3-Step Self Care Ritual For Relaxation 

You are stressed. Overwhelmed. Tired. Your to-do list is a mile long and your house is a mess. Project deadlines are looming. Kids or family members are begging for your attention. You haven't enjoyed a moment of alone time in days and you are starting to feel like you're at your wits end.

Sound familiar?

A mark of modern-day living is busy-ness. We are all busy. We all have lots of things to do. On top of that, we have families to care for, expected and unexpected responsibilities and of course, the trials and heartbreaks that are a part of being alive. How can we cope better? 

The answer is not always better time management or shortening your to-do list (these may be helpful, but are not always possible). There is one little thing that, when things get tough, tends to always be forgotten. That little something is SELF CARE.

Wait! Don't roll your eyes or click out of the article just yet. If you have the inclination to do so, then I guarantee you need this more than anyone else! 

Ask yourself the following and answer honestly:

• When was the last time you did something JUST for yourself (besides eating and sleeping)?
• When was the last time you sat outside and just relaxed?
• When was the last time you took yourself out on a date?
• When was the last time you bought something nice for yourself?
• When was the last time you looked in the mirror and smiled, happy to be who you are?
• When was the last time you took an evening to focus on self care?

If it took you a long time to think of answers or if you weren't able to answer many of them positively, I've got just the thing for you! 

Benefits Of Self-Care/Alone Time 

The truth is, when you neglect self-care, you cannot GIVE as much as you could if you were taking care of your needs. Self-care isn't selfish. It's a part of living a balanced, healthy and thriving life.

Taking time to breathe and focus inward makes you more productive. Slowing down for even a short amount of time so that you can breathe, relax, calm your body and mind and soothe your soul actually helps you to be more productive when you are going throughout your day. Why? You have better mental clarity, your immune system is stronger and you just feel better. 

Self-care improves your immune system strength. Mindfulness, reducing stress, calming the nervous system, increasing levels of dopamine (happy hormones), eating intentionally and loving on yourself activates the parasympathetic nervous system (PNS). When your body is in this state, it can focus on healing, digestion and improving your immune system health. When you are less stressed and more balanced, you are less likely to get sick. 

Self-care increases your capacity to give. A lot of people think that self-care is selfish. These same people tend to hold other people as more important/valuable than themselves. When you start to give yourself the same love and respect you give other people, your life will change. Not only will you be happier and feel more fulfilled, but you will have MORE energy and love to give than ever before. 

3 Step Self-Care Ritual To Reduce Inflammation And Stress And Promote Relaxation 

Here is an affordable, simple way to show yourself some love and put your body in a parasympathetic state. 

#1. Avocado Mask 

Pamper your face and soothe, smooth and hydrate your skin with this honey avocado face mask. 

Ingredients:

• 1/2 avocado
• 1/4 cup uncooked oatmeal
• 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tsp lemon juice

 Instructions

1. Mash all ingredients and apply gently to face. Leave on your skin during your lavender + Epsom bath (about 20-30 minutes) and then rinse off with warm water.
2. Follow with your favorite moisturizer. 

#2. Lavender + Epsom Salt Bath

Fill a hot bath and add 1-3 cups of Epsom salts and 4 drops of lavender essential oil. Soaking in warm water naturally relaxes your body, soothes muscles and can help calm your mind.

Epsom salts contain two health-boosting compounds: magnesium and sulfate. Magnesium regulates enzymes in the body and is needed by every organ in the body to function properly. It also promotes relaxation and healthy sleep. The sulfates in Epsom salts encourage the absorption of nutrients and the release of toxins. 

Lavender essential oil has been found to relieve anxiety, improve sleep and boost overall mood. 

#3. Sip Organifi Gold 

Organifi Gold is an organic, high quality dried superfood powder that you mix with hot water and sip like a latte. It contains 9 different ingredients specifically chosen for their ability to help soothe the mind and body, including turmeric, lemon balm, Reishi mushrooms and cinnamon. 

You can find Organifi Gold here. 

Conclusion 

I challenge you to really focus on self-care this week. I promise if you do, your overwhelm will decrease and your capacity to handle life's curve balls will increase. Take care of your body and it will take care of you. 

Remember, we're in this together.