The weight of the world can feel pretty heavy these days in its various historic manifestations. Where can we find some moments of magic to restore our sense of hope and wellness when the straws of stress continue to pile on our backs, and how do we prevent that last straw from breaking us? It is reassuring to remember that we can focus on five of the most essential elements of our human condition to alleviate stress: breath, nourishment, movement, cleansing, and sleep. Merriam-Webster defines stress as “constraining force or influence”. A key to melting stress is finding a way to ease out of those constraints, and few things enhance the process like botanicals. Experience the restorative benefits of essentials oils mentally, emotionally, and physically, as they share their age-old intelligence with us. Be transported to a protective sanctuary in nature anytime they are near.
Breathe
Put a few drops of lung-opening essential oils in the palms of your hands, rub together, and cup them a few inches in front of your nose. Inhale through your nose and exhale through your mouth. We love Eucalyptus, Peppermint, Spearmint, Lemon, Ginger, Rosemary, and Lavender (on their own or blended together). Enjoy the added benefit of cleaning the air around you when you diffuse them.
Nourish
Incorporate citrus zest into your summer salads and smoothies to gain benefits from the limonene-rich essential oils in their peels (like Orange, Lemon, Grapefruit, and Lime). Limonene has been the subject of studies for its health benefits on the immune system and in disease prevention. For a sweet treat, zest your favorite citrus peels into a jar of local honey to boost your immune system while treating your taste buds!
Move
Essential oils are multifunctional allies before and after exercise. For intentional movement practices like yoga, place essential oils on your wrists so you can smell them and support whatever you're working on (like Rose to encourage being more expansive or Vetiver to be more grounded). For sore muscles post-movement, treat them to a blend of soothing Lavender & icy/hot Peppermint. Rub Tension Meltaway on areas of tension for refreshing relief.
Cleanse
Create a spa-like experience in your shower or bath by incorporating the immune-boosting benefits of essential oils along with their mood-enhancing aromas. Invigorate with forest essential oils. Apply a dropper full of Forest Sanctuary Rejuvenating Body Oil to your chest and be transported into nature as the warm water carries the aroma through the steam of the shower or bathtub lagoon. For a relaxing bath, add a few drops of Everlush Head-to-Toe Anointing Oil and be transported back in time through sacred aromas of Rose, Sandalwood, Frankincense, and Myrrh.
Sleep
Few things restore us like truly restful sleep. Being able to completely let go and surrender ourselves into deep sleep allows us to rejuvenate physically, mentally, and emotionally. Our liver recharges as we sleep, contributing to enhanced health, along with glowing skin. We also untangle mental and emotional disturbances through our dreamwork. Lavender, Jasmine, and Rose are a few dreamweavers to accompany us into luscious sleep.
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