Using essential oils as a natural part of our daily routine is something simple to incorporate into an uplifting, self-care strategy for the New Year. If we don’t take care of ourselves, then we’re never at our best for others: self-care is therefore essential and the start of the New Year is a great time to reset our daily routine and recharge our batteries.
Essential oils are versatile & adaptable for the everyday
Essential oils have many valuable applications when it comes to their health benefits and are so adaptable that they fit seamlessly into all sorts of our everyday activities throughout the day. With our fast-pace modern lifestyle, running on empty has become commonplace, so it is not surprising that any tips to help reduce our stress levels is becoming a popular mainstream obsession! Aromatherapy is a timeless favourite in this respect, as it offers both physiological and psychological support, especially when it is enjoyed alongside other lifestyle choices, such as following a healthy diet, getting enough exercise and having restful sleep. Avoiding screens for at least an hour before retiring and generally having a balanced approach to social media, is another important unwind strategy for reducing overload in the evening. Writing down thoughts and feelings in a journal, as well as dreams, can also help us to gain greater clarity on our future goals, and how to resolve any ongoing problems. This New Year, why not focus on achievable resolutions that fit the vision you have for your life going forward, where self-care plays a central role?
A simple self-care guide to incorporating essential oils into your daily routine
Self-care is about finding activities that resonate with us personally and nourish our mind, body and spirit. This is something individual and unique to each of us, and it also means being flexible as what we need at any given moment, since what enhances our well-being can change over time. Our skin-care routine, for example, not only needs to be adjusted as we grow older but may also need to be adapted on a day-by-day basis, to the time of year or to a change of climate. Natural aromatics are perfect for taking on holiday too, as they are so compact, easy-to-use and versatile. Walking in a natural environment through a forest, a park, by the sea or along a canal has also been shown to provide a positive therapeutic boost and reduce stress levels, even over a short lunchtime break. Ideally whilst walking, it is good to slow down and pay attention to all the senses along with the immediate surroundings in a mindful manner, to gain maximum benefit. Here are some guidelines to nurture our sense of well-being throughout the day, using natural aromatics as part of our self-care rituals. These ideas and suggestions are based on my own daily routines which are now second-nature to both myself and family, and which are super simple to adopt.
1. Meditation
Set a mindful tone for the day with a short morning meditation session. I like to light a stick of incense or use an essential oil such as Frankincense or our Sacred Space blend for its enhancing ritual effect. It is also useful to practice deep breathing techniques to calm the mind and reduce anxiety.
2. Showering
Use refreshing citrus essential oils such as Grapefruit, Lime, or Lemon to provide a zesty start to the day by adding a few drops of these to the shower tray to create an aromatic lift. In addition, add a few drops of an essential oils such as Fennel Seed oil to your loofa for dry skin brushing to help eliminate toxins and promote weight loss.
3. Skincare
Adopt a morning skin-care routine using only pure ingredients, using alcohol-free flower waters suited to your skin type as a toner/cleaner, such as Fragonia (my personal favourite!) for oily skin, Geranium for combination skin, or Rosewater for dry/mature skin and to provide an uplifting boost for the day ahead. Aromatic facial serums incorporating carrier oils such as Jojoba oil, Carrot oil and Borage oil, which have excellent anti-aging properties, can be combined with essential oils to make personalised bespoke blends – see my Blending Notebook for a range of unique formulae.
4. Mood Setting
Whether at home or in the workplace, invest in an aromatic diffuser to set the mood. For study, oils such as Basil or Rosemary can enhance your capacity to focus; use oils such as Vetiver or Bergamot to create a soothing atmosphere; while Lemongrass or Bergamot are stimulating and refreshing; while to prevent the spread of airborne germs in the workplace, Eucalyptus or Tea tree are invaluable. I’ve also formulated our range of diffusion blends such as Brighten, Serenity and Clear Head to provide specific benefits throughout the day.
5. Natural Perfumes
More and more people are becoming allergic to synthetic scents: instead, opt for a natural perfume such as our ready-to-wear 5% floral oils, such as Rose, Jasmine or Neroli. These can be popped into your handbag for use throughout the day or when the weather is warm, use the equivalent floral waters for a light fragrance and to instantly hydrate the skin.
6. Yoga & Exercise
Incorporate gentle yoga stretches into your day to improve flexibility, posture and longevity. It is good to move at least every hour especially if you’re sitting in front of a screen much of the day! If possible, dedicate a period of your day to a yoga, exercise or gym session, using body oils to enhance your performance, such as Exercise Aid, Natural Detox or Aches & Pains.
7. Creativity & Essential Oils
Dedicate time each day to enjoying a creative activity in nature, such as gardening, sketching or painting. The New Year is also the perfect time to try a new skill, like learning how to use natural aromatics at home using my easy-to -follow four-part video series ‘An Introduction to Home Aromatherapy’ or by creating yummy recipes from my book ‘Mud, Salt + Medicine’.
8. Aromatic Bathing
Treat yourself to a relaxing bath with soothing essential oils such as Vertiver, Chamomile or Lavender. Adding a handful of bath salts, such as our Epsom Crystals or Dead Sea Salts to the water enhances their soothing effect and helps ease any muscular tension or pain, plus encourages restful sleep.
9. Body Care
Create a spa-like atmosphere at home by ensuring your bathroom has a fresh, inviting appeal, with plenty of soft towels, green plants and warm lighting. Our gorgeous aromatherapy soaps are bathroom essentials and immediately after bathing and while the skin is still damp, apply one of our deliciously scented body oils, like our best-selling Tranquility, Unwind and After Dark or choose our nourishing ‘multi-blend’ Feed-Your-Skin, which is fragrance-free. Don’t forget to apply a conditioning treatment to your hair too, such as our organic argan oil, to nourish the scalp and impart shine.
10. Bedtime
Wind down with a soothing bedtime routine, avoiding screens and use oils such as Lavender oil or Deep Sleep in a diffuser to aid relaxation. Positive affirmations can help boost self-esteem and remembering three things you’re grateful for that day, can help cultivate a peaceful mindset before falling asleep.