March is such a long month. Then, if you live in a daylight savings time zone like I do, we even lost an entire hour of sleep this month! Let me tell you, an hour of sleep is crucial these days. I feel like I am running in 10 different directions and going nowhere fast. Between work, kids, after-school activities, taking care of the lawn (it somehow came out of hibernation and I have ankle length grass clumps poking up everywhere.) Honestly, I didn't even notice the yard until I noticed all the other neighbors outside mowing today. I have a hunch it's been going on for a few weeks, too. Well, I guess that just makes me a prograsstinator! Okay, bad pun, but March is still really long and hectic!
Since I didn't have gas for the mower on-hand, I decided to put mowing off one more day. I then decided I needed some "me" time. Sometimes, I get so busy taking care of everyone and everything else, I forget to slow down and enjoy something I like to do. Today, with the kids spending the night with friends, it's a Home Spa Day!
I guess I have been noticing the dark circles under my eyes and my skin has been a little dry. Chapstick became my new lipstick this month for sure. I decided my Home Spa Day would begin with an aromatherapy facial steam. After a little research, I discovered that oily skin needs lemon oil, tea tree oil, lemongrass oil and/or orange oil. Normal skin works best with lavender or chamomile essential oil. For dry skin, try jasmine, rose or sandalwood. If you have sensitive skin, however, go for neroli oil or vetiver oil. Once you have chosen your oil, prepare the most comfortable room you have. While you are at it, light a couple of essential oil candles (I recently bought Aromatherapy Stress Relief - Eucalyptus and Spearmint with natural Essential Oils at Bath & Body Works.) I decided to light the Eucalyptus and Spearmint candle with the essential oils and right away, it was fabulous!
Next, I dimmed the lights and put on soft, relaxing music and got a glass of iced water with 3 drops of ZAQ's Lemon Organic Essential Oil and added a fresh slice of lemon on the side. I heated some water in my tea kettle and poured it into a nice, round bowl with a few added drops of ZAQ's Sandalwood (Indian) Essential Oil. (Don't get the water too hot - you don't want steam burns on your face!) I sat down in my favorite, comfy chair, set the steamy bowl of water with added oil on the table, grabbed a towel to put over the back of my head and bent over the bowl to breathe in the amazing smell of sandalwood oil and enjoy the warmth of the steam and soft music. I closed my eyes, and finally, relaxed. I did this for several minutes of uninterrupted bliss.
An aromatherapy facial steam is so beneficial. Not only does it relieve stress, it will promote deep restful sleep, boost the immune system, increase blood circulation, removes toxins, improve breathing and gives a healthy glow. I could see the glow immediately after finishing. I hadn't felt that good in a long time.
I would encourage you to try a therapeutic steam sauna as soon as you are able to do so. It made my Saturday such a pleasant experience. For the rest of the day, I felt happy and relaxed. In fact, I didn't worry about mowing the lawn all day.
Kris Bitar
