3 Step Bedtime Routine for Beauty and Bliss
I fell in love with essential oils nearly a decade ago, and using them since has made a big difference in my health, and life. They’re an inexpensive, convenient way to nourish your body; from supporting detoxification, to soothing an over-stimulated nervous system, to clearing your mind, I share essential oils because they work.
Having been on the go a lot these past several months, I came up with a 3-part bedtime routine to keep my skin and body from telling the difference that I wanted to share with you.
Step 1: Prepare a calming elixir.
I’ve recently brought magnesium back into my life, and it’s helped me sleep more soundly, and fully relax my muscles. (just ask my FitBit!) I rotate my supplements for maximum effectiveness, so I alternate between a high quality magnesium capsule with a glass of Natural Calm an hour before bed. In the winter I mix Natural Calm with warm water, but otherwise room temperature works.
Step 2: Fire up the diffuser.
I really like this small, cute diffuser by Mind-N-Scent. It’ll fit in your suitcase, but can also go unnoticed in your office.
Here’s an essential oil blend to help you wind down in the evening that’ll stimulate serotonin and melatonin. You need both to effectively shut down and rest.
Add water to the diffuser along with this blend of oils.
1 to 2 drops of Sandalwood (both grounding and uplifting for the nervous system)
1 to 2 drops of Ylang Ylang (calming to the spirit, and mood enhancing)
1 to 2 drops of Lavender (the ultimate in relaxation)
Note, one bottle of essential oil can last you for months, in some cases up to a year. A little goes a long way.
Step 3: Do a quick soak.
Ionic foot soaks and hot baths are touted for maximizing detoxification, but it can be hard to carve out enough time for either.
I learned this trick from a Bulgarian alchemist, but it’s also used in traditional chinese medicine. Because six meridians, the liver, gall bladder, kidney, spleen and stomach, reach the feet, a quick soak in hot water will warm your entire body, increasing blood flow upwards towards your heart and relieving stress.
The best part is, it can take as little as 2 minutes. Run enough hot water to cover your feet, as high as your ankles, and give your feet a quick soak. Add a few drops of lavender oil to the soles of your feet and then head straight to bed.
After a week of this new habit, you’ll notice the difference in your complexion, (many people see diminished dark circles) and you’ll feel more rested upon waking.
Of course, if you have time a full body soak is the best.
Now you go, what makes your bedtime blissful?
