Welcome to the new normal. As we all navigate down this unprecedented path, we are finding many things are changing. Spending more time in your home can be difficult and different. Fortunately, we can use that time to be productive, have fun, and practice self care. 

There are many activities you can do to keep busy, but have you thought about utilizing your Essential Oil collection to enhance those things? Essential Oils can be a wonderful addition to most things that you do because they add in a whole other sense to your experience. Unless, we are cooking, burning a candle, or maybe gardening, our sense of smell is not always a central part of what we are doing. But adding scent into sight, sound, and touch can be an incredible way to boost your actions. Here are some positive ideas to keep you occupied that are even better with Aromatherapy.

Okay, so it is Spring, and we all eventually tackle a little cleaning this time of year. Organizing closets, going through drawers, moving furniture, or deep cleaning your bathroom… we now have some extra time to take on these projects. It is a perfect opportunity for a fresh start, and using Essential Oils while you are cleaning is a fresh idea. Your home will smell amazing and you will avoid using toxic cleaners. First up, clean those windows.

DIY Glass/Window Cleaner

8 oz Glass Spray Bottle
½ Cup White Vinegar
½ Cup Vodka or Everclear
1 Cup Distilled Water
8 Drops Lemon Essential Oil
4 Drops Lavender Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients into bottle and shake well. Spray generously and wipe away with a towel.

You definitely deserve a little pampering, and we know taking a trip to your favorite spa is not an option right now, so… create one at home! Believe it or not, many of those relaxing treatments can be done on your own. Some indulgent ideas might be as simple as cutting some cucumbers to place over your eyes while you lay on the couch and run the super calming Zen Essential Oil Blend in your Halo Diffuser. Or trading hand massages with your significant other using an unscented lotion mixed with a few drops of Connection Essential Oil Blend. Here is a simple recipe for a home foot soak that is perfect for the end of a long hard day.

Peppy Feet Scrub & Soak

Bathtub or Large Sturdy Plastic Tub
Warm Water
Glass Container
1 Cup Granulated Sugar
⅓-½ Cup Carrier Oil (like Grapeseed Oil)
5 Drops Peppermint Essential Oil
5 Drops Rosemary Essential Oil
Or 10 Drops REVIVE Alleviate Essential Oil Blend

Add Essential Oils to carrier oil in glass container and mix well, stir in sugar until wet throughout. Run about 1 foot deep of warm water in bathtub or add to plastic tub. To use: soak feet in tub to dampen and soften, pull feet out one at a time and massage scrub all over surface of skin (paying extra attention to rough areas). Soak feet again as long as desired to feel soothed and refreshed. 

Having the whole family at home all the time, you are probably racking your brain trying to keep everyone occupied and do something different. Game nights can be fun for parents and kids alike, plus they encourage your brain to stay active as well. Whether you are playing Uno, Monopoly, or even Go Fish, you could always up the focus in the room by using some Brain Time Essential Oil Blend. This kidsafe synergy can promote concentration while everyone is trying to win the game. If you are looking for a new game to play and a fun way to use your oils, put your nose to the test with “Guess That Oil.”

Guess That Oil Game

6-12 Small Empty Bottles (recycled is fine)
Cotton Balls or Tissue Paper
6-12 Different Essential Oils
Stickers or Markers to Number the Bottles
Paper and Pens/Pencils

Someone needs to set the game up so they can’t play because they would know the answers. 

1. Use stickers or markers to number all the bottles.
2. Place cotton balls/tissue in each bottle and add 2-3 drops of each oil in all the different bottles. Keep a reference sheet in case you forget. 
3. Give every player a paper and pen then set out oils in order.
4. Every player smells each scent and writes down their answer
5. The person in charge can give hints by saying what some of the therapeutic benefits are.
6. The person with the most answers correct, wins!

We are all feeling extra stressed, worried, and worn out right now. It can be trying for our minds and bodies. That is why it is really important to remember self care, but also find ways to boost your well-being and feed your soul. As a society, we often get those reassurances from our friends and families. A warm embrace or gentle touch from a loved one may not be an option right now, so we need to turn inside and nurture ourselves in other ways. Meditation and self reflection can be incredibly beneficial for working through thoughts and emotions and even opening up to new ideas. Adding Aromatherapy to this special quiet time can aid in a higher level of connection and promote mindfulness.

DIY Meditation Spray

1 oz Spray Bottle
¼ oz High Proof Alcohol
¾ Cup Water
3 Drops Frankincense Essential Oil
3 Drops Atlas Cedarwood Essential Oil
6 Drops Orange Essential Oil

Pour alcohol into bottle, add Essential Oils and swirl to mix then fill to top with water. Shake gently and mist over crown before you meditate to help ground you and open your mind.

We all know how important exercise is for our health and wellness, but it can be extremely beneficial at this time when you are not active at all outside of the home. The added steps we take when we are running errands or walking around our workplace are not happening anymore. We need to make adjustments to assure we are still getting physical. If you have a home gym, this could be an easy task, but might not be as simple for others. Sit ups on the living room floor or watching a workout video can be good ideas. Another great option is yoga as it is wonderful for connecting the body and mind. The physical poses are amazing for challenging and stretching your figure while it simultaneously reduces tension and encourages spiritual balance. 

If you are having a hard time getting motivated to get physical while sheltering at home, you could always use Essential Oils to give you a boost. The blend below was created based on two different studies done that showed these oils, especially when used together can reduce fatigue and improve exercise performance.

Let’s Get Physical Diffuser Blend

100 ml Water in your Oasis Diffuser
1 Drop Peppermint or Spearmint Essential Oil
2 Drops Sweet Orange Essential Oil
2 Drops Lemon Essential Oil

Mix all ingredients in diffuser and run for 15 minutes to encourage energy and physical motivation.