Whilst we are strong believers in seeing every day as a new opportunity to start afresh, we do see the appeal that a new year brings in terms of change. It feels like a good place to leave your problems behind and start working towards a happier, healthier you. The lull after the festive period also gives us some time to relax, reflect and take better care of ourselves, in preparation for the new year ahead. 

So, with this in mind, we’ve put together some top tips on how to become a healthier, happier and more positive you in the new year. Take some time out to look after your mind, body and soul and you’ll hopefully see everything else in your life begin to improve too.

Yoga and meditation 

Firstly, we want to take a second to talk about yoga and meditation. These are two great activities that you can do in conjunction with each other, to rid yourself of everyday stresses and focus on yourself and your goals. Too often, we spend our days ignoring our bodies and minds, focusing on the barrage of smaller tasks that we need to do for others rather than for ourselves. By taking the time out – even if it’s just 10 minutes every morning or evening – to do some yoga or meditation, you give yourself time to reflect and re-balance.

Yoga and meditation combine perfectly with aromatherapy and there are many different essential oils that can complement your practice. One of our favourite aromatherapy blends for a meditative yoga session is 2 drops of Myrrh, 4 drops of Sweet Orange and 3 drops of Patchouli in an aromatherapy diffuser or candle burner. Or you could try our new Mindful essential oil with Frankincense, Lavender Sage, Spike Lavender, Clary Sage, Sage Dalmation, Patchouli and Petitgrain. Whilst essential oils aren’t necessary for this activity they can really help to create the right ambience, focus the mind, and encourage a much-needed sense of calm.

Take more baths

Again, we think that baths are a great way of escaping the everyday stresses of life. Spend an hour recharging, and digitally detoxing by leaving your phone and any other electrical equipment out of the room, and only take in items that you know will relax you, such as books and candles. By having this time completely separated from work, social stress or day to day life anxieties, you give your mind a chance to breathe and your body a chance to relax. Appreciate the feel of the warm water and know that, in that moment, you have nothing to worry about.

We would recommend adding a few drops of Lavender, Vetivert or Chamomile for a truly relaxing soak. Lavender is often associated with aiding sleep so it’s a great oil to use in the bath if you suffer from sleepless nights or the inability to switch off. Vetivert is deeply relaxing and de-stressing and Chamomile is known for its soothing, calming, antidepressant effect. There are lots of other oils that you could use too, simply choose your favourite/s and mix up to 10 drops total of up to 3 different oils with 15ml of Bath Oil or Shower Gel - or for a pre-blended option try our Relaxing or Sweet Dreams pure essential oil blends. Tip: mix your oil with a cup of Epsom Salt or Dead Sea Salt to enhance your relaxation.

Look after the skin you’re in

Finally, we can’t stress enough that it’s vital we all look after the skin that we are in - especially if we've overindulged a little over Christmas and New Year. Looking after your skin and taking the time to pamper yourself is a great way to feel better in your mind, body and soul. Take time out to treat your body every day, not because you have to, but because you want to, and because you know you deserve it. Taking care of yourself goes a long way when it comes to both mental and physical health!

Whether you want to treat your skin to a pampering face mask or keep it moisturised with some essential-oil infused body lotion, do something every day that makes you and your body feel good. Love yourself first; everything else can wait. Looking after your skin from the inside out is important too. Eat plenty of fresh fruit and vegetables, alongside healthy proteins and fats and drink plenty of water.

We've pulled together a few ‘skin pampering’ recipes to try, all of which contain a selection of detoxifying essential oils that are perfect for cleansing the system after Christmas!

New Year Complexion Booster:

If your skin is little lack lustre try giving your face a good steam once a week. Get a large bowl and pour in about a litre of boiling water. Add 4 drops of Geranium essential oil, 2 Rose and 2 Juniperberry. Lean over the bowl, pop a towel over your head and steam your skin for about 5 minutes. Geranium has a wonderfully balancing effect – whether your skin is dry or oily it helps restore harmony. If you do have oily skin take a cotton wool pad and wipe over the T-zone after steaming to help remove excess oils that will have come to the surface. Splash your face with cold water to refresh and tighten the pores and tone with Rose Hydrolat before moisturising as normal. Please note that steaming is not recommended if you suffer from broken veins.

Body Beautiful Scrub:

To get rid of all those dull, dead winter skin cells give your body a good scrub with aromatherapy oils that will help skin condition and boost your lymphatic system at the same time. Combine 2 tablespoons of Dead Sea Salt or Himalayan Pink Salt (grind the salt a little first if it’s too coarse) with 4 tablespoons of Pin Head Oatmeal and 1 teaspoon of Avocado Oil. Add 1 tablespoon of runny honey and squeeze in the juice of half a lemon. Add 10 drops Geranium essential oil, 6 Juniperberry, 4 Cypress and 2 Lemon and mix well. You can add Rose Hydrolat if needed to get to a good, easily workable consistency. After a shower (so the skin is warm, and the oils more easily absorbed) massage the scrub into the skin with a gentle circular motion. Wash off with tepid water and then alternate the shower between hot and cold to further stimulate circulation. Note: this blend may not be suitable for sensitive skin. Spot test first.

Moisturising Magic:

Mix 150ml Moisturising Lotion, 1 tablespoon Vitamin E Oil, 30 drops Geranium, 10 Lime, 10 Juniper, 5 Rosemary, 5 Lemon. This beautifully fragrant blend will hydrate, balance and tone the skin and support the body’s natural detox process.

Base Formula
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