helps you rest and reset. But tending to your soul can fill you up, excite you, and motivate you. Take time in your retreat to do something that truly fills you up.
I love to draw or create something for my home because creating things fills me up. You might read your favorite book, create a vision board, make a really good cup of coffee, write down everything you love about yourself, or spend time in nature.
Indulge, we dare you to.
It’s import to schedule time for your guilty pleasures and fun activities. That way, you don’t feel like you’re wasting time. You get to enjoy the things you do just for fun without feeling guilty because you planned for it. And, the things we do just for fun help us disconnect from the stress of our lives so we can go in with a fresh mind.
Whether it's painting, reading a novel, or playing Animal Crossing, the key here is to do whatever you do intentionally. Make sure you tend to your mind, body, and soul first and set a limit on your guilty pleasure activity.
If you're looking for even more self-care (and to add luxury into your self-care retreat), check out our free guide, Essential Oils for Self-Care. You'll learn all about our 10 favorite essential oils for self-care and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
]]>We live in a society that isn’t very conducive to sleep. But don’t be fooled into thinking that you can’t improve your sleep. It takes a holistic approach rather than quick-fixes and the creation of a bedtime routine, but better sleep is 100% attainable.
Our brains love creating habits because it makes activities easier and requires less energy. Our brain will create habits whether we try to create them or not.
Additionally, our neurons do this thing that is best described as “what wires together fires together.” When two activities are done together over an over, your brain associates them together.
Sometimes when we can sleep at night, we grab our phone and start scrolling to alleviate the frustration and boredom. This doesn’t improve our sleep but it does create a habit in our brain. Frustration with sleep -> scrolling through phone = temporary relief.
It’s our job to create healthy habits that improve our life, our sleep included. Otherwise, our brain will do it for us while we subconsciously do activities that only give us temporary relief.
I know it can be annoying to take extra time our of your evening to create a bedtime routine. But if you’re already spending time tossing and turning at night, are you really at a loss for time? Your health and wellbeing are worth a little extra time.
The tips below are merely suggestions. Don’t try to do all of them because it’s not necessary and it’s also hard to create more than one or two habits at once. Instead, start by choosing one or two habits that resonate with you. Try techniques to see which work best for you, and add habits over time.
We've included a lot of the basics here – things that you can do around bedtime to help promote better sleep.
Toward the end of this list, we've also included more holistic ideas. Our lives aren’t compartmentalized – everything is connected. And so you may not be able to solve your sleep problems by just creating a bedtime routine. You will likely have to adjust your lifestyle and take a holistic approach.
It can be hard to switch the thinking mind off and just rest. Incorporatingmindfulnessinto your bedtime routine can help the transition be more seamless.
Mindfulness is being aware – having good control over your attention. It can be hard to rest when you’re thinking about tomorrow or worrying about what happened earlier in the day.
As you go about your bedtime routine, try to bring yourself back into the present moment and focus on whatever activity you’re doing. Shifting your mindset to being aware that it’s time to rest can help you actually rest. Because what we think, we create.
It’s okay if your attention wanders in the evening. When it does, gently bring it back to the present moment and remind yourself that rest is valuable.
For a lot of us, not being able to shut off our mind at night is one of the biggest culprits contributing to our lack of sleep.
I mostly meditate in the morning to start my day with a clear mind. But on the nights when it’s hard to sleep, I do a quick meditation to help clear my mind and switch off my thinking mind and body.
Even a quick 5-minute meditation while lying in bed can help calm your mind and prepare you for sleep.
Yogais a great activity to work into your evening routine to improve your sleep.
Similar to meditation, yoga can help you quiet your mind. Yoga has the added benefit of the mind-body connection and can help relax your body and mind at the same time.
Aromatherapy is a great way to improve your sleep naturally by using essential oils that have calming and relaxing effects.
Lavender is the most widely known essential oil for sleep, but it’s just one of many.
You can check out our post on Essential Oils for sleep or get the list of 15+ Bedtime Diffuser Blends.
You know that technology isn’t conducive to better sleep. Let this be yet another reminder that the blue light and addictive qualities of your phone are preventing you from getting the sleep you deserve.
Try putting your phone away as the first step in your nighttime routine.
“When it’s dark at night, your eyes send a signal to the hypothalamus that it’s time to feel tired. Your brain, in turn, sends a signal to your body to release melatonin, which makes your body tired.” (1).
Our natural circadian rhythm coincides with lightness and darkness, but our lifestyle doesn’t match up as well with this.
We often go from stark brightness to complete darkness when we shut off all the lights at bedtime. But this doesn’t give our bodies enough time to adjust. Think about the setting of the sun – it happens slowly, not all at once.
You can use dimmable bulbs or automatically dimming light bulbs that turn to a lower setting at night to help you transition into bedtime.
Reading is a great winding down activity to do in the evening. Unlike playing on your phone or watching tv, you have to be relatively alert to read. So you’ll be able to notice more quickly when you are tired and ready to sleep.
By reading instead of using technology, you’ll be avoiding blue light, doing something quiet, and avoid the black hole that is the internet.
If you have trouble falling asleep because you’re running through your to-do list for the next day, try planning out tomorrow in advance to avoid the need to think about the next day as you fall asleep.
Ideally, don’t plan the next day right at bedtime. Instead, plan it at the end of your ‘workday’ which may include family and household tasks.
Try to remember that you cannot complete tasks while laying in bed at night and that worrying about tomorrow is useless. You’ve already planned out your next day, so there’s no need to worry about it.
If it’s not just tomorrow’s to-do list that plagues your mind at night, try journaling to put to paper all of the thoughts running through your mind.
Journaling before bed can be helpful if you often overthink the events of the day, if you worry despite having tomorrow planned out, or if larger problems in your life are on your mind.
It’s okay to have thoughts and emotions, and you don’t often have control of whether they come and go. But do have control over whether you hold on to these thoughts and emotions.
Journaling is a great way to let go of thoughts and emotions that aren’t serving you, work through problems, and save ideas for later. All of which can quiet the mind and make sleep come easier.
It can be hard to sleep in the dead quiet. And it can be even harder to sleep with distracting noises. You can use a fan or a white noise machine.
If white noise isn’t quite cutting it, you might try sleep sounds to help lull you to sleep.
The benefit of sleep sounds is that it not only blocks noise or fills the silence, but it also gives you a sound to focus on. This is a great option to help calm a busy mind.
Our bodies sleep best in cold temperatures. If you find yourself tossing and turning at night because you're too warm, it might be time to turn your thermostat down.
You can also try limiting physical activity in the evening. If you exercise late at night, your body will still be warm for a while and this might make it hard to fall asleep.
Getting a new mattress is a big purchase. If you're tossing and turning all night or waking up with pain, then it might be time to consider it.
In addition to these small changes like noise and temperature, it can be helpful to make your bedroom a space that feels like a sanctuary.
We are affected by our environment, so creating an environment that is calming and relaxing can actually improve your sleep!
Here are some ideas to create a bedroom that feels like a sanctuary:
There isn’t one eating habit in particular that will help you fall asleep, especially since our bodies are all different. Here are some eating habits to consider if you’re struggling to sleep.
Its best not to eat right before bed, but this is especially true for those of us with sensitive digestion. The digestion process can keep you awake and make you restless.
If you do crave something warm and soothing before bed, try drinking tea instead of having a snack. A warm drink as part of your bedtime routine can be a comforting habit. And it won’t require much digestion.
You might not associate the effects of your afternoon coffee to your lack of sleep. Caffeine has a half-life of about 5 hours, meaning that half of the caffeine will leave your system in that amount of time (2). But half of the caffeine is still in your body and can take varying amounts of time to completely leave your system depending on body composition, diet, etc.
Although some people recommend stopping drinking coffee 6 hours before bedtime. But if you’re having trouble sleeping, it could be that some caffeine is still into your body well past that 6-hour mark.
Try adjusting what time you have your last cup of coffee, and find other ways to boost your energy later in the day.
Our bodies run best when we nourish them well. And since sleep is a function of our body, it is most definitely affected by the foods we eat.
We talked about reducing caffeine and not eating before bed. But in general, a diet full of foods that make you feel your best will help your body function better and in-turn help to improve your circadian rhythm and sleep.
Regular exercise is a great way to help regulate your circadian rhythm (3). Try to exercise earlier in the day so that you aren’t energized at night or too warm.
You want to regulate your body so that you are alert during the day and more relaxed at night.
Another way to regulate your circadian rhythm is to get exposure to natural light during the day (3). We’ve already talked about reducing light at night, but it’s even better if you can continue the cycle and get natural light during the day.
Although lifestyle is the biggest factor in our lack of sleep, there may also be deeper health issues that cause a lack of sleep.
Hormone imbalances, digestive problems, pain, sleep apnea, acid reflux, and many other health issues can disrupt your sleep (3). If you think there might be a deeper health issue, talk to your doctor. It’s also important to do your own research on these health issues because you know your body best and are the best advocate for your own health.
We have an epidemic in our society – we are perpetually busy. We have way too much on our to-do list, and we feel like we need to be busy in order to be valued.
But when we try to do everything, we can’t do anything fully. Simplifying your schedule by prioritizing what is most important and saying no to what is not will not only improve the quality of your life overall, but it will also improve your sleep. When you simplify your schedule, you’ll have more time for an evening routine, less stress throughout the day, fewer worries that keep you up at night, and you won’t feel like you rushed through your day and haven’t had time to just relax.
If you’re looking for a holistic approach to better sleep, creating amindfulness practice (not just practicing mindfulness at bedtime) is a great place to start.
Being mindful is the practice of being aware and present. And when we are aware and present, we are in the perfect spot to find growth as well as balance in our lives.
Mindfulness can help you calm your mind throughout the day so you aren’t plagued with worries at night. It can help improve your time management, prioritize, reduce stress, and slow down so that you can create time for an evening routine. Mindfulness can help you find clarity to realize which factors of your life are affecting your sleep the most.
If you enjoyed this list, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over. ]]>Each essential oil has a different effect on your mind and body, from relaxing to centering to uplifting. All of these essential oils will help support your daily meditation habit, so choose the ones you feel most drawn to.
Another note, some essential oils are more expensive than others. This is because some are harder to obtain and distill, but that doesn't mean that they're better than other essential oils.
You don't need expensive essential oils to reap the benefits of aromatherapy, so choose oils that are in your price range. Any essential oils that are linked will lead you to our shop, where we currently have a focus on inexpensive (but still high quality) essential oils.
Frankincense is our top pick to diffuse during meditation and it’s probably the most well-known essential oil for meditation. It has been used for thousands of years across cultures and religions and is well known for increasing spiritual awareness.
Lavender, a tried and true favorite essential oil of many, is also great for meditation.
Lavender essential oil is one of the most popular relaxing essential oils. It is cost-effective and incredibly calming, so it’s perfect for diffusing during meditation to help you let go of the day and relax.
Sandalwood is another popular essential oil for yoga and meditation. Sandalwood essential oil is grounding and can help bring more clarity into your meditation practice. It has a wonderful, woody scent.
Ylang Ylang essential oil is beneficial to a meditation or yoga practice for many reasons. It's know to balance energy and help you filter out negative energy.
Its bright scent is floral and uplifting. This is a strong smelling essential oil, so use sparingly.
Chamomile is a is a relaxing, stress-relieving essential oil. For this reason, roman chamomile is a great option to use for nighttime meditations or evening wind-down routines.
Cedarwood is another great grounding essential oil. It's ideal for using on days when you're filled with worry.
It has a woodsy scent that blends well with lavender, chamomile, and frankincense.
Peppermint is a great addition to any meditation practice because it's inexpensive and packs a big punch of focus and mental clarity.
Though peppermint essential oil is great all day, it's ideal for morning meditations, moving meditations, or quick brain-breaks during your workday.
You can create a sense of grounding in your meditation by incorporating vetiver essential oil.
It has a somewhat grassy smell and mixes well with ylang ylang, cedarwood, and citrus oils.
You might have heard of smudging palo santo to cleanse a space. I much prefer to diffuse palo santo essential oil to receive its benefits.
Palo Santo is known as a spiritual oil and was historically used to cleanse negative energy. It also has a calming effect, making it ideal for meditation practice.
Clary sage essential oil can help disperse negative energy and it also has a calming and relaxing effect. Try adding clary sage to your evening mindfulness and meditation routine.
Jasmine is uplifting and stimulating. It is a great essential oil to use in a morning meditation to start your day with a fresh mind. It’s also a great one to have on hand for mini-breaks throughout the day when you need a pick-me-up.
If you’re having trouble breathing or focusing on the breath, try diffusing eucalyptus during meditation. Eucalyptus essential oil can support respiratory functions, which is an important part of meditation.
Patchoili is a great essential oil to use for meditation because it can help bring a sense of clarity. This clarity can help you stay present, see situations for what they are, and cultivate a healthy mindset.
Deep Breath is an essential oil blend that we make in-house. It's designed to help open up your airways, which can help you to focus on your breath during meditation practice.
It's an uplifting blend of lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary essential oils.
If you enjoyed this list, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.What's great about this recipe is that you can create a luxurious product that doesn't cost a lot of money, and you'll know exactly what ingredients are in it.
This bedtime body butter smells amazing due to the essential oils in it. Not only that, but the aromatherapy benefits of the essential oils can help you relax and unwind at night.
This is a great item to add to your bedtime ritual and help signal your brain and body that it's time to sleep. Gently massage this body butter into your skin at bedtime while inhaling deeply.
Below is a basic DIY Body butter recipe that I use and swap out the essential oils depending on what I’m making the body butter for.
You can swap out some of the ingredients for different oils and butters, but keep in mind that we haven't tested other formulations and can't guarantee the texture with other oils. Just remember to swap out the butters and oils for ones with a similar texture. For example, if you have a nut allergy, almond oil can easily be swapped for sunflower seed oil or jojoba oil.
Always spot test a new recipe on one patch of skin first before applying it to your whole body.
The classic bedtime essential oil is lavender. It's well known for it's calming and relaxing properties, making it a perfect addition to your bedtime routine.
A great grounding blend would be to a mix of cedarwood, and frankincense.
Peppermint doesn't specifically aid in sleep, but it can help open up your airways, especially when rubbed on your chest. This can make it easier to fall asleep.
Some other great essential oils for this recipe are:
For more inspiration, check out some of our related posts:
]]>This recipe uses Peppermint Essential Oil and Eucalyptus Essential Oil for their cooling properties on your skin (as a bonus, they smell amazing). The witch hazel helps to disperse the essential oils in the distilled water.
You can make this recipe in just a few minutes and keep it on hand to cool you down whenever you need.
Spritz this lovely little potion on the back of your neck and on your arms for a quick cool-down. Remember to keep this spray out of your eyes, the cooling affect is not enjoyable there.
]]>Self-love is an important aspect of self-care, and one we think you should practice every day.
Being gentle with yourself does not mean that you are not trying your hardest, it's simply giving yourself love and allowing yourself to go through life at a slower pace.
Try on these 13 ways to be gentle with yourself ❤️.
One very simple thing to try in any difficult situation (not just being gentle with yourself) is to connect with an affirmation. It’s so helpful to find a saying that you can repeat to yourself as a reminder of what your intentions are.
Mantras and affirmations are incredibly useful tools. Having a mantra (or many mantras) can serve as a gentle reminder of what your true intentions are.
Sometimes, saying a mantra in your head isn’t enough. You can increase the impact of a mantra by saying it out loud, writing it down, or putting it someplace where you can see it.
Sometimes our work setups and systems don't account for the wellbeing of the people using them and instead focus on efficiency and productivity. This goes for big companies as well as the systems we create for ourselves.
If you’re hard on yourself when it comes to work (whether it’s your 9-5 job, your side hustle, work around the house, being a parent, or anything else that can be classified under the loose term ‘work’), then maybe it’s time to change the way you work.
For example, It's very hard for most people to focus for 8 hours straight, our brains just aren't wired that way. Instead, can you work in smaller chunks of time (1-2 hours) and take breaks in between these chunks? You might find that in addition to feeling better with more breaks, you also get more done in those focused blocks of time.
Take a bit of time to assess the way you work. What systems and structures can you adjust to make them more in-line with your needs?
Being gentle with yourself does not equal being lazy just as and pushing yourself does not equal being productive.
We now live in a society where even when we are giving our all, it doesn’t feel like we are giving enough. To try to compete with these standards, many people are incredibly hard on themselves.
The problem is that being hard on yourself, pushing yourself to your limits, doesn’t always lead to productivity and doing good work.
What if instead, you motivated yourself in a positive way instead of ‘forcing’ yourself to do things?
For example, instead of telling yourself that you have to work harder because you're falling behind of society standers, you can reprioritize your values, drop unimportant tasks, and remind yourself how good it will feel when you complete a task that is in line with your values.
Another way to be gentle with yourself when it comes to work is to set realistic goals and tasks.
Why? Because we set insanely unrealistic goals for ourselves. And not only does this make us less productive, but it also lowers our self-esteem when we don’t accomplish the things we set out to do.
Whatever you're doing, simply ask yourself “what is the next most important thing?” What is the absolute most important thing that must be done next in order to continue doing the work?
Another way of looking at it is: If you could only get one thing done today, what would that one thing be?
It’s helpful to keep a running list of things that must get done and of course, there will often be deadlines for the work ahead. So keep these lists and calendars to remember the things that must be done, but do not let them allow you to overthink the amount of work that must be done. Set them aside and instead write down the next most important thing (or 1-3 of the next most important things).
Our mind and our body are so interconnected that it’s important to take your physical health into consideration when you set expectations for yourself.
By setting your expectations (about how much work you can do, how much energy you can give to others, etc) with your physical needs in mind, you’re less likely to become disappointed that if you didn’t live up to the unrealistic expectations you set for yourself.
Be gentle with yourself because it is unrealistic for us to not respect our bodies. If we don’t feel good physically, it’s much more difficult to do anything.
These next few ideas also pertain to respecting your physical health.
Do you ever fall into the guilt trap of feeling like you should be doing productive things (whatever that means for you) even though you’re sick?
But powering through being sick is not an effective way to do anything. Give yourself the rest that you deserve when you’re sick.
Humans need rest, it's non-negotiable.
Remember that it’s okay to rest when you need to rest. It’s more than okay because it’s necessary. We cannot be productive or enjoy life when we're exhausted.
So, give yourself permission to rest.
Using your brain requires just as much, if not more, energy than physical activity.
Be gentle with yourself by remembering that even if you worked from the couch today, you spent a LOT of mental energy, which translates into using a lot of physical energy.
Remember this, and choose to respect your energy.
Practicing self-love shouldn’t be something that you do only when you feel burnt-out and overwhelmed.
Instead, be gentle with yourself and practice daily self-love to ensure that you feel good about yourself and your energy feels full every day.
Here are just a few ways to do so.
We are prone to this idea called the negativity paradox. The negativity paradox basically means that we tend to focus and obsess about negative events or ideas. Even if 99% of our life is positive, we focus on the other 1% (1)
There has been a lot of focus in recent years about expressing gratitude What if, in addition to expressing gratitude outward, you also expressed gratitude toward yourself as part of your regular self-care ritual?
In what ways can you be grateful for your body, mind, soul, talents, and past accomplishments?
Sometimes, we spend all of our energy doing all of the things we think we 'should' be doing to be productive and at the end of the day have no energy left for the things that light us up.
We feel guilty when we spend time on ourselves and often label this as 'unproductive' time.
What if, instead of depleting all of your energy, you took time to do the things that fill you up? The things that make you happy?
You can be gentle with yourself by allowing yourself the time to do the things that fill you up. And then, you’ll have energy to use.
What if we’re so hard on ourselves because our definitions of ‘success’ and ‘failure’ (often determined by societal influences) demand it?
So, could we be more gentle with ourselves if we changed those (unrealistic/outdated/total crap) definitions of success and failure?
I don’t want to try to define your idea of success or failure, but I do want to offer up some thoughts to consider when you do so:
Journaling is a great way to meet yourself where you're at instead of assuming.
It's a practice that helps you put your thoughts, ideas, and worries down on paper so that you can begin to understand them.
When it comes to being gentle with yourself, a good starting place may be writing down all the ways you feel that you are hard on yourself and why you are hard on yourself.
With these ideas written down, you can begin to dissect and understand the why. In time, this deep dive can help you be gentle with yourself based on your specific needs.
We hope you enjoyed this post and found a few ways to be gentle with yourself that resonated with you. Love yourself every day, you deserve it ❤️.
If you enjoyed this list, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>An easy way to add aromatherapy to your bedtime ritual is to create a DIY bedtime linen spray. Our super simple recipe has just 3 ingredients: water, witch hazel, and lavender essential oil.
This lovely little DIY recipe reminds me of the lavender bushes we used to keep in our yard. I'd run my hands through them and then cup my hands over my face to breathe in the relaxing smell.
Lavender is a classic when it comes to improving sleep because of its well known calming and relaxing properties.
We love this essential oil so much because its mild scent and properties make it ideal for most people and their families.
We hope you enjoy this easy essential oil recipe as much as we do.
These blends have between 5-10 drops each. But since each diffuser (and person) is different, so adjust these blends as needed!
Be mindful when diffusing ‘hot’ oils like cinnamon and clove. For example, one or two drops of cinnamon is plenty for me, any more than that can irritate my sinuses and give me a headache. Luckily, hot oils are pretty strong smelling, so a little goes a long way.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>I’m very sensitive to the space around me, and I know everyone is affected by their surroundings at some level, even if they don’t notice it.
You don’t need the perfect space to meditate, and you certainly don’t need to dedicate a whole room or any money into your meditation space. But it is helpful to create a space that supports your meditation practice.
Creating a great meditation space is kind of like creating a perfect gym. Having the gym won’t automatically make you a better athlete. You still have to show up and put in the effort. But having the best space possible can increase your chance of success!
When creating a place for meditation, start by selecting a space that you will do your meditation every day. I’ve found that meditating in the same spot every day helps solidify the habit, which makes it easier to practice every day.
As I said, there’s absolutely no need to dedicate a whole room for meditation. Instead, think about the spaces you already have.
Is there a space that rarely gets used that you could turn into a meditation sanctuary? What is the most distraction-free zone in your home? Which place has the best natural light?
I meditate in my home office. It’s a small office, with the only furniture items being my desk, my office chair, one shelving unit, and my great-grandparents rocking chair.
The rocking chair never got used – it just took up space. But it was very comfortable. And, it was in my office, so I could close off the door to deter cats from sitting on my lap during meditation. It is right by a window, so I get the morning light.
You can meditate in a cozy chair in a corner somewhere. You might find that sitting on your bed or on the floor of your bedroom is the quietest and most comforting space to meditate. If you can barely find a quiet place to meditate, you might have to resort to creating a sanctuary out of your bathroom to get relief from family.
It doesn’t have to be perfect, just find the best place that already exists in your home. We will tweak it a bit in steps 2 and 3 to make it comfy and inspiring!
Most beginners meditate sitting upright in a chair with their back supported – this is still how I meditate unless I’m meditating after flowing through yoga.
I can’t get my back comfortably on the back of the chair while my feet are perfectly flat on the floor. So, I remedy this by leaving a (stylish) pillow in the chair. It supports my back, and since I leave it there, it’s one less step in my meditation habit, which makes it easier to keep up.
If you meditate in a chair, your first step will be to find the best chair you have for your practice. And then, fix it up with pillows and blankets to make it comfortable so that you can reduce fidgeting during meditation.
If possible, use pillows and blankets that you love to look at so you can keep them out to make meditating less of a hassle.
If you don’t have a comfortable chair or you prefer to meditate sitting crosslegged on the floor, you can use pillows, cushions, or a meditation cushion, or yoga mat to create your comfy space.
In terms of a ‘comfy’ space, also take into consideration the temperature of the room. If possible, control the temperature of that space to make it comfortable for meditation if it isn’t already.
Creating an inspiring meditation space not only helps to deepen your practice, but it also helps you get excited to meditate every day! And meditating regularly is crucial for getting all the benefits.
What makes your meditation space inspiring will look different for everyone. But as a rule of thumb, try to keep your meditation space clutter-free and clean. A messy space can be distracting for your mind. And although you may love bold colors elsewhere, a more neutral meditation space will help calm the mind.
Beyond that, it’s up to you to figure out what helps inspire your meditation practice! Make it personal and space that truly speaks to you. Here are some ideas.
Before I begin my morning meditation, I always start my diffuser.
Essential oils are a great way to support your meditation practice because smells affect our limbic system, and our limbic system deals with our emotions, memories, instincts, and stimulation. You can use different oils to influence your mind, like to create a sense of grounding or improve focus.
Essential oils are my favorite way (and arguably the best way) to incorporate aromatherapy into your meditation practice. You can diffuse them, spray them, roll them on, or just smell them. But you can also use incense or candles (use all-natural, or you won’t get the benefits of aromatherapy) if you prefer.
Including inspiring are or photos in your meditation space can give you something positive to focus on and lift your spirits.
You might include inspiring quotes, pictures of family, a photo of a religious figure, pictures of nature, or any other artwork that speaks to you!
I have plants in my office, and so I can look at them before closing my eyes to meditate.
We actually feel better when we are connected to nature in some way. Adding a bit of nature into your meditation space can be soothing as well as help you connect to the bigger picture of life.
My favorite indoor plants are snake plants, peperomia, pothos, and aloe. Sometimes, I find nibble marks on my plants, but my cats tell me they aren’t sure how that happens.
If you’ve got a crazy busy mind (like pretty much all of us), then adding in some calming decor will help create an environment that helps you relax.
But don’t add too much calming decor, because clutter is not calming.
Try adding just a few items, like a salt lamp, pillows, a throw blanket, candles, books, or decorative items that help create a soothing space.
Meditation is an amazing practice to work into your lifestyle because it’s a practice that benefits all aspects of your life.
I hope you enjoy creating a meditation space in your home and enjoy it even more every time you use it.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>Citrus, woodsy, spicy, and sweet essential oils all make great candidates for making your house smell amazing and putting you in the holiday spirit.
These 35+ winter diffuser blends will keep your spirits high and your home feeling nice and cozy.
Enjoy these recipes and share them with friends. However you celebrate, happy holidays :)
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>To add shine: If you want to add some shine to your floors as well, you can add a small amount of whatever vegetable oil you have on hand.
That's it, it's that simple. Even though I've been doing it for years, I'm still amazed every time I try a new, all-natural DIY recipe. They're always so easy to make and work well.
Getting back to the basics never fails, and the basic recipes always better for both the environment and your family.
If you enjoyed this recipe, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>If you're anything like me, you skin can't tolerate the ingredients found most dryer sheets and fabric softeners. And even if you can tolerate those things, you've probably heard by now that the word 'fragrance' on a label can hid some unsavory ingredients that you really don't want lurking around your home.
On one hand, you want your laundry to smell fresh when it comes out of the dryer. But on the other, you want to use ingredients that are safe for you and your family.
That's why I wanted to share this recipe with you! It's an easy to make, 3-ingredient laundry scent booster that you can customize to smell however you want.
Combine all of these ingredients in a glass jar with a lid. Shake well and leave alone for a hot minute (a few hours) to let the essential oils infuse into the Epsom salt and baking soda.
To use: Sprinkle 1/8 – 1/4 cup of laundry booster directly into the washing machine before starting the wash.
Money saving tip: This recipe is already economical on its own. But if you want to get even more bang for your buck, submerge empty essential oil bottles into the Epsom salt + baking soda mixture and allow it to soak up every last drop.
Keep in mind that this recipe won't make your laundry smell as strong as it did when you use dryer sheets, but that's one thing you trade off when you choose to use natural ingredients.
The upside is that essential oils will also help eliminate gross laundry smells, not just cover them up.
Wash and dry your clothes on a low heat to retain as much of the smell as possible.
If you want your clothes to smell more like your favorite essential oils, you can create a DIY linen spray using this recipe. Just be mindful that colored oils like orange can stain light colored fabrics if the concentration in your spray is too high.
You can use any of your favorite essential oils to create your own laundry scent booster. Here are some blends you can try that will make your laundry smell amazing!
If you enjoyed this recipe, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>
When I started, I only knew of 1 essential oil that was beneficial for sleep - lavender. You've likely heard this one, too. Though I absolutely adore lavender, I've since found that there are plenty more essential oils that can help improve sleep.
In this post, we're sharing our favorite essential oils for sleep. You'll learn how essential oils can affect your sleep, which essential oils are best for sleep, and how to use essential oils for sleep (even for beginners).
The organic compounds in essential oils have the ability to directly affect our mind through our olfactory system. Similar to, for example, when you smell something that reminds you of your childhood and are immediately comforted.
Often times, getting better sleep is a purely mental game, so using essential oils to calm your mind can actually improve sleep.
There are other essential oils that affect our bodies in a way that improves sleep. For example, peppermint can help open up your airways so you're not trying to fall asleep while you're all stuffed up.
There are 2 main ways that we can use essential oils for better sleep - inhale it or apply it to your skin mixed with a carrier oil like jojoba oil.
Diffusing essential oils is one of the best ways to use them. Start your diffuser about an hour before bedtime and diffuse throughout the night. I love diffusing a bedtime blend while I do my evening ritual and cozy up with a book.
Check out this post for a list of bedtime diffuser blends you can make yourself.
You can also create a DIY bedtime linen spray using this recipe.
To apply essential oils topically, combine essential oils with your favorite carrier oil and apply that to your feet, down your spine, on your wrists, and on the back of your neck before bedtime.
You can also add a few drops of essential oil to your favorite moisturizer or to a warm bath.
If you're up for a project, make yourself a batch of DIY bedtime body butter.
Lavender is a classic when it comes to improving sleep.
It’s well known for its calming and relaxing properties. I always feel a little cliche every time I hype lavender up, but the hype is well deserved.
Use lavender essential oil if you have trouble winding down or calming your mind at night.
For a soothing bedtime bath, add 5-10 drops to an Epsom salt bath for a quiet, self-care evening (or try our Lavender + Geranium Bath Salts).
Cedarwood is a great essential oil for sleep because it can help calm your nerves, thus making it easier to fall asleep.
Cedarwood essential oil is a great choice when you need a break from the smell of lavender.
It's woodsy scent is grounding and blends well with most of the others on this list and helps balance out diffuser blends.
Orange essential oil has a bright, citrusy aroma that is uplifting and mood boosting. Citrus essential oils are a good alternative if you're not a big fan of lavender for sleep.
Add orange essential oil into your bedtime routine if you feel sad, lonely, or just a bit down at the end of the day. It can help improve your mood and make it easier to fall asleep.
I love diffusing orange essential oil while making a gratitude list. This one is great diffused, or just inhaled straight from the bottle.
You can add 5-10 drops to an Epsom salt bath to feel uplifted (or try our Orange + Cedarwood Bath Salts).
Eucalyptus essential oil isn't necessarily known for aiding in sleep. But it does help sooth and open up your respiratory system.
Eucalyptus is great to use when you feel stuffed up, because that can make it hard to fall asleep and stay asleep. It's fresh scent also blends well with other bedtime essential oils
Try adding 5-10 drops of eucalyptus essential oil to an Epsom salt bath when you’re feeling under the weather (or try our Peppermint + Eucalyptus Bath Salts).
Frankincense makes this list because it is a grounding essential oil, making it ideal for a bedtime ritual. Frankincense can help get you out of your head and reconnected with your body and the present moment before bed.
Though some varieties of frankincense are expensive, you’ll find that the boswellia serrata variety is rather affordable so you can easily work it into your evening self-care every night.
Frankincense essential oil has a warm, woody, comforting aroma that provides a sense of calm and grounding. Many massage practitioners use frankincense for its ability to deepen breathing and aid in relaxation. (1a)
This essential oil blends well with lavender and cedarwood.
Peppermint essential oil can help relax the nerves and soothe tired muscles. It is also good for uplifting the spirit and helping and its fresh scent can keep you grounded in the present.
Peppermint smells great when diffused with lavender, lemon, or eucalyptus.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over. ]]>Pssst, real quick before we get started...we have a free eBook we think you might love. It's all about how to use essential oils and aromatherapy for self-care. Sign up below and we'll send it right over :)
Holistic living is a lifestyle that nourishes your mind, body, and soul. And although that sounds a little hippy-dippy, it’s actually quite wonderful.
A holistic lifestyle is a way of living life that lets you look at the big picture – the whole person. I like to think of holistic as being connected to a wholeness.
You don’t try to make your life better by focusing on one thing like eating well, personal growth, spirituality, or creating contributions. You focus on everything because it’s all interconnected.
A holistic lifestyle isn’t one size fits all. It just means that you observe yourself – all of yourself – and create a lifestyle that nourishes you as a whole. It's a way of thinking rather than an exact system.
It’s pretty well accepted that there are 3 parts of your life to nourish – mind, body, and soul. Some people like to separate mental and emotional or add a social element. I like to view it as just 3 parts to simplify things, but know you can expand on your holistic wellness approach as needed.
Holistic living acknowledges that all three parts of your wellbeing are interconnected. Each affects the other. For example, if you aren’t getting enough sleep (body) because you are anxious (mind), you may withdraw from your friends and family (soul). They all work together and they all affect each other.
Let's go through each of the 3 categories in a little more detail.
Tending to your mind is just as important as tending to your body.
We tend toward forcing ourselves into the expectations of what we think we 'should' do. Whether that's working harder, forcing positivity, or ignoring our emotions.
Taking a holistic approach allows us to step back and assess how we're feeling mentally. What are the thoughts and emotions going through your head? How are they affecting your life? Keep in mind that your emotions often manifest in your body.
From there, it's easier figure out what you need. For example, if you're feeling overwhelmed, you might need a mental break from creative work. If you're feeling anxious, it might bet time to step away from the expectations of social media.
It’s important to cultivate a healthy mind because our mindset ultimately controls our actions. What we think, we create.
The body part of holistic living is usually the easiest to understand because it’s physical. We can easily see and measure the effects of nourishing the body.
Nourishing the body in a holistic way involves a lot of elements.
You know that it’s important to take care in determining the foods you eat. The more you nourish your body, the better it functions. And you also know that moving your body is important.
But when taking a holistic approach to nourishing the physical body, we also take into consideration things like sleep patterns, our connection with nature, the types of products we use in and on our bodies, and the health of each body system.
In holistic living, we also focus on wellness – living in a state of good health. We want to live in a healthy state rather than fix problems as they occur.
The ‘soul’ category can be a little harder to pin down, especially if you’re still figuring out where you fit into the world. But that’s okay, nourishing your soul can help you get closer to that understanding.
Of course, nourishing your soul can mean spirituality, but it’s also so much more. Living life aligned with your values and living with purpose are both essential. Nourishing your soul requires deepening your connections with others and spending time on meaningful contributions to the world.
Over time, as you nourish ‘soul’ elements, you’ll create a deeper relationship with yourself and how you connect with and understand the world around you.
Outside of knowing that we need to nourish the mind, body, and soul, it’s helpful to understand the qualities that help us live a holistic life.
Mindfulness means being aware and present in the moment. Being mindful will help you better understand how you're feeling and what you need.
Mindfulness is key to living a holistic life because we need the presence of mind to fully understand ourselves and our needs as a whole. Additionally, the present moment is the only place where we can fully experience life and integrate growth into our lives.
You may be new to mindfulness, but I guarantee you’ve practice mindfulness many times. Any time you take a deep breath to focus, you’re being mindful. When you take time to think before you act, or take a step back from your emotions and act based on your values, you’re practicing mindfulness.
To live intentionally is to live life on purpose. When you live from a place of intentionality, you live based on your values.
Intentionality encompasses purpose, simplicity, prioritization, time management, and control over where you place your energy.
To live holistically and see the big picture, you must live on purpose instead of on autopilot. You make conscious choices that help guide you on your path.
Since holistic living involves nourishing the mind, body, and soul, it’s important to find balance. As we’ve talked about, you need to nourish every part of yourself in order to be well as a whole since everything is interconnected. Give each element the time and energy it needs so that the 3 can support each other.
Holistic living isn’t an all-or-nothing approach. Instead, find balance by incorporating small, sustainable changes into your life and grow your holistic lifestyle over time.
Remember that sometimes certain areas of your life will require more attention than others, so it's okay if it isn't a perfect balance.
Holistic living isn’t a destination, it’s a lifelong journey. It’s a lifestyle. And so, it’s fitting to live a holistic life as a practice.
Holistic living is something you must practice every day to integrate into various aspects of your life. Like we talked about with balance, there is no need to do everything all at once. Instead, create a holistic lifestyle practice by creating sustainable habits and slowly incorporating them into your life.
With practice, you’ll be able to experience continued growth along your holistic living journey.
As we’ve discussed, creating habits is key to creating a holistic lifestyle. Below is a basic outline of how to create holistic habits that align with your life.
The first step in habit creation is meeting yourself where you’re at. You have to get ~uncomfortably~ honest with yourself and asses where you’re at. It’s tempting to think about where you want to be or where you think you should be.
But in order to grow and to create the lifestyle you want, it’s crucial to understand where you’re at right at this moment.
Take into consideration each element of holistic living – mind, body, and soul. Dig in to see if you can pinpoint areas that are affecting each other.
You can’t do everything all at once or you’ll go crazy and you also won’t be able to make lasting change. Instead, pick one (or just a few) areas of your life that need the most nourishment, and focus on that thing. Remember that even if you select an area of your life that seems like it’s in just one category, it will be affected by and affect the other categories.
For example, if you want to have more energy you might need to create better sleep patterns (body), reduce stress (mind), and control the energy you give to others (soul). Having more energy is still a pretty big topic, so I would encourage you to break bigger topics like these into smaller, bite-sized chunks.
Once you’ve determined the area in your life that needs the most growth, it’s time to dive into research and learning about that topic.
Since all of our holistic journeys are different, it will require research and learning on your part to discover the best strategies to implement into your life. You can find information in bookstores, on blog posts, and even on Pinterest. There are so many great thinkers and leaders in the holistic lifestyle realm, so take time to find the ones who resonate most with you.
Remember that a lot of learning comes from trial and error in your own life. It can be discouraging, but trial and error is part of the process of discovering what works best for your life.
Since holistic living is a lifestyle and not a destination, it’s often best to start by setting intentions instead of goals. Of course, you’ll need to break those intentions down into small goals to take action toward your intentions.
Intentions help us create a lifestyle rather than achieve a specific goal because they keep is in the present moment and focus on how we want to live each day.
Here’s an example:
Goal: Stop feeling guilty after spending money
Intention: cultivate a healthy money mindset
The word ‘stop’ in the goal implies an end result. It implies that you will not feel better (or be better) until you reach that end goal. The intention, however, can be integrated into each day in different ways as you continue to grow.
We can only live in the present. So setting intentions that help us enjoy life each day on the journey is what we’re aiming for.
Once you’ve set intentions, you can then set smaller goals or tasks to take sustainable action and create habits that help you build a holistic lifestyle. The key is that whatever action you take, you need to be able to sustain it over time since you’re creating a lifestyle.
As you continue to grow on your holistic lifestyle journey, these habits will change and evolve based on your needs at any given time.
Once you start to integrate changes in one aspect of your life and it becomes a part of your lifestyle, you integrate changes into other aspects of your life as well by repeating these steps. Go back to step one and re-assess where you’re at now, and begin again.
Curious about what we do at Wild Grove Essentials? Head to our blog for more ideas on natural living, essential oils, and self-care. Or, check out our line of essential oils and natural body products.
And don't forget to snag your free eBook below if you haven't already!
]]>My natural deodorant journey began years ago. I tried switching to natural deodorant but constantly found myself switching back after only a week or so because I couldn't bear to be smelly anymore.
I realized that the problem wasn't the deodorant, it was how I was transitioning to it. I knew how bad traditional deodorant could be, so I kept at it. Finally, I found a solution that worked for me.
In this post, I'm sharing how to switch to natural deodorant without smelling. I'm also sharing some hard truths about switching to natural deodorant and tips for using natural deodorant long-term.
When we try switching from conventional deodorant to natural deodorant, we have to let our body adjust to the different process of deodorizing. Conventional deodorants use a type of aluminum which creates a barrier to stop sweat.
Additionally, conventional deodorants use a variety of other ingredients that cause a build-up on your skin and in your pores. Not only does this build-up disrupt your natural function of sweating, but it can also contain compounds that your body identifies as toxins.
Even when you stop using conventional deodorant, that layer of build-up will remain (ew). Because of this, your body can’t sweat the way it’s supposed to and your natural deodorant won’t be able to work around that layer of build-up.
Luckily, our bodies are great at detoxifying themselves. We can help our bodies function like they're supposed to by eating well, exercising, and drinking plenty of water.
Usually, it takes 2-4 weeks for your body to rid itself during this detox period.
‘Ummmmm….’ you might be saying. “1-3 weeks? That’s a long time to be smelly! Is there any way to detox faster?”
Oh, I’m so glad you asked! There is, in fact, a way to detox your armpits in about 20 minutes.
Honestly, 2 to 4 weeks was just too long for me to wait for my armpits to detox. But, I knew the lack of detox was why I kept failing at using natural deodorants.
The 20-minute armpit detox has only 2 INGREDIENTS. Equal parts bentonite clay and apple cider vinegar. This recipe is more commonly used as a face mask and is the exact recipe on the container of one of the most popular brands of bentonite clay, Aztec Secret. As it turns out, this recipe works well for the rest of your skin, too. Specifically, your armpits.
Here’s how to use it.
-1 Part Bentonite Clay
-1 Part Apple Cider Vinegar (Water can be substituted for some of the ACV if your skin is extra sensitive)
That’s it! That is literally the recipe that will help you make the switch to a natural deodorant without being smelly.
Bonus Tip: I mix up a 4 ounce batch of armpit detox and put it in a 4 oz. mason jar to leave in my shower and use when my armpits need a little refresh.
Bentonite clay basically acts as a magnet and pulls out not only the toxins but the aluminum (found in deodorants that are also antiperspirants) out of your skin. It sucks all of that nastiness right out of your pores.
The apple cider vinegar does a lot of things. First, it mixes really well with the bentonite clay to form a great textured mask. It helps to kill bacteria, remove toxins, and balance the ph of your skin. Apple cider vinegar also helps remove dead skin, which aids in getting rid of that gross layer of buildup on your skin.
It’s an absolute must to detox your armpits before switching to natural deodorant to help your body get rid of those nasty chemicals and make the switch seamless. But just as you treat yourself to a face mask to keep the skin of your face healthy, it’s important to regularly detox your armpits, especially since the lymphatic system plays a huge role in our immune system and helps to get rid of toxins from our body.
I like to detox every few weeks or so, or whenever I start to notice a decline in the effectiveness of my natural deodorant. I will generally make a good bit of the bentonite clay + apple cider vinegar mask and use it on my armpits and face, but also mix it up and put it on other parts of my skin like my arms or my feet.
When you first make the switch to natural deodorant, it can be helpful to detox about twice a week if your body is taking longer to adjust. Remember that all of our bodies are different, so it may take longer for some of us to adjust than others.
As you detox (and literally all the time) drink plenty of water so that your body has sufficient fluid to help flush out those toxins.
I don’t like to think of the following things as ‘downsides’ to natural deodorant. It’s a conscious choice to switch to body care products that are nourishing for our body instead of using products that work against our bodies natural processes.
So instead of these things being ‘negative,’ there are really just facts that come along with using a natural deodorant that you may have to get used to.
Remember that you’re not just switching products when you change from conventional to natural, you’re also adjusting your lifestyle! Here are a few things you might experience when switching to natural deodorant:
Initial smelliness. Although the detox will help immensely with switching over to natural deodorant, it may not be 100% effective right away.
You will sweat. Natural deodorant is NOT an antiperspirant. Antiperspirants block your pores from releasing sweat (which isn’t great). The detox will help with the amount of sweat, but you will still sweat, as is normal and healthy. The deodorant will reduce or eliminate the sweat smell, so you'll just have to accommodate for the actual sweat. I've switched to wearing more loose fitting clothing which is much more comfortable and breathable. You might switch up your shower routine and dress accordingly.
Natural oils can stain your light and bright clothes. Personally, I wear mostly black or patterned shirts, so this is essentially a non-issue for me. But many people who wear a lot of white do experience a yellowing of their shirts over time which is mostly due to the natural oils. So, either upgrade your wardrobe to include less white or be more intentional about removing stains from your clothes when you do laundry.
Different scents smell different on different bodies. Since natural deodorants don’t create a barrier on your skin, the scent of the deodorant will be interacting with your body chemistry. One deodorant may smell lovely when mixed with your body chemistry, but another may smell awful. For example, I steer clear of any citrus scents, because they honestly smell like cat pee on me. But my my friend uses a lime scented deodorant that she LOVES, and she smells great.
You may have to test a few deodorants before you find your perfect match. Again, since our bodies are different, we all won’t have the same results with deodorant. Be patient and find a deodorant that you truly love.
Baking soda can irritate your skin. If you have sensitive skin like me, you may find that you need to use a baking soda free deodorant.
Just like changing anything in your life, switching to natural deodorant is a process. Be kind to yourself along the way.
I'm currently formulating my own natural deodorant and will share that with you as soon as it is available!
If you enjoyed this list, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>One of the reasons I fell in love with essential oils was the way they help calm me down for sleep. As a small business owner (and just as a human in general) I find my mind racing at all hours of the day. When I add those lovely little drops into my diffuser each night, I know I'll be able to slow my mind down and finally get some rest.
My recommendation is to make diffusing essential oils at bedtime a nightly ritual. Yes, you'll get the therapeutic benefits of aromatherapy when diffusing, but you'll also create a a ritual that signals your mind and body that it's time for sleep.
As a general rule, you need around 6-12 drops of essential oil when diffusing depending on your diffuser’s size and the strength of the oil. As you start using essential oils more often, you’ll be able to adjust the recipes based on what you like and need.
Similair to how everyone likes different foods, everyone likes different essential oils and essential oil blends. It might take a few tries to find a recipe that fits the needs of your mind and body. As you try these recipes, take note of how they make you feel.
Let's dive into the fun stuff, the diffuser blends!
1. Classic Lavender:
10 Drops Lavender Essential Oil
If you’re new to essential oils, I’d recommend starting with the old faithful lavender. It smells quite heavenly on its own.
Lavender is an all-around calming and soothing oil and can promote better sleep for both children and adults alike.
2. Midnight Breeze
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
3 drops Lemon Essential Oil
2 drops Copaiba Essential Oil
This is a great diffuser blend to help support your respiratory system while sleeping. The peppermint and lemon help open up your airways, lavender ads a soothing element, and the warmth of copaiba brings it all together.
3. Sweet Harmony:
4 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
4 drops Orange Essential Oil
Cedarwood essential oil is a sweet, woodsy oil that brings warmth and comfort. When you mix that woodsy scent with orange, it creates a sweet and comforting blend that feels like being wrapped in a blanket. No to-do lists, no deadlines. Just harmony.
This is a great diffuser blend to use in the fall.
4. Sleep Well
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Eucalyptus Essential Oil
Not only does this blend smell like a spa, it helps support your respiratory system. This is my favorite bedtime diffuser blend because I get a little stuffed up at night when I'm laying down.
5. Summer Sleep
5 drops Lemon Essential Oil
2 drops Orange Essential Oil
1 drop Cedarwood Essential Oil
1 drop Fennel Essential Oil
Not everyone loves lavender for sleep. Citrus essential oils are equally fantastic for sleep in that they promote peace and calming at night by helping to lift your mood. Mixed with cedarwood and fennel, this blend is bright and woodsy, so it’s perfect for summer months or spring nights.
6. Let That Shit Go
3 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
Frankincense is a grounding oil that can help us to focus on what’s important and clear our minds before bed. Roman Chamomile can help to create a relaxing environment, especially after hard days.
If you have a hard time clearing your mind of negative thoughts or the heaviness of your day, let that shit go with this diffuser blend for sleep.
7. Let That Shit Go II
4 drops Frankincense Essential Oil
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
I've included 2 versions of this blend because roman chamomile is less accessible than other essential oils. It smells amazing and has calming benefits, but if it isn't available to you, you can still let that shit go.
8. Total Knock Out
2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
2 drops Orange Essential Oil
2 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Vetiver Essential Oil
I call this blend Total Knock Out because it’s got all the big players in the essential oil sleep game. Combine them together for a truly amazing sleep experience.
9. Sleep Support
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
3 drops Vetiver Essential Oil
Combine the soothing effects of lavender with the grounding of vetiver and the warmth of cedarwood in this bedtime diffuser blend.
Try this blend when you’re feeling lonely or detached.
10. Lavender-Mint
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
4 drops Peppermint Essential Oil
Lavender and mint are seriously an award-winning combo in the scent department. I like to diffuse this blend on lazy evenings because it’s bright and fresh but also calming and soothing.
At night, this blend can help to provide respiratory support while you sleep.
11. Ultimate Calm
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
4 drops Roman Chamomile
Lavender and Roman Chamomile are two of the most calming oils. This blend can be helpful with kids and adults alike who struggle to wind down in the evenings.
12. Stress-Free Sleep
3 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
This warm and calming blend adds a few drops of Ylang Ylang to calming cedarwood and lavender essential oils to help combat stress.
13. Sweet Dreams
2 drops Geranium Essential Oil
5 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
This blend smells like what I imagine sleeping in a field of flowers would smell like. If you dream of falling asleep on a picnic blanket in a sunny grove, then this blend is definitely for you.
14. Nighttime Ritual
4 drops Bergamot Essential Oil
3 drops Lavender Essential Oil
1 drops Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
1 drop Patchouli Essential Oil
Bergamot is helpful in releasing negative emotions. Often times, we have a hard time sleeping because we are building up negative emotions in our minds and bodies.
Use this blend to say goodbye to any stress and transition into a calm evening. This relaxing blend is both stress relieving and soothing to help you wind down for bed.
15. Spring Sleep
4 drops Lavender Essential Oil
2 drops Cedarwood Essential Oil
2 drops Orange Essential Oil
1 drop Ylang Ylang Essential Oil
I love this blend because it’s bright enough for spring but soft and sweet enough for bedtime. It’s a soothing blend that also helps to combat stress and negative emotions.
15. Deep Breath
Want to use a premade blend instead?
Deep breath is an essential oil blend hand crafted by me (Shelby). It helps open up your airways and is a great blend to work into your breath or meditation practice at the end of a long day.
It's a blend of lemon, peppermint, eucalyptus, and rosemary.
Try a few (or all!) of these recipes above to find your perfect bedtime diffuser blend. Let us know in the comments below which essential oil recipes are your favorites.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>This recipe is an amazing air freshener alternative that can actually help smells go away while also being safe from harmful chemicals in traditional air fresheners. As an added bonus, you'll also get the therapeutic benefits of essential oils by using this spray that can help improve your mood.
This recipe only has 3 ingredients and is super easy to whip up!
I like to keep a few different room sprays laying around. One in each bathroom, and a few extra to change up the scent and have to freshen up a room quickly. Here are some of my favs. (a few are just 30 drops of one oil or blend because sometimes you’ve got to get back to the basics).
If you enjoyed this blog post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>In this post, we'll talk about why you might not be getting enough self-care during the week and sharing weeknight self-care ideas to help you feel rested and recharged.
I used to rush through my evening 'to-dos' like making dinner, exercising, and taking a shower to get to the 'relaxing' portion of my evening...which, let's be honest, was mostly Netflix.
Despite all of the relaxing I was doing each night, I was still coming away exhausted because I didn't put real effort into the actual self-care - which was all of the other stuff I was rushing through.
The truth is that most self-care isn't cute and Instagram worthy. It's putting more attention into the daily tasks of sustaining yourself.
If you get back to the basic definition of the word care, it means 'the provision of what is necessary for the health, welfare, maintenance, and protection of someone or something.' Self-care isn't all of the fluffy stuff, it's the everyday tasks we often rush through.
I've found a lot more enjoyment in my daily life tasks now that I take my time and look at them as self-care. Here are some of the ways you can integrate weeknight self care into your evenings.
If you enjoyed this post, we think you'll also enjoy our Free Essential Oils for Self-Care Guide where you can learn our favorite essential oil for self-care picks and lots of ways to use them all. Sign up below and we'll send it right over.
]]>