Self Love = Self Care

Photo by CRYSTALWEED cannabis on Unsplash Self Love = Self Care

By Ryschell Dragunov & Candice Granger

When I think of Self Love, I think of ways that I can be kind to myself…

As a doTERRA Wellness Advocate I belong to a supportive network of knowledgeable people who I learn from. I know that being kind includes learning all I can from the ones who have been doing it a long time. Essential Oils is one of my favourite things and I continue to learn about all the benefits. My business associate and partner has been studying and utilizing oils for the past 6 years. Her interest in oils is not just about the glorious smells, it goes beyond into the science of how and why they work. Please welcome Candice Granger and what she has to say about Self Love.

Hello all, since the theme this month is Self Love, I wanted to talk to you about Self Care.

Everyone these days is talking about self care, but what does it really mean? My brain went straight to spa time, pedicures, manicures and vacation. I am sure I am not the only one who did this. In reality, as lovely as those things can be, they are not the daily self-care we need. It is all about loving yourself enough to prioritize things that will serve your body, mind and soul as you navigate through life. It does not need to take that much time and you can adjust little things around you that will ease things as you go through your day. As women, we are extremely good at prioritising everyone else but when it comes to ourselves, that

is a different story. You can't pour from an empty vase, as epically cliche as that is, it is true! What is even truer is that you DESERVE to feel good and to have a little time each day for self-love activities.

Move your body for 20 minutes. This is amazing for mood boost and balancing! It does not matter what you do, just choose something you enjoy and do it.

Enhance things you have to do to make them more enjoyable! For example, listen to an audiobook while you do the dishes and cook supper.

Allocate time for meditation, prayer or positive reflection on the day. You could even make a list in the evening of things to do the next day so you sleep well with a clear mind.

One of my favorite things I do for myself each day is add essential oils into things all through the day. Imagine for a moment that you are walking in the door at Grandma's house and the smell of fresh baked cookies fills the air. Are you smiling? Is your mouth watering? Probably. Our olfactory systems are so powerful that before we are even conscious of the smell our bodies are responding! Essential oils are so great for this, and a million other things. I love to diffuse oils throughout the day in my home and car. I have blends I wear as PUREfume. I enjoy wild orange in my water to energize first thing in the morning. When I cannot focus on my work I turn to rosemary and peppermint. I use tree oils for muscles before and after moving my body. I LOVE lavender and cedarwood at bedtime and find I get a more restorative sleep. I could go on.

I am very natural minded with loads of allergies to synthetics and I find doTERRA oils to be best for my body. They are also the most tested and trusted essential oils world wide.

I will leave you with a few questions. What do you do now for selfcare? How often? How could you prioritize more selfcare or adjust your routine to enjoy your day more?

You are WORTHY of love! It starts with you then trickles out to all around you. - Candice Granger.

So do you do any of the Self Care things suggested by Candice?

I know that I picked up a few hints and reminders of ways that I can be kind to myself. I constantly am writing notes, there is always so much to do and remember. I love all the different ways and apps there are to keep track of what there is to do. I always treat myself to a yummy herbal tea or coffee while I work and of course I have my diffusers filled with either a new blend to try or one to help out the day. If you find you need oils in your life and would like more information on these tried and true essential oils check out my Ingenious Oils page on Facebook.