Keep Stress in Check with Natural Recipes for Relaxation
When was the last time you felt truly relaxed? Has it been a while? Managing your stress level is essential for maintaining good health long term. Stress symptoms can affect your body, thoughts, feelings and behavior. According to the Mayo Clinic, “Stress that’s left unchecked can contribute to health problems such as high blood pressure, heart disease, obesity and diabetes.”
This may not be news to you. I’ve known it for ages, but I forget it often.
Let it sink in for a minute : Stress left unchecked can make you sick.
Recognize when your body is responding to the stress in your life. Watch for the hidden signs, such as frequent headaches, fatigue, digestive system disturbances and difficulty concentrating.
Wait! That’s all the time for me!
Taking time to take care of yourself isn’t a luxury – it’s a necessity! Setting aside time for a therapeutic bath, body scrub or facial treatment can ease stress while helping you feel rested and rejuvenated.
Each of the following treatments can be made from easy to find ingredients. Many may already be in your kitchen, ready to use and costing little. The ingredients are all natural and can be very effective in helping you unwind from the daily grind.
Set aside 30 minutes (or less), brew a cup of herbal tea and let the pampering begin!
Six natural recipes to get you started:
The Salt Scrub– Also known in spas as a body polish, this scrub will exfoliate and soften skin. Mix all ingredients and store in an airtight jar.
- 1 cup sea salt or Epsom salt
- 1 tablespoon baking soda
- a few drops of scented oil (optional)
- ½ cup almond or grape seed oil
The Sweet Body Scrub: For a quick lift, use this body scrub in the shower by massaging in to skin (be sure to avoid eye area). Mix and store in a glass jar. Refrigerate unused scrub for up to three months. This scrub will remove dead skin cells and leave your skin soft and glowing.
- 1 cup brown sugar
- ½ cup olive, almond or grape seed oil
- ½ teaspoon vanilla extract
Skin Tightening Cream By looking at the DermReview skin care information, we find that there are dozens of fantastic skin care products. Still though, many moms are going the DIY route. To firm and moisturize aging skin naturally, combine ingredients. Spread mixture on face, avoiding the eye area. Leave on for 20 minutes. Rinse with warm water.
- 1 banana, mashed
- 1 tablespoon whipping cream or yogurt
Rejuvenating Salt Scrub- Similar to the body scrub / polish listed above, this recipe can also be added to your bath for an invigorating soak. Combine ingredients and exfoliate your skin or dissolve ingredients in a warm bath and soak.
- ¼ cup Epsom salts (unscented)
- 3 teaspoons ground or grated ginger
- ½ teaspoon cinnamon
The Milk and Honey Bath – moisturizes, softens and firms the skin. Mix together ingredients, add to warm water and hop in for a soak.
- 2 cups full fat milk
- ½ cup honey
The Epsom Salt Bath – calms and detoxifies. Epsom salt draws toxins from the body, relaxes muscles and acts as a sedative for the central nervous system, while your body absorbs extra magnesium from the salt. Make a large batch and store it for regular use. Additional information and recipes using Epsom Salt can be found on epsomsaltcouncil.com. This one is my personal favorite!
- 1 jar for storage
- 3 cups Epsom salt
- 2 cups sea salt
- ½ ounce essential oil like lavender (optional, for scent)
- ½ cup baking soda
When creating your own spa treatments, remember that your skin absorbs whatever you apply to it. Don’t use any products on your skin that you couldn’t safely eat. Avoid mineral oil; instead, use grape seed, olive oil or almond oil. By making your own treatments, you can ensure that there are no additives, just healthy nutrients for your skin!
Do you have a favorite spa at home treatment or natural ingredient to share? How do you manage your stress? Tell us in the comments!
