Michele is creator of Eugenia Essentials where her goal is to help people experience a better quality of life through aromatherapy. She practices a green lifestyle and is passionate about sharing her knowledge with others. I got to know Michele at my previous job and she is a wonderful person and friend. I have tried Eugenia Essentials products first-hand and know how lovely they are! I didn’t want to be selfish and keep Eugenia Essentials a secret, so I asked Michele to guest blog about the importance of pampering yourself. I think many moms put themselves last but hopefully after reading Michele’s blog, you’ll understand why pampering is essential!
Women are on the go more than ever these days, and the merry-go-round demands of a job, family, running a home or business can easily overtake you and lead to stress and burn out. Unfortunately the economic times of today require many mothers to work or run a part time business. If one day you find yourself waking up and dreading the day ahead or resentful of the constant attention this that or the other thing wants of you, you may be on the road to burn out. How you respond to normal situations can be a huge clue if you are experiencing stress overload, particularly if you react with anger, agitation, or a lack of energy.
Some of the warning signs of stress overload are:
- Frequent colds
- Change in eating, sleeping and bowel habits
- Nausea
- Loss of interest in sex
- Racing heart
- Feelings of anxiety, anger, irritation, being overwhelmed
- Depression
- Moodiness
- Unhappiness
- Constant worry
- Loss of memory and concentration
This is just a short list!
Why do we need to manage stress? Because constant toxic stress on the body can lead to bigger problems like heart disease, autoimmune diseases, or alcoholism.
Fortunately there are many ways to ward off the effects of stress and one of them is to take time out to pamper yourself with aromatherapy! Yes I mean YOU! “But I don’t have time” is the complaint I hear all the time. Shush! I don’t want to hear that sorry excuse. Everybody has to wash and shower at some point, so schedule 30 minutes once a week in the evening after the kids are in bed or have your husband take over for you. Lock the bathroom door and give yourself permission to relax ladies! Come on! If you go down in a heap who’s going to be there for your family when they really need you?
So how can you make this pampering moment special for you?
Draw a nice bath and fill it with scented bath salts, a bath oil or bubble bath, or a few drops of an essential oil like lavender; light a couple of candles and put on some music. Use this time for reflection. Return to your center and meditate and relax in the warm water. Bath salts are wonderful for removing toxins and softening your skin. If you are not a bath person, you can enjoy a nice long shower with an exfoliating scrub and a bar of handmade soap. Handmade soap is worth the extra money and not to be confused with the stuff masquerading as soap on the grocery store shelf. Commercial soaps are really detergent bars, with all the naturally occurring glycerin removed and replaced with man-made chemicals. Believe me, you will notice the difference in your skin. After you could moisturize with your favorite lotion or a massage oil made with natural carrier oils and therapeutic grade essential oils. Even better have your husband give you a massage. You can return the favor and OOO-LA-LA! If you haven’t discovered the benefits of essential oils you owe it to yourself to explore these wonderful gifts from nature.
No massage? That’s okay, put on your comfiest bathrobe and curl up with a cup of tea and a good read.
If you take time out to pamper yourself just once a week, your body will thank you and so will your family because you’ll be renewed, relaxed and ready for what life throws your way.