Guest blogger: Jessica Cooper
It’s the little things in life that make a big difference – seriously. As awesome as it is to plan a trip to the spa for a massage or to pamper yourself for an entire weekend, it is also very important to treat yourself well every single day. To that end, there are some very small things that you can do to treat yourself like the queen that you are. Let’s discuss three that have become regular practices in my day-to-day for the past few years and I know they make all of the difference in my life:
#1: Lemon Water
On any given day, my legit preferred beverage is water – more specifically warm water with fresh lemon slices. Every morning I drink a large mason jar of warm water and I squeeze the juice of a whole lemon into it. There have been days where that first sip is simply heaven. I am even at a point where hot water and lemon slices is my go to when out at restaurants and I live for it. Water is hands down the best thing that you can give your body and it’s something that many of us neglect to get enough of for a myriad of reasons. If you struggle with the taste (or lack thereof) of good ole H-2-O, then adding lemon can help give you some flavor. Another trick I use is to keep slices of lemon and cucumber frozen so that I can always have infused water – it’s not reserved for when I am at the YMCA, a fancy hotel lobby or a nice nail salon. Water is a part of my life and I encourage you to make sure that it’s a part of yours as well.
#2: Essential Oils
You want to talk about an obsession. Essential oils and I are in a very serious relationship that grows all the time. In terms of using them to bring a little pizazz to your life, there are a few ways that I think essential oils can be of use to you. (1) Putting a few drops on the shower floor and allow the steam to whisk you away and turn that ordinary moment into a mini spa experience. In the mornings, I tend to use a lemon and eucalyptus blend to wake me up so that I can greet the morning and at night I gravitate toward lavender mixed with spearmint – my god, what a way to wash away the day. This is so simple but it does so much for my spirit. (2) Investing in an essential oil diffuser will elevate every space that you use it in. I can’t tell you how many folks walk past my office and stop in just to take a deep breath because of the vibe I have going on – which is mostly made possible by my trusty diffuser. It’s so easy to use – just water and a few drops of 100% essential oil and you’ll have a pleasant scent to get you through the day and it’s much better for you than the synthetic air fresheners that we use. (3) One last essential oil tip and this one is take us back to the bathroom. Aromatherapy baths will change your life. My favorite is a peppermint oil bath – just fill the tub with warm/hot water and add a few (no more that 5-7) drops of oil. The scent will sooth you and in terms of peppermint, my skin is left feeling so cool for quite a while after the bath is over. Oftentimes we think we need fancy bath bombs (don’t get me wrong, I have my fair share of LUSH at the house) and bath salts or bubble baths – all of which is great for a wonderful bath, but few drops of oil is inexpensive and so very soothing. I could go on and on (and on) about essential oils, but I’ll stop here. If you’re not sure what oils to start with, you can either try out a sampler pack from Amazon or take a trip to Whole Foods and smell them to see what tickles your fancy. Please look for 100% essential oils – beware of the blends that aren’t 100% essential oil or are made of fragrance oils. Trust me, it makes a difference and it’s worth the few extra bucks.
#3: Instrumental or Meditation Music
What a gift YouTube has been to my life for the opportunity to find all types of instrumental and relaxing music to play around the house. Sometimes you need music that raises your vibration and calms you sans lyrics. I love a good playlist and a jam session where I sing my lungs out. However, I have also come to appreciate music that gives me space to think and dream and just simply be. This is free and there are endless options here. Give it a try. You will not regret it. I promise.
Remember that you deserve to be treated well every day of your life. It is my sincere hope that you put taking care of yourself as a top priority and that you don’t wait for the mani/pedi appointment or massage to feel good and take a break. Let’s make 2019 a year where we glow from the inside out because we are taking such good care of our minds, bodies and spirits.
Guest Blogger, Jessica Cooper
Instagram @thebalancedbutterfly