5 Tips to Distress

As much fun as it is to see the family and to over-indulge during the holiday season, it is also nice to get back to the routine. But first, let's de-stress, a little me time is in order before we tackle our bloated stomachs and finances ...

Tip # 1. Morning Walk

Try to get up early, before anyone gets up and head outside for a walk. Make it a time for just you and the day. With the crisp, morning air, it can help to set the tone for day, clear the mind and cheer you up.

Tip # 2. Create calming aroma scene

Yes, I love essential oils. They don't get enough credit. Make sure you purchase essentials oils from a reputable supplier. Here are a few recipes for you to consider:

Combine:

• 3 drops Mandarin Essential Oil
• 1 drop Rose Otto Essential Oil
• 1 drop Lavender Essential Oil

Combine:

• 10 drops Chamomile Essential Oil
• 5 drops Lavender Essential Oil

Spray: You can add this to Sweet Almond Oil or any other carrier oil (not cooking oil) and put in a dark spray bottle and spray around the home. This blend should be good for about 2-4 weeks. Store in a dark, cool place.

Bath: Same rule, you will need a carrier oil or the essential oils will stay at the top and not mix with your bath water.

Tip # 3. Clean the House

Sometimes clutter stresses us out. Do yourself a favour and hire a cleaning person to help you out and by mid-day, your home will be clean and orderly. Seriously, if your home is in order, it feels like your life is in order. Once completed, spray the home with Pure 100% Lavender Hydrosol, sit and enjoy.

Tip # 4. Leave the House

Don't feel like cleaning, feeling cranky, walking around with a frown on your forehead? Then leave the house, call up friends, your mom or with who ever you can just spend a few hours wasting the afternoon. Relax, enjoy and go to a mall, lunch, get a pedicure, take a yoga class or hit the gym. My favourite is to drive up to Mont Saint Sauveur and enjoy an outdoor activity.

Tip # 5. Try a Diffuser

There are many methods to diffuse essential oils into a room. Of course, the essential oil blend is the most fun to create as the natural aroma that fills the home is wonderful. If you don't know where to purchase a diffuser start with your local natural food store.

One more tip, try a spa couple day with your loved one, it is not just loads of fun but it will change your routine and spend quality time with a loved one! All factors that help to put a positive attitude.

Brown Sugar Recipes

Make these wonderful body scrubs at your spa location.

SIMPLE BROWN SUGAR BODY SCRUB
Ingredients:

• 2/3 cup light brown sugar, packed
• 1/2 cup almond oil (carrier oil)
• 5-10 drops essential oil (lavender and grapefruit or Geranium for a nice glow)

Combine the almond oil and essential oil in a bowl. Add the sugar and mix thoroughly. Store in a dark, glass jar and leave in a cool location.  Excellent for legs and feet.

EXFOLIANT BODY SCRUB
This is an incredibly effective scrub that will leave the skin feeling wonderfully smooth. Once you’ve rinsed it off, you will still feel a little oily, but that will quickly disappear as the oil will be quickly absorbed into your skin.

• ¼ cup(60ml) sugar
• ¼ cup(60ml) jojoba oil 
• 3-4 drops of your favorite essential oil
• 2 tablespoon (30ml) mild soap-based shampoo

Carrier Oils
You can use different kinds of carrier oils such as those listed-below and you can use a blend of these for increased therapeutic benefits.

• Jojoba oil, safflower oil, apricot kernel oil, grapeseed oil and olive oil (not the cooking oil). 

Dry Skin

• Avocado oil is very soothing and moisturizing.