I’m sure most of you are familiar with the expression, “treat yourself!” It’s a phrase I often use internally to banish feelings of guilt from my consciousness when I buy myself a gift or simply treat myself to a luxurious “bath and glass of wine evening” for no reason at all. We think of these things as a “treat,” but I’m a big believer in radical self-care. It’s usually the ‘cure’ for pretty much everything I think about and I believe we need to integrate it as much as possible. When I focus my energy inward and nourish myself on a deep level, my external life seems to fall into place more easily. Life is ever-changing and ever-flowing, it’s a beautiful and chaotic swirl, so indulge with these self-care suggestions.
Bath time
My favorite way to take care of myself is to take a bath. Not just any bath, but one of luxury. If baths sound boring to you, there are several ways to take them to another level. Accompanying your bath with a book, a glass of wine or whiskey, a podcast, music or a loved one are great ways to up the ante. My ideal bath would be alone in a meditative state with my favorite radio program in the background. It’s a time for me to shut off my active mind and really relax.
On nights when I’m not really in the mood for a buzz, but still need help calming my nervous system, I turn to Serious Relaxer. I love putting a dose in a cup of tea and it always puts me in a state of zen. Not only does it calm my nervous system and my mind, but it also helps relax the muscle tension I’ve built up throughout the day. Combining this enhanced tea with bath salts with added magnesium is a magical combination – and the salt doesn’t have to be expensive. I buy a bulk Epsom salt and add my favorite essential bath oil (Clary Sage) and a cut sprig of rosemary from my herb garden. The hot water helps release the volatile oils from the Rosemary, creating an aromatic sensation.
Creativity
Finding ways to release creative energy is so good for our minds for endless reasons. It helps us turn emotion into something physical so we can let it go. Being creative also helps our brains focus on one thing at a time and helps us live in the moment. Living in the moment equals peace. Life is fleeting, we might as well make art while we’re here!
Now I realize that we are not all born artists. For example, I can’t draw for anything, but I have discovered that writing and painting are good outlets for me. Keep in mind that you don’t have to show anyone what you’re making. It can only be for you. Creativity is expressed in many ways: singing, dancing, visualization/meditation, building, gardening. I believe that everyone can find their unique creative expression. If you haven’t found yours yet, try different outlets until something sticks. You might surprise yourself! Getting creative on a regular basis is a wonderful way to demonstrate self-care and supports emotional and mental health. If you need something to get your creative juices flowing, our Genius Juice formula supports mental focus, and diffusing Rosemary essential oils in an oil diffuser in your creative space can bring back memories of the past that can provide inspiration.
Define borders
Setting boundaries is a courageous and respectable practice that can bring you deep inner peace. To give an example, if there is someone in your life who always expects you to listen, support, and come to you with his or her problems, without considering your feelings, and does not give you the same offers support, then you can express this. or let them know you need space to focus on yourself. It may be hard to do in the moment, but the relief and empowerment that comes with setting a boundary is worth it. A quote I often repeat to myself is, “Choose discomfort over resentment.” Setting emotional or physical boundaries with people or situations in your life that are draining you is a good example of this. Setting boundaries has always been difficult for me, but as I turn to plants to help me with everything in my life, I have found plant-based resources that help me. Flower remedies, a form of homeopathic medicine, are very supportive in changing us emotionally and energetically. Emotional Ally: A Big Herbal Hug formula is also a great supporter. It helps to comfort and ground in difficult emotional situations and supports the strength of the heart.
So, treat yourself! You deserve to relax, create and protect your peace.
Rebecca Younger strives to spark interest in herbs within her community through education and by integrating herbs into everyday life in exciting and innovative ways. She studied herbal medicine at Herbalism Roots in Denver. She is a Customer Journey Representative at WishGarden Herbs.
For educational purposes only. This information has not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease, or to sell any product.
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