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Health & Wellness

Free Self-Care Ideas

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Free self-care? Seems pretty basic, but the modern world will tell you that you have to spend a ton of money, go away or at least go to a spa to enjoy the benefits of a little self-care. But I have 7 free and simple ideas for self-care on a budget; and you can start them right now!

I’ve included a few of my favorite quotes on taking care of yourself throughout the article too.

What is self-care?

Self-care is an extremely popular topic right now, as people learn the importance of taking care of themselves in mind, body, and spirit. This is a chance to reduce stress my friends, and we all need that. The first thing you need to know is that “self-care” is very personal and will look different for each person. For many self-care means an expensive trip to the spa or a weekend retreat. But, self-care can be completely free little things that make a big difference. So if you’re on a tight budget or the foo-foo spas aren’t your cup of tea, I have you covered. Here are a few ideas for self-care without spending money.

Free Self-Care Ideas on a Budget

“Time you enjoy wasting is not wasted time.”
– Unknown

Take a Bubble Bath

Most of us have loved bubble baths since our childhood; but we rarely make time for them anymore. But a simple warm bubble bath is practically free and can whisk away your worries for a time. First, make sure the kids and the pets are all busy, or if you can manage it, out of the house. Then draw yourself a bath and add your favorite bubbles for a relaxing time (or as long as the bubble last and the water stays warm). I recommend budgeting for some quality organic bubble bath, if you can. If you don’t have any bubbles, a bit of shampoo will work too. Consider lighting a candle, putting on some relaxing music, or reading a good book (consider a bath tray to hold your books, etc). Another option, if you want to spend a little bit is to add a bath bomb or make your own sugar scrub. If you’re feeling under the weather add some Epsom salts to the bath for a little pick me up.

Take a Walk

Taking a walk is the perfect free self-care; and it is totally free. It might seem a little strange but the mind gets tired of seeing the same scenery all the time the same way you get tired of eating the same thing. Getting a change of scenery, even for as little as 15 minutes can do wonders for your mental fatigue. Taking a walk somewhere new not only gives your brain new stimulus it also gives you the opportunity to get fresh air and, if it’s sunny you’ll get some much-needed vitamin D. All of these will help boost your mood and melt your stress away. I recommend you take that walk in a local park or in the woods, somewhere away from the sounds of the modern world; a walk where you can enjoy the pure nature. Remember, take plenty of water with you, especially in the warmer months.

“When the well’s dry, we know the worth of water.”
– Benjamin Franklin

Pray, Meditate and Try Yoga with a Youtube Video

You don’t have to go on an expensive retreat or spend a ton on a yoga class to get the amazing stress-relieving benefits of prayer, meditation and yoga. These days you can find it completely free on Youtube. That’s right; you don’t even have to leave your house to give it a try! You may have to do a bit of searching to find the video and creator that best fits your needs and desires, but with thousands of videos available it won’t be hard to find a video that vibes.

“An empty lantern provides no light.
Self-care is the fuel that allows your light to shine brightly.”
– Unknown

Invite Your Best Friend Over

When was the last time you sat around the living room with your bestie chatting or contemplating the universe? Brew a pot of coffee, set the tea kettle on or pour a glass of wine, if that’s your thing; enjoy a mug or a glass with your favorite friend. Is your friend not local? How about calling a friend? Set aside some time to give them a call; make sure they have time to chat first. I have found that setting some time aside to catch up with your best friend does amazing things for your heart and mind.

Alternative? If you don’t have a best friend, consider a close family member.

Unplug from Electronics

I love social media but computers, phones, tablets and TV shouldn’t be invading every hour of our day! Even if you can’t step away for hours, for some fresh air; you can step away from the electronics. Turn off your cell phone / tablet, step away from social media, and unplug. You’ll find your stress levels go down and you won’t feel like you’re in such a rush anymore. Plus there won’t be any “keeping up with the Jones’” to do.

Do Some Gardening

Finally, I couldn’t talk about self-care without at least mentioning gardening; a personal favorite! What’s the say? Gardening is cheaper than therapy, and you get tomatoes.  With a garden, you get all the benefits of being outdoors plus so much more. Studies have shown that gardening can decrease depression and anxiety, teach mindfulness, while also boosting your mood! It also gets your body moving in new and interesting ways. Even if your garden is just a few pots in your window sill, taking care of your garden means taking care of yourself.

Make a List

One of the ways I self-care is to write a list of blessings. This helps me to focus on all the good things going on in my life, instead of the stresses. You just need a pen a paper (or use a word program on your computer). I like to play some happy music during this time too. Some will go as far as creating a gratitude journal; something to do if you have this mental exercise rewarding. Spending time and energy on the good things in your life help you regain a positive outlook without costing you anything financially. It is definitely worth the time and energy.

Alternatively you can try writing in a journal. Many find the daily practice of journal writing very therapeutic. There are even FREE journaling apps.

Self-care isn’t selfish! Take time out each day for a little free self-care with these ideas. And don’t be afraid to take time away when your budget and schedule allows for it. And, hey, if your budget allows for a weekend trip to the spa…go for it!

And hey, guys, self-care isn’t just for the ladies!

How do you take care of yourself? Leave your homemade self care ideas in the comments.

Love yourself enough to set boundaries.
Your time and energy are precious.
You get to choose how you use it.
You teach people how to treat you by deciding
what you will and won’t accept.”
– Anna Taylor

Why I Quit DIY Skincare

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If you’ve followed my blog for any amount of time you know I LOVE a good DIY project. But I have to be honest, I gave up DIY Skincare. I know, I know; you’re shocked. But ladies (and gentlemen) it just wasn’t cutting it anymore. And if I’m honest, it never really was giving me the results I wanted.

Look, I’m 47 years old. I was born and raised in Arizona and have lived in states full of sunshine all of my adult life. My skin isn’t perfect. I have tried the coconut oil, the diy wrinkle creams, the essential oils. But I saw little to no improvement. And like you, my time is a rare commodity that I need to use like precious gold. So if a DIY skincare is sucking up my time without results, it gets the heave ho.

I Quit DIY Skincare

I quit DIY Skincare for Beautycounter

So there I am in all my nearing-50 glory, taking a minivan selfie. No filter just good skincare and a 5 minute face of light make-up.

So ya’ll are probably wondering why the heck I am taking the time to write this article. Well I want to share something with you that has worked for me. I am using Beautycounter – WAIT don’t leave before you read what I have to share. Give me that much of your time, I won’t waste it.

Women use a lot of “beauty” products even if they aren’t big make-up wearing ladies. We just soaps, lotions, specialized skincare, sunscreen, deodorant and so much more I can’t list it all. What you may or may not know is that the skin is your largest organ. So what you are putting on your skin really matters – it is going straight into your bloodstream without any filtration.

Your Beauty Products Are Toxic

You should know that the personal-care industry (skincare, lotions, make-up, etc) in the USA is overseen by a small amount of legislation. Our federal government has not enacted a new piece of governing law over this industry since 1938. See Suffering For Beauty

These large corporations are policing themselves and not really taking your health, your daughter’s health, you mom’s / sister’s or any woman’s health seriously. And now that men or more interested in personal grooming, I think it is safe to say the same for them.

I started my search for the right company, that would offer the best quality ingredients, safe ingredients but still give me results. Over and over I heard Beautycounter but I didn’t jump until this year.

1500 Unsafe Ingredients – Never!

Beautycounter has a “never list” of 1500 unsafe products that you’ll never find in any of their products. They are meticulous about screening every ingredient for safety and THAT gave me the confidence to try it for myself and my daughters! You can see The Never List Here. I hate to drop the BIG C word but you should research these chemicals and their link to cancer.

I Started With A Quiz

After my research I started by taking the Beautycounter Skincare Quiz. With that I chose the Rejuvenating Line of Skincare and decided to jump in and get Flawless in Five Make-up set. I couldn’t be happier with my results and I joined as a consultant.

Side By Side Comparison

Here is a side by side comparison, no filters or editing (which is why the tone is a bit off).

diy skincare doesn't work but Beautycounter does!

For My Bargain Shoppers!

I know my readers love a good deal! I guess that is why I am sharing my “little secret” now. Beautycounter is offering a RARE Friends and Family Share the Love Discount now through April 15th. The entire site is 15% off (a few exclusions). This is a wonderful time to try Beautycounter yourself. And they do offer a 60 day money back guarantee! Deal upon deal here folks!

What I am Ordering

I’ll be ordering few essentials like the Cleansing Balm and Toner Pads. I highly recommend the Tint Skin Foundation – I HATED foundation before finding this one.

During this sale I’m ordering another safe lipstick (no lead) for myself and a lip gloss for my daughter.

Learn More About Beautycounter

Essential Oils For Sleep

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Using essential oils for sleep or a sleep aid has been a wonderful, non-medicated way to assist a restful night’s sleep for me. These have been the best essential oils for a good night’s sleep and may help you for occasional insomnia.

essential oils for sleep

Essential Oils For Sleep

As a busy homeschooling mom, who generally wakes up before the sun, getting to sleep isn’t a regular issue for me. But like you, I occasionally suffer with getting to sleep at night, despite how tired I am. I’m sure all of us has dealt with an occasional night of sleeplessness. The best essential oils for sleep offer you a natural way to relax and drift into a peaceful night’s sleep without medication.

These are the oils that I have talked more about with friends and family with sleep issues. Most are good for a variety of things but resting, relaxing and aiding a night of sleep are some of their top uses.

You may or may not be surprised to know that up to 70 million Americans are taking sleeping pills at night? (source). These pills can have a range of side effects such as dizziness, dry mouth and daytime sleepiness (among others); it makes you question if they are worth it. (source). Doing a little research on essential oils for sleep might be worth the time before you or someone you love starts taking a medical sleep aid.

Is there any solution of insomnia without medications?

I am not a medical professional so I cannot advise you on medication. However I can share my experience with using essential oils for sleep. You may find that this aids your sleep enough that you no longer need medical intervention but you should NEVER start or stop medicine without first talking to your doctor.

What is the natural way to sleep better?

What will help you fall asleep and what are the best natural sleep aid when you have insomnia? While I know essential oils for sleeping can be a natural way to combat insomnia you should consider other factors too. Even before you look into buying some essential oils for sleeping you need to make sure you’ve created a healthy sleep environment to improve sleep quality. Remember that healthy sleep habits are very important!

essential oils for sleeping
  • Keep a routine and wake-up and go to sleep at the same time, everyday. This includes weekends.
  • Try not to nap. Now there are times when I nap can be very beneficial but on a regular basis it can actually keep you from having a good night’s sleep. If you must nap regularly try to limit it to 20 minutes.
  • Avoid “screens” 1 – 2 hours before your scheduled bedtime. Bright light is a trigger to the body to wake up and get moving. When you spend your last hours of the day at the computer, tv or on the phone you are sending the wrong signal to your brain. If you MUST be in front of a screen, consider dimming the brightness.
  • Make sure you’re moving during the day. Exercise, like a 30 minute walk, can be very beneficial to a good night’s sleep.
  • Limit caffeine or cut it out completely. Every body is different and it can really disrupt your sleeping patterns.
  • Do not use your bed to work, study, eat, etc. It should be a place or relaxation.
  • Have a mug of Chill Out Tea.
  • Try prayer or meditation before bed as a way to relax.

Do Essential Oils Relieve Stress?

There are studies showing that certain essential oils can be used via aromatherapy to effectively relax the body, aid in sleep, reducing anxiety and relieve stress.

What is the most soothing essential oil?

All of the essential oils for sleep can also be very soothing. I have found that what is most soothing to one person may not be the same for another. People react different to the scents and components in different oils. You may need to try a few to see which is the most relaxing or soothing to you personally.

Which is your favorite essential oil to use for relaxing?

My personal favorite essential oil for relaxing is probably lavender. I love a multi-purpose essential of too; and lavender certainly fits the bill there.

What is the best essential oil for sleep?

It is important to note that studies show that there are benefits to using essential oils for sleep. Of course you’ll have to try them for yourself to see if they benefit you personally. It is also so important to choose a quality essential oil. I recommend reading How to Choose High Quality Essential Oils and Why I Switched Essential Oil Companies. Now onto the list of the best essential oils for sleep!

Remember when diffusing oils to choose an oil diffuser with an automatic shut off!

Lavender
Lavender is probably the most common essential oil and most well known. Many people find its scent very calming and relaxing. I often add it to unscented lotion or a homemade salve to put on right before bed. It is also a great oil to diffuse in the bedroom or make a bedding mist to use right before bed. I prefer Organic Lavender Essential Oil.

Roman Chamomile
As I mentioned before a mug of tea with chamomile can be very soothing before bed because of its sedative effects . In the same way the essential oil Roman Chamomile is extremely effective in helping me relax as well. It can also give you anxiety relief and can lift your mood. I find this oil works best for me in my diffuser. I prefer Roman Chamomile.

Sandalwood
Sandalwood oil can be an wonderful sleep aid. It is a warm earthy essential oil that helps in relaxation and mood. Sandalwood won’t necessarily make you sleepy but can create an environment for rest. Another wonderful diffuser oil. Trust me when I say a little sandalwood essential oil goes a long way! I like both Sandalwood Single and the Sandalwood Blend.

Vetiver
When it comes to essential oils for sleep I believe vetiver essential oil is an unsung hero. You probably haven’t heard much about vetiver in general. vetiver promotes a calming state that can aid in your sleep. This is especially true if you suffer from anger and anxiety. Vetiver oil is said to help to release anger and anxiety. It is a thick oil, so I often will just take in a few deep breaths right from the bottle or put few drops in your hands and do some deep breathing. This is our go-to for times of anxiety that keep us from resting. Read more on the benefits of vetiver. I would recommend Vetiver Oil or the Feminine Aid Blend that includes clary sage.

Ylang Ylang
The essential oil ylang ylang has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years for a reason. This essential oil is both floral and fruity and is said to reduce blood pressure so it should be used cautiously if you are on medication. Ylang ylang’s sedative properties will help relax you into a better state of restfulness. I like this in a carrier oil like sweet almond oil, before bed. I find ylang ylang works fast and it helps me to stay asleep.
Check out both Ylang Ylang Complete or the Calming Blend.

You may also want to consider RMO’s Good Night’s Sleep Collection. and Counting Sheep Roll-On for kids.

How To Make A Hot Toddy Recipe

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How to make a Hot Toddy recipe. This is the best Hot Toddy Recipe and Grandma’s secret home remedy for colds. When it comes to nasty winter colds and coughs I haven’t found anything that works as well or as fast as this Hot Toddy Recipe! The Hot Toddy, or warm whiskey, is a classic recipe that has been around for generations.  The medicinal drink is said to have originated in Scotland as early as the 1700s. Before store-bought and over-the-counter medicines were readily available, people sipped on a warm Hot Toddy to fight colds and respiratory ailments. And before you fret about the whiskey remember that drug store cough and cold syrups have alcohol in them plus a bunch of other things I can’t pronounce. I can also tell you that doctors were proscribing whiskey for coughs and colds long before pharmacy medications.

But I am not a doctor, so this recipe should be used at your own discretion. 

How to Make a Hot Toddy Recipe for Winter Colds

How To Make A Hot Toddy Recipe

Why The Hot Toddy Recipe Works

Why does this Hot Toddy recipe work so well to fight coughs and colds? Well here’s what I found:

  • Whiskey works as a powerful decongestant; the alcohol dilates your blood vessels and helps the body to fight congestion. It also is relaxing which will help you rest. The whiskey will aid your body in fighting off infection and the growth of microorganisms! Don’t go overboard on the whiskey, a little goes a long way.
  • Honey is an antioxidant and has both antibacterial and antimicrobial properties. Honey can soothe and relax a sore and scratchy throat and quiet a cough. A good quality, locally sourced, honey is best!
  • Lemon are an amazing source of vitamin C and added to a hot drink can aid in reducing and loosening phlegm.
  • Hot tea soothes the throat, loosens phlegm in the chest and nose making it easier to blow and cough it all out.
  • Adding a bit of ginger can soothe a queasy tummy or cinnamon to add a bit more flavor.

How to Make an Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe

This will make one serving and it is best to make this as needed.  I do not recommend using a microwave to heat anything, especially honey, because you’ll be killing off the good stuff!I use a standard stove-top tea kettle.

How to Make a Hot Toddy Recipe for Winter Colds
Print

Old Fashioned Hot Toddy Recipe - Grandma's Home Remedy

Servings 1

Ingredients

  • 1 cup of hot tea you can really use any good organic tea but it is best to use a decaffeinated tea so you can rest
  • 1 - 2 tablespoons of whiskey we use Jack Daniels Honey Whiskey but any quality brand will do
  • 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice straight from the lemon
  • 2 tablespoons of honey raw is best but any is fine as long as honey is the only ingredient
  • 1 pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon optional

Instructions

  1. Brew your tea and let it steep for 7  - 10 minutes
  2. Add 1 - 2 tablespoons of whiskey and stir
  3. Add in the 2 teaspoons of fresh lemon juice and stir
  4. Lastly add in your 2 tablespoons of honey (you can add more if it isn't sweet enough) and give it a good stir until the honey disappears into the liquid
  5. Optional add in a pinch of ground ginger or cinnamon
  6. Serve immediately - it should still be hot.

  7. Serve with a wedge a lemon

  8. You can enjoy a Hot Toddy Home Remedy 2 - 3 times a day and you'll be amazed at how quickly it works.

Legally speaking this Hot Toddy Recipe is for adults only. It has been prescribed for under 21 for years but that is at your discretion and I assume no responsibly for its use in adults or otherwise. 

If you’re not comfortable with a Hot Toddy check out my grandmother’s natural cough syrup recipe – it can work wonders too!

How To Reduce Your Stress And Simplify Your Life

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How to reduce your stress and simplify your life. Is “simple living” good or bad; is it even possible in 2018?  You do not have to move, quit your job or become a minimalist to simplify your life and take your stress level down a notch or two.  Let me ask you these 6 questions, that can get you on the path to a more simple and satisfying life.

You can start simplifying life and there is not a better time than now.  What does it mean to simplify life?  To me it is removing unnecessary stress, unnecessary junk (both physical and mental) and bring joy to the forefront of our day to day life.  But a truly simplified life is finding what YOU need to find joy and satisfaction in your life.  Once you have that, remove everything else.

Now, I should say, I’m not a therapist or a doctor; I’m just sharing the tips and tricks I’ve learned in my 46 years of life. These are the things that I have done to reduce stress and simplify my life (and thank God I did!).  I hope they help you. I’ve listed 5 questions you need to ask yourself to starting the simplifying process and 6 ways you can reduce stress; some of them will be easier for you than others.  Whatever you choose to do to reduce your stress will add life to your time and probably time to your life!

How To Reduce Your Stress And Simplify Your Life

So let’s work to reduce your stress and simplify your life!

Simplifying Life by Answering these 5 Questions

1 – What are my core values?
Faith, Family, Friends?  What do you value most? Does my life reflect your values?  Your relationships should reflect these values too.  It is amazing how much simpler life is when the people around you are healthy.  I’m not saying only keep people that agree with everything you say – challenge can be good too.  What I am saying is that healthy relationships support core values in at least one area.

2 – Do I take time to take care of myself?
Taking time to eat healthy, feed your spiritual life, get some exercise and have some fun; these are essential to self-care. If you aren’t taking care of you, then you can’t take care of anything else very well.  I think play and hobbies are often overlooked as fluff in our lives.  I say no; they are essential to quality of life.  When you feel better you can clean out the stuff that makes life too complicated.

3 – Is my home cluttered?  Messy? Reduce Your Stress Donate Junk
Clutter and mess can cause a lot of stress.  It is amazing how much clearing out some “stuff” can release us from a prison of sorts. I know that I have kept so much junk thinking they were mementos of those I’ve lost.  But the best mementos live in the heart and head and can’t be limited to an object.  Finding a system to keep only the most important things and remove the rest will help.  Organization is key!  Check out FlyLady – she helped me overcome my “messy nature”. Donate your unneeded, unused, items – they could be someone else’s treasure!

4 – Is my spending out of control? 
Nothing causes more stress than debt.  I know this problem all too well and finances are a huge stressor in most people’s lives. Getting your budget made out and sticking to it will reduce stress and make this simple living idea a reality very quickly.   There is freedom in being unchained from credit cards. I highly recommend checking out Dave Ramsey’s Total Money Makeover!

5 – Do I dwell on the past or worry about the future?
There is nothing we can do to change the past.  I remind myself often that this is wasted time.  I am also a worrier.  But I have learned that worrying about things that have yet to come to pass never made anything better.  I focus on the ACTIONS I can take in the present.

6 – Have you taken an account of your commitments?  In our fast-paced modern life it is easy to get over committed.  Look at your calendar.  Do you have free time?  To you have space for spontaneity?  No?  Then you haven’t given yourself the permission to say no. Even if you want to do it all, it will make you feel crazy, overwhelmed and out of control after awhile.  We all need down time.

More Ways You Can Reduce Stress

1 – Start Walking Everyday reduce stress with walking

I walk 5 miles every single day; and recently started hiking. It started as a way to lose weight but over the last year it has become my greatest stress reducer. I generally walk or hike alone. I listen to a book on Amazon Audible or classical music. The movement is great, getting some vitamin D from the sun is wonderful and I have increased my fitness and endurance which makes life easier. I usually just go for a walk or hike close to home but I LOVE getting further out in nature on some of the amazing trails in Arizona; if you can get away from traffic it is even better!

Walking is free, you can do it just about anywhere and you can start today. I highly recommend it. See How to Walk to Reduce Stress

2 – Volunteer Your Time to Cause You’re Passionate About

Your time is valuable, and as I said above, you don’t want to over-commit yourself because that is going to stress you out. But there is something about giving of your time, yourself, to a cause that you are passionate about that can “fill your bucket” and ultimately reduce your stress. Now I’m not saying that we look at volunteerism as a purely selfish act but if you can give to something you strongly believe in and reduce your stress at the same time… I’d say that’s a win-win.

3 – Reduce Your Stress with Prayer

As a Christian I believe in the power of prayer. Call in prayer, call in meditation, call it quiet time… just do it. You don’t a special place but it helps for it to be quiet and distraction free. I like to do this first thing in the morning because everyone, including the animals, is asleep.  I like to bring my mug of coffee, read my bible and write out prayers and thoughts; which brings me to my next stress reliever.

4 – Journal

Keeping a journal or a diary and be an amazing tool in reducing your stress. You can write prayers, goals and random thoughts in this journal. I have even written letters to people that I won’t, or cannot send, in my journal as a release. I know it can send a little hokey but it works…so hokey up! You don’t have to do this everyday, please don’t make it another chore you MUST complete. Let your journal be there for you, as needed, when needed. You don’t need anything fancy, a simple school notebook works just fine.

5 – Eat Well

I am not going to go into a big diet tirade here. But food is the fuel of your body – treat it with the same care you would a brand new car or truck. I practice a whole foods, Keto, way of eating and it has changed everything. I think clearly, I have energy and I am not hungry all the time. There is a huge reduction in stress when you’re living the healthiest way you can and fueling my body with the best food I can.  I highly recommend reading Keto by Maria Emmerich.

6 – Laugh and Laugh A Lot

Watch comedies, hang out with funny friends, go see some stand-up or watch them on YouTube. Laughter is medicine to the body and you can’t be stressed out when you’re snorting in laughter!

So what are your tips for reducing stress and simplifying life?  Leave your thoughts in the comments, I’d love to hear them!