Loving Yourself is Not Selfish! – Health and Wellness Nashville

Our regular writer Sheila McGinnis, suggests some ways to treat yourself and sample the delights of Essential oils.

We’re always giving to others and that’s great! We hear often “it’s better to give than to receive,” and that’s a true statement, but how do we “treat others as we would treat ourselves” if we don’t treat ourselves? Below are some ways you can LOVE yourself, as well as sharing these ways with your loved ones.

Take a long soak in a warm tub with Epsom salt and 5 drops of lavender, candles, relaxing music playing in the background, add a “Do Not Disturb” sign on your door.

Don’t have a tub? Then try a foot soak. Make a batch of herbal foot soak for yourself and extra to share with your loved ones. Here is a simple and beautiful recipe: 2 cups of Epsom salt, 6 drops of lavender essential oil, 5 drops of peppermint essential oil, 2 drops of eucalyptus essential oil, add 1 teaspoon of dried mint and 1 teaspoon of dried calendula petals. Mix together and put into a pretty jar.

Add about half a cup of mix into a tub or pan that fit your feet, and add warm water (go ahead and make a cup of herbal tea or a glass of wine while you’re relaxing).

Lotion bars are a great way to moisturize our body, but these can get expensive! Here’s a recipe you can make at home. You will need these ingredients: 1/3 cup of Coconut oil (buy organic..you’re worth it), 1/3 cup of cocoa butter or shea butter, 1/3 cup of beeswax and 10 drops of your favorite essential oil (optional).

Fill a pan with enough water to go half-way up a mason jar or another glass type container. Bring water to a gentle boil. Add the ingredients (minus the essential oil) and stir until completely melted.

Once its melted remove from heat and stir in your essential oil (this is where you can get creative if you like by adding dried herbs or petals to make a pretty bar-but honestly I just prefer the lotions bar without it). Pour into molds if you have, but if not just use what I do-silicone muffin cups. Allow to dry and rub on elbows, hands, feet, or anywhere you need to moisturize.

Go on a guided hike or tour a local museum. Tennessee has so many options.

Rent a movie. Diffuse some “love” in the air by adding 5 drops of Ylang-ylang essential oil, 3 drops of Patchouli, and 3 drops of Wild Orange, put on something comfy, and by all means TURN THE PHONE OFF!

Go get a massage!!!!!

Still having a hard time loving yourself? May I suggest hiring a coach or go to a counselor who can lead you to “finding why you deserve to be loved.”

These are just a handful of ideas. You truly are worth caring and loving on yourself and when you do you’ll feel rejuvenated and cared for so that you are able to continue to love on others.