by Annie Sandigo, MT-BC

Self care. We hear it all the time. “Make sure you’re taking time for self care!” It’s true, we do need to make sure we’re taking care of our selves, and avoiding burnout, but sometimes finding the right kind of self care approach can be difficult. 

Treat yo’self. Bubble baths. Spa days. Shopping sprees. Binge watching Netflix. 

I mean, there’s nothing wrong with watching a new TV show or treating yourself to something, but bubble baths might not be your cup of tea. Or maybe spending money on unnecessary items adds more stress to your life. 

There are so many different ways that you can de-stress, depending on your personality – prayer, meditation, stretching, yoga, exercising, journaling, etc. 

A self care approach that I have been implementing not only for relaxation and reducing stress, but for overall health and wellness has been the use of essential oils! 

*Disclaimer!* Make sure you know where your essential oils come from, and that they are 100% pure therapeutic grade oils, not chemical laden fragrances. 

There are lots of ways to use essential oils – in a diffuser, topically on the skin, internally in capsule form, and even in DIY projects!

The most common way to use essential oils is in a diffuser, which works great to inhale directly and make a room smell great! This method would be great for an office space or even on your desk! 

You can also make blends of oils in a roller bottle, top off with some coconut oil, and then roll it directly on your skin! 

Essential oils can be used throughout the day for various needs. For example, if you’re feeling like you need that afternoon cup of coffee, but would rather avoid it, you can try using some uplifting and invigorating oils like peppermint and orange in the diffuser or even in a roller bottle! This is a great blend to help get energized at the start of the day. 

If the work day is stressful and starting to impact productivity, try applying some relaxing and grounding oils, such as lavender, stress away, peace and calming, and frankincense. Apply with a carrier oil to your neck and shoulders. 

Woke up on the wrong side of the bed this morning? For emotional support and elevated mood, try joy and bergamot to uplift your spirits! 

Sore muscles from sitting or craning your neck at the computer screen? Peppermint or panaway can help soothe and relax those muscles. Give yourself a nice little massage with the oils. Remember – always apply with a carrier oil (coconut, jojoba, sweet almond, or olive) when putting oils directly on your skin! 

At the end of a long day, especially if you’re feeling fatigued or have sore muscles, a great way to incorporate oils is to take an epsom salt bath and add some lavender essential oil! The lavender oil provides a relaxing and calming aroma, which pairs nicely with an epsom salt soak!

Having trouble sleeping at night or insomnia keeping you awake? Lavender and cedarwood is an amazing combination of oils to help with sleep! Put a few drops in your diffuser, place it next to your bed, and you’ll be sleeping like a baby in no time!

Be intentional with your self care, and remember to take time for yourself!

*Many essential oils listed in this post are specific blends from Young Living Essential Oils*