Why is it that summer – a time seemingly synonymous with relaxing – ends up being so hectic and stressful as the days get shorter? Maybe it’s the prospect of a changing season, another school year, a fresh chapter that gets us anxious about so much to get done – and we do have plenty to get done every day.

Because of that, it’s crucial we set aside the time we need – to rejuvenate, to relax, to put aside our worries and concentrate on self-care. Without that kind of dedicated time, we aren’t going to get too far with all those tasks.

A weekend spa retreat in your own home can be just what Mother Nature ordered. Whether you call it self-care or hygge or “Me time,” the focus should be on you and the healthful feelings that come with mind, body, & spirit wellness.

A spa day, of course, involves the obligatory relaxing soak in the tub or “taking a steam” in the shower. But a true day set aside for “Me time” should be more than that. After the bath or steam shower, create an indulgent spa experience in self-care aromatherapy by adding TLEO to your favorite moisturizing lotion, massage oil, or foot lotion, and give yourself a soothing self-massage.

It’s important to mix the EO into only the portion you intend to use per application. Off-the-shelf products are not manufactured to have outside ingredients added to the full volume of the formula (which would alter said formula). Instead, if you regularly use a hefty dollop of full-body moisturizer after bathing, add 5-20 drops of a TLEO favorite to just that dollop in the palm of your hand or in a small dish. Don’t add the essential oil to the product’s bottle or container. Mix them together well, and take your time applying while truly massaging the lotion into the skin and slowly working out any soreness.

And, about that bath: We all remember the adage: Oil and water don’t mix – right? Bath salts and bath bombs will get the job done as “carriers,” as far as proper dispersal of the oils goes. Dropping essential oils straight into your bath water might be the least effective method – and might cause skin sensitivity or leave a ring of oil around your bathtub.

Also noteworthy: The Epsom Salt Council has reported soaking in magnesium-rich Epsom salt can be great support for heart and circulatory health, achieving more restful nights, and may help in lowering blood pressure. They recommend soaking in an Epsom salt bath for about 10 minutes at least once a week, and twice if you prefer. If a bath isn’t an option, they suggest making a foot bath (see recipe below) and using it while you’re showering. You can also use a foot bath while sitting down, relaxing in a recliner, and reading a good book, with the TLEO Aroma Diffuser adding a blissfully destressing blend to the room.

As we usually recommend, try adding several drops of your preferred TLEO scent or blend of scents to a damp, warm washcloth and placing it near your head when you sit back in the bath is a great way to assure you’re benefiting from the aromatic joys of the essential oil. No need at all to worry about whether the oil is dispersing in the water. Or, in the shower, place it near the showerhead and let the steam rise, permeate the washcloth, and float the aroma all around you.

If you choose to add essential oils to the bath water, make sure you do some research on dispersants. Most carrier oils are not dispersants, and you need a proper dispersant to release the oils into the water, instead of the oils floating on top of the water or leaving a ring. And one more thing: All uses of oils in a bath will make the tub slippery. Take care not to stand up or jump out quickly, and do a thorough job of cleaning the tub when finished. (But maybe save that for the next day. Don’t mess with your spa celebration!) Take a look at our at-home spa diffuser blends below!

TLEO Blissful Moments Bath Salts

(Recipe for 4 to 8 uses)

4 cups Epsom salts

15-20 drops TLEO Serenity blend

2 Tablespoons TLEO Fractionated Coconut Oil (optional)

Add salt to a nonreactive (glass) bowl. Gently stir in 15 drops of Serenity blend. Add FCO. Blend again and let sit for 10-15 minutes for salts to absorb oil. Add 1/4 cup to 1/2 cup of bath salts to a warm bath. Swirl into the water to dissolve. Enjoy a 10- to 15-minute soak. Store unused bath salts in an airtight container in a cool, dry, dark place. Note: Can also be used in a foot bath: 1/8 to 1/4 cup in a basin of warm water.

TLEO DIY Hair Love

1 oz. shampoo

2 drops TLEO Grapefruit

Add TLEO to the shampoo in the palm of your hand. Cleanse hair and scalp by massaging in gently with fingertips, never with fingernails. Rinse thoroughly.

TLEO After Shower Sweet Scent-sation

8 drops TLEO Orange

8 drops TLEO Serenity Blend

4 teaspoons TLEO Fractionated Coconut Oil

Blend in a reusable glass container and apply to skin, massage into muscles and sore spots.

TLEO Breathe-It-All-In Balm

4 drops TLEO Eucalyptus

3 drops TLEO Lavender

2 teaspoons TLEO Fractionated Coconut Oil

Blend in a reusable glass container. After bathing, gently massage onto chest or give yourself a quick shoulder massage, taking deep breaths and enjoying the feeling of clearer breathing.

TLEO Beyond Fabulous Face Mask

1 Tablespoon raw honey

3 Tablespoons yogurt

3 drops TLEO Frankincense

Blend all ingredients in a nonreactive, glass bowl. Gently apply to the face, avoiding eyes, nostrils, and mouth, and leave on for 15 minutes. Sit back. Don’t forget one of the key elements here is to relax. Wash off with warm water and a warm washcloth.

TLEO Hands Up for Hands

(for super soothed nails and cuticles)

TLEO Amber Roller Bottle

TLEO FCO

10 drops TLEO Lavender

6 drops TLEO Rosemary

6 drops TLEO Lemon

 

Fill the roller bottle about 3/4 full with FCO. Add TLEO and blend well. Use a warm water soak for your nails beforehand, for 20 minutes. Blot dry. Next, roll Hands Up for Hands directly onto nails and cuticles for softness and strength. Optional: For added indulgence, gently warm the recipe in the Amber Roller Bottle by gripping it (not tight) in your hand, then the other hand, repeatedly, for a few minutes.

(Note: Citrus oils may cause photosensitivity and should not be applied topically when going outside or into direct sunlight.)

 

*These recommendations are for educational purposes only. Test first for possible sensitivity. If pregnant or breast-feeding, or taking medications, ask a health professional before use, and consult your doctor about contraindications. Keep out of reach of children. This product line is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or mitigate any disease.