It's raining again, here in Allen, TX. I don't know why I am so inspired to blog when it rains. Is it because I finally get a chance to sit down, instead of running around with errands or networking events? Probably. Today I am sitting with a back view to our pool, sipping chai with a drop of doTERRA cinnamon essential oil in it, and watching stunning orange blossoms come to life in the backyard. It's a sacred experience, and one that only comes when we give ourselves a chance to slow down.

So how do you slow down? What do you do? Some people nap and revitalize their bodies, while others may cuddle up with Netflix. Others read, or simply catch up with friends and family. Whatever it is you decide to do, the point is....JUST DO IT. We know now that chronic stress puts you at risk for a variety of illnesses, according to the Mayo Clinic, including: *Anxiety *Depression *Digestive problems *Headaches *Heart disease *Sleep problems *Weight gain *Memory and concentration impairment

We all know someone suffering from these problems, or may recognize one or more of them within ourselves. How will you manage the daily barrage of stress triggers? Luckily, there are so many ways. Yoga. Meditation. Walks in nature. High quality vitamins and minerals. A home cooked meal. Essential oils. De-cluttering. Community service. Reaching out to friends and family.

However, there's a catch. You have to be willing to GIVE yourself a break. Most people consistently complain that they are stressed out (we all are, to a certain extent), yet when faced with the option to take steps to change that, they shrink back. Why? My theory is that 1) they don't know how to start making changes 2) they need someone to guide them 3) they feel so lethargic that the thought of undertaking a change is too much for the mind to accept 4) all of the above or 5) they have become so "comfortable" with the stress, that transforming it, becomes MORE stressful. It's funny how human beings can adapt to anything, even stressful, hard conditions, which in the long run can cause burn out (at best).

One of the EASIEST things you can start with to beat the stress and get the body and brain in balance, is applying therapeutic grade essential oils to your body every day. Making it a ritual, like brushing your teeth, so that it become a natural, automatic part of your day. Whether that means applying a drop of Wild Orange (to revitalize) on top of your toothpaste, or rubbing a drop of Balance (to ground and calm) on your wrists as you moisturize your hands, or adding a drop of Lemon (to uplift the mood) into your car diffuser as you drive to work. Or create your own personal oasis with this blend: 2 drops Sandalwood, 2 drops Grapefruit, 2 drops Citrus Bliss. Add one of these rituals, every day. Only one.

When you automate your self care, it becomes easier to do on a daily basis. Habits are hard to change, but who said we can't take baby steps? Nature didn't produce the orange blossoms that I'm witnessing right now in a day, so why should we expect anything different from ourselves? If you need help in figuring out which ritual to adopt as your first step, email me, or come on by. I promise a good cup of tea, real conversation, and some delicious essential oils.