Self Care With Essential Oils

When it comes to my self care, I'm definitely set in my personal routines. These types of habits keep me proactive in identifying my issues and finding solutions that work for me. Whether it's green tea in the morning or a bath after a long day, I can count on these things to heal me from within.

But does your self care routine ever become too predictable? If so, it's the perfect time to try something new! And lately that something new for me has been discovering the powerful benefits that essential oils have to offer. My morning headaches have subsided, I'm sleeping better, and my Type-A stress feels so much more manageable.

So let's talk Essential Oils 101. From pain relief to stress management, use of these natural and highly potent plant extracts have been an ancient aromatherapy practice for centuries. There is real evidence that shows that essential oils can help you de-stress, relax, and medicate naturally.

And believe it or not, even stimulate the parts of your brain responsible for your behaviors and emotions. So imagine, knowing that you have a fighting chance against your seasonal allergies AND your anxiety! It's undeniable proof of why your self care is so vital to your happiness.

How Do Essential Oils Work?

Another perk of adding essential oils to your self care routine is that they can tackle just about anything. 100% pure and therapeutic grade oils are not only natural, but inexpensive and additive-free! And from low energy to skin care, it's amazing what nature can cure.

Improve Immunity

Peppermint oil is great at combating the common cold, and even topically for those stubborn headaches. Eucalyptus oil is just as powerful, but can also heal sores and skin irritations. It’s the ketones naturally found in these oils that are the key chemicals that give them their antibacterial and antiviral properties.

Essential Oil use for Mediation

Promote Better Sleep

Trouble getting to sleep? The sedative properties in lavender, bergamot and ylang ylang oils also help with combating insomnia, especially if anxious mental chatter keeps you up at night.

Increased Energy & Focus

Another added bonus of using eucalyptus oil is its ability to increase your energy level and focus by improving oxygen flow to your brain. Keep this in your self care arsenal for those late nights and early mornings!

Peppermint oil's naturally high concentration of menthol is also responsible for increasing your circulation and contribute to sharper focus and energy.

Maintain Stress & Anxiety

The calming aromas of ylang ylang, lavender, and orange make these oils some of my favorites, but their sweet scents aren't just for show! They also have sedative properties that get you feeling relaxed and more clear-headed when you’re feeling anxious. They have even shown to be effective in lowering your blood pressure.

Healthy Hair & Skin

If you’re into natural hair and skincare, then you’ll love what just a few drops of essential oil can do. Lemongrass and rosehip oils are rich in vitamin A and C, making them perfect for brightening and toning your skin. Adding tea tree oil to your moisturizer helps stop acne in its tracks while lavender oil tackles inflammation and keeps oily skin at bay.

And if you're a kinky curly natural, rosemary oil helps prevent breakage and improves scalp circulation to promote even healthier coils. All of these DIY recipes are part of my daily (and cheap!) skincare routine, and my skin has never looked or felt better!

Stress-Free Home & Office

Essential oils will help you create a calmer environment wherever you are, with just a quick whiff. From running a luxurious, aromatic bath at home, to creating a sacred self care space at work, essential oils can be used just about anywhere.

I just recently purchased an aromatic diffuser and it is truly giving me life! Not only does it give off instant spa vibes, but also lifts my mood and puts me in a more positive mindset.

Pro Tip: Morning traffic triggering your anxiety and negative thoughts? Try blending orange and ylang ylang oils to slow your heart rate, lower your blood pressure, and leave you feeling more at peace.

Ways to Use Essential Oils for Self Care

Topically

One of the easiest ways to use essential oils for self care is applying it topically. Just a few drops massaged into the skin can provide lasting effects. Just be sure to dilute with water or a carrier oil (2 drops: 1 tsp ratio). Essential oils are incredibly concentrated, so be especially careful if you have sensitive skin.

Diffuser

Diffusing oils not only disperses their scents, but also enhances their medicinal benefits. Lavender and peppermint can dramatically transform any high-stress environment to a much more calm and focused one. Now you can actually look forward to sitting in your office, instead of dreading it!

Bath

Taking a bath to relieve the stress from the day is one of my favorite ways to practice my own self care. And adding essential oils has really taken them to the next level! The heat and steam from the bath release the oil's natural scent and also aid in better skin absorption. 4-6 drops is all that you need to melt your stress away.

Massage

Treat yourself to an at-home massage in minutes using essential oils! Whether you're suffering from chronic muscle pain or skin irritation, they are an effective way to improve your circulation and loosen your tense muscles.

Inhaling

Along with topical use, inhaling essential oils is the next best thing. If you're short on time, it's a quick way to clear your sinuses with eucalyptus oil or peppermint oil to nip nausea in the bud. Try a few drops on some tissue or rub the oil between your palms, and inhale deeply for maximum effect.

By continuing to invest in yourself in different ways, you’re maintaining your personal happiness as a priority. And when you live a busy lifestyle, actively seeking ways to benefit your self care will always keep you focused on you.

So incorporating essential oils into your daily self care habits is another way to keep your routine fresh, and working in your favor. Being proactive and taking your self care seriously will help give you a sense of control of your mental, physical and emotional stability, and therefore your happiness in this life. And it's up to you to discover what is beneficial, and what just isn't your cup of tea.

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