Taking care of yourself is not selfish, and it’s not hard to do. Self-care goes beyond a day at the spa. Any activity that you engage in that takes care of your mental, physical, and emotional well-being is considered self-care. Essential oils have been shown to elevate moods, promote relaxation, increase focus, and bring on feelings of peace. In other words, they are perfect for practicing self-care! Here are 8 Ways to Practice Self-Care with Essential Oils.
When I told my two closest friends I was writing a blog post about self-care they literally both laughed out loud. No joke. I am really, really bad at self-care. But I want to be better. I need to be better, for myself and my family.
This New Year, I did some reflection into what was missing from my daily routine, and what I could do differently to make this my best year yet. I realized that the biggest thing missing was ‘me’ time. A few moments to myself each day, doing only something that I wanted to do. As a busy, working mom those moments are few and far between. At the end of the day, my cup is empty.
So I made it my goal this year to spend at least 15 minutes a day engaging in an act of self-care. Today I took a walk. Tomorrow I might read a few chapters in a book. Each day I am committed to taking care of myself, even if it’s just for a moment.
How to Practice Self-Care
As I started learning more about self-care, I found that it’s important to make it an intentional act. Whether it’s spending time on an outdoor walk, getting a pedicure, reading a book, or taking a moment for meditation, it can easily be incorporated into your daily routine.
We already do many of these activities within our day, but to truly benefit from these acts, you need to treat these moments as planned events that have a purpose.
If you are a calendar type of person, try adding these activities to your calendar and set a reminder. You can even make it something you already do each morning, like taking an uninterrupted shower before starting your day. There are so many moments in your day to incorporate peaceful self-care activities.
8 Ways to Practice Self-Care with Essential Oils
1. Soak in a Bathtub
I love taking baths because it forces me to unplug. No phones and no distractions. Bathing in a tub can help reduce stress, ease aching muscles, and may calm a restless mind. Intensify the effects with a Homemade Bath Bomb or Bath Salts. Adding essential oils to a bath has numerous therapeutic benefits. Try lavender if you are winding down after a long day, or Stress Away to clear your mind. The possibilities are endless. Listen to your body and choose an oil to support how you are feeling!
2. Clean Your Space
Now some may say that cleaning is not relaxing, while others would argue that tidying your space can be restorative. Clutter and dirty dishes can make some people feel overwhelmed or anxious. For me, cleaning and organizing give me a sense of control in an otherwise chaotic environment. Try spending time each day tackling a new chore. Cleaning with essential oils is just another way to incorporate aromatherapy into your daily routine. Plus, you’ll feel comforted by the idea that you are not bringing any harmful chemicals in your home. Check out my 6 Best Essential Oil Spring Cleaning Recipes.
3. Show Your Skin Some Love
Most people associate skin-care and beauty treatments with self-care. No one needs to get a facial or a massage, but it sure is nice. It’s a luxury that makes us feel pampered and spoiled. A few times a week, take some time to exfoliate your skin, apply a face mask, or roll on a skin serum with a jade roller. I recently discovered Jade Rollers and I am obsessed! This trendy beauty tool can increase circulation in your face and neck and reduce puffiness. Bring the spa into your bathroom every single night!
4. Take a Hot Shower
For those days where you don’t have time to soak in a tub, a hot shower with a Shower Bomb can have a similar effect. Place a shower bomb on the floor of the shower and let the water run over it. The oils will be released into the air and provide an invigorating experience. The hot water can also relieve muscle tension and improve circulation, while the steam is great for congestion. Shower Bombs are inexpensive, easy to make, and very customizable for how you feel that day. I also love diffusing oils in the shower with my Oasis Shower Diffuser!
5. Indulge in a Sweet Treat
Self-care can include eating. It shouldn’t be viewed as a weakness or even “cheating.” A meal enjoyed with a special someone or an impromptu visit to the ice cream shop is self-care. While eating a well-balanced diet is essential to overall health and fitness, every now and again indulging in a sweet treat is necessary. Try a homemade cupcake with Lavender Vanilla Buttercream Frosting. It’s just enough to satisfy your sweet tooth. Plus, baking something can be relaxing and rewarding.
6. Sit Down with a Book and a Cup of Tea
Reading is another calming activity that counts as self-care. Intensify the effects with a cup of Lavender Chamomile Tea. This comforting bedtime tea recipe features a blend of soothing chamomile tea, honey, and lavender vitality essential oil. Chamomile tea promotes a sense of calm and relaxation and prepares your body for sleep. Lavender Vitality has a mild floral flavor and can be used to ease nervous tension. There is also something so comforting and restorative about a warm beverage.
7. Surround Yourself with Plants
Gardening has numerous health benefits. Indoor plants are not only beautiful to look at, but they can also improve mood and productivity. Indoor plants purify the air in your home by absorbing carbon dioxide and releasing oxygen. They also emit chemicals called phytoncides into the air which have been shown to lower cortisol levels. Taking care of a plant can be incredibly rewarding and boost self-esteem. Try making a Succulent Diffuser for Essential Oils, and make plant care self-care.
8. Take a Moment to Yourself
When the day is winding down, refill your diffuser with one of these Diffuser Recipes for Relaxing. Then take a seat on the couch in front of your favorite show and sink into a moment of peace. These diffuser recipes focus on a few main essential oils attributes to allow you to genuinely experience a state of calm. See all of our Diffuser Recipes here.
Best Essential Oils to Promote Self-care
- Ylang Ylang – filters out negative energy
- Orange – uplifting
- Lavender – heightens relaxation
- Stress Away – renews the spirit
- Rosemary – eases anxiety
- Peppermint – improves concentration
- Basil – fights mental fatigue
- Helichrysum – clarifying and grounding
Ditch the Excuses
Don’t make excuses for not practicing self-care. Here a few of the excuses I’ve found myself saying:
- It’s too expensive – sure, a spa day will set you back, but DIY beauty treatments are super affordable. You can give yourself a mani-pedi at home for a few dollars.
- I don’t have time – if you can’t find the time, make the time. Get up 30 minutes earlier, use your lunch break, or stay up a little later at night practicing self-care.
- I’m not good at being alone – you can integrate others into self-care activities. Go for a walk with a friend or take them to coffee. You don’t have to go it alone!
- I have kids – I use this excuse a lot. Sure, my kids are little and need more from me, but taking care of myself and working to reduce my stress level makes me a better mom.
More Essential Oil Recipes for Self-Care:
- DIY Massage Oil Recipe
- Peppermint Foot Scrub
- Essential Oils for Fitness
- Roller Blends for Emotional Balance
John Bierman says
Hi Diana. I found your article on “8 Ways To Practice Self-Care Essential Oils” very interesting. Your concept of “me time” I enjoyed. Try to do something special each day. Thank you Diana for your ideas. I plan on adding these in my life. Thanks
Joshua says
Thanks Diana. I am already feeling so relaxed after reading this article. Yes its true that adding essential oils for self care gives great results. They not only work on our body from outsides but also cures us from within and some even help in clearing mind clutter.