Got stress? Try this

There’s no denying that stressful situations are a part of life. And that stress gets compounded when we carry it to bed with us and wake up with it the next morning. Not the best way to start the day! That’s why it’s so important, necessary really, to take some time each day to sit quietly with our thoughts, pamper ourselves, or to just relax.

I know what you’re thinking: “who has time for that,” “I’m too busy,” “that would be selfish” — I call B.S and want to remind you that you can’t draw from an empty well. Self care is NOT selfish!

For many of us, self care sounds like a great idea. Sadly we either can’t seem to find the time to take for ourselves, or a day at the spa sounds great but may not be in the budget. Regardless, it’s important to find the time because prolonged stress can lead to:

• headaches
• exhaustion
• adrenal fatigue
• insomnia
• restlessness
• inflammation
• depression
• weakened immunity
• irritability

Stress also has an acidifying effect on the body, making your inner terrain the perfect environment for illness.

There are many ways to reduce your stress, including eating healthy, exercising, practicing meditation and conscious breathing. You can also carve out some time and create a spa day for yourself at home. And guess what, it doesn’t cost much!

Here are some steps to help you create a relaxing, rejuvenating self-care experience:

Lemon Water

Make yourself a pitcher of lemon water with fresh mint to treat your senses.

Music

Put on your favorite tunes. This might be something calm and relaxing, or it might be that album from “back in the day” that you still love.

Candles

Candles! Why not? Light a few in your bathroom and enjoy a lovely soak in the tub. Bonus: candlelight is naturally calming. Tea lights in a pink Himalayan salt candle holder offer added benefits.

Foot Soak

A calming foot soak is great before that mani/pedi. And it is as easy as pouring warm water into a bowl with Epsom salt, olive oil, and your favorite essential oil.

Mani/Pedi

Pamper yourself with a fresh coat of polish on your fingers and toes! Plan ahead and buy yourself a new color. Choose non-toxic products of course.

Mask

Try a natural mask to smooth, soften and cleanse your skin. After trying a number of DIY recipes, my favorite is still doTERRA’s Detoxifying Mud Mask found here.

Hair Treatment

Coconut oil is a great hair treatment. Simply massage it into your scalp, all the way down to the ends of your hair. Leave on for at least 15 minutes, shampoo out, and enjoy your soft, lustrous locks.

Bath Bomb

Elevate your bath with a soothing bath bomb – a dry mixture made to dissolve in water and release essential oils, scents, flowers, or bubbles into the bath. A wonderful DIY recipe follows.

At the end of the day, it is nice to have something relaxing to look forward to. Jazz up your next bath with this DIY bath bomb recipe:

• Ingredients
• 1 cup baking soda
• ¾ cup organic cornstarch (non GMO)
• ½ cup citric acid
• ½ cup of sea or epsom salt
• 2 tablespoons of oil (olive, coconut, almond)
• 2 teaspoons of witch hazel
• 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract
• 30-40 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional but recommended)

Instructions

Place dry ingredients in a large bowl and mix until combined.

In a separate bowl, combine the oil, witch hazel and vanilla extract and stir well. Add essential oils if using.

Add the liquid ingredients to the dry ingredients a few drops at a time. Mix well with hands. The mixture should hold together when squeezed without crumbling. You may need to add slightly more witch hazel if it hasn’t achieved this consistency yet.

Quickly push the mixture into molds or greased muffin tins. Press in firmly and leave at least 24 hours, or until hardened.

When dry, remove from molds and store in airtight container. Use within 2 weeks.