8 Must Haves For Your Self-Care Routine

With an ever-growing to-do list and a jam-packed schedule, self-care can feel more like a rich indulgence rather than a necessity. Some of us may even feel guilty taking time to ourselves, especially if we're parents or caregivers.

But the truth is, while it's hard to prioritize yourself alongside other responsibilities, practicing self-care can work wonders in easing stress, coping with anxiety, and improving your physical and mental well being. And, it doesn't have to be extravagant or time-consuming!

So whether you prefer to take a hot bubble bath or upgrade your wind-down routine with aromatherapy, take a look at the following self-care ideas to recharge your body and mind. And, the best part is, all of them can be easily incorporated into your daily routine!

Here are eight simple ways to treat yourself by creating a full-fledged spa day at home:

1. Take a hot shower with a shower steamer. For the days where you don't have time to soak in a tub, taking a shower with a shower steamer can evoke similar effects. Whether you choose to use a citrus shower steamer for a quick pick-me-up or tap into your inner zen with soothing lavender, shower steamerscan help clear your mind are loaded with essential oils to infuse your senses and your space.
2. Light a candle in your wind-down routine. Not only can candles transform the atmosphere in a room, but they can also induce calm and help alleviate stress symptoms. Burning candles (with or without a bath) can positively influence your mental health and become a personal ritual committed to reflection and relaxation. Certain candles like this one are explicitly crafted with pure essential oils to elevate your experience with aromatherapy.
3. Use essential oils to improve your sleep hygiene. The quality of your sleep and your mental health are closely connected. Did you know that certain scents can help promote a good night's rest? If you have trouble getting to sleep or staying asleep throughout the night, consider placing a few drops of our Sweet Dreams essential oil on your pillow, or apply a roller to pressure points before bedtime. Not only does it slow down activity in your nervous system with calming orange, patchouli, cedarwood, and lavender, but it's also infused with bergamot for an uplift in the mood. It's the perfect way to unwind at the end of a long day.
4. Upgrade your skincare routine. A skincare regimen can be very calming and can lower your heart rate and stress levels. Skin-to-skin contact throughout the process of washing, toning, and applying your products naturally promotes blood flow and relaxation of facial muscles-where many of us often hold tension. Even the simplest of skincare routines can provide a sense of comfort and structure, allowing you to feel productive-even on the toughest of days.  For those seeking a more specialized approach, a visit to a medical aesthetics clinic can offer tailored treatments to address specific concerns and further enhance your self-care routine.
5. Take a moment to breathe.When we're stressed or anxious, our breathing patterns change. We start to breathe from the upper part of the body, like our shoulders and chest -which only increases stress and anxiety. Instead, try inhaling through your nose and breathing from your abdomen to elicit your body's relaxation response and ease any tension. To take your practice to the next level, consider utilizing our Breathe essential oil.This soothing blend of bergamot, vanilla, and geranium will infuse your senses and your space with feelings of calm and peace.
6. Reduce tension with a bath bomb.Research has shown that people who have a habit of bathing regularly get better sleep, experience lower levels of stress, and better quality health than those who don't. So fill your bathtub with water, drop a bath bomb, and enjoy the perks. By indulging in the delightful scents of essential oils and observing the bath bomb dissolve, you'll immerse yourself into a meditative state-and lower your blood pressure at the same time.
7. Enjoy a moisturizing aromatherapy experience.Treat your senses and your skin! When you’re finished showering or bathing, gently pat dry and mindfully moisturize your skin. Grab our whipped body butter that'll soften and replenish with shea butter, mango butter, and coconut oil. Allowing a few moments for the moisturizer to be absorbed gives your mind a chance to catch up and be present.
8. Exfoliate your skin with a body scrub. Body scrubs are like desserts for your skin. Not only do they smell like your favourite indulgent treat, but they're vital in taking care of your skin. Exfoliating relieves your skin of buildup and dead skin cells, making it feel smoother, look brighter, and healthier overall. The process in itself promotes a thoughtful experience, where you can slow down, pay attention to the sensations of exfoliation, and enjoy the moment.

What are you waiting for?

Taking care of yourself can make you feel good on the inside and the outside.By surrounding yourself with small, relaxing luxuries, you'll recreate a day at the spa in no time. Ultimately, your self-care practice will make you more resilient and feel ready to tackle any challenges head-on. Whether it's ten minutes or two hours, reclaim your time unapologetically to nourish your body, mind, and your soul.