“Self-care is giving the world the best of you instead of what’s left of you.” -Katie Reed

Practicing self care and compassion is more important than ever! In such unprecedented times with so much uncertainty in the world and most of us practicing “shelter in place”, self-care is crucial. Self-care comes in many forms so we would like to share with you some of our favorite practices that help keep us on track and be the best version of ourselves as possible.

Self Care Practices

• Change the dialogue and the story you are telling yourself if it is bringing you down

• Lavender - a great way relax, boost your mood and ward of illness

• Practice some form of exercise and keep your body moving!

So much of our wellbeing is based on what we decide to tell ourselves. The dialogue we carry around with us that is just a series of thoughts that may not even be true. Over the years with the help of many books and spiritual teachers, I have learned to question my thoughts and choose to change up the “self talk” to something more productive that will help me to move in the direction toward more of what I do want than what I don’t want. One of the books that really covers this topic is The Untethered Soul, by Michael A. Singer. A must read in our changed world!

Lavender is hands down our go to for self care and in times of trouble as it has been for centuries. With its disinfectant and antiseptic properties, it was even used to ward off the plague. It can kill pathogens in the air and in nasal sinuses and respiratory airways. It also is known to stimulates the immune system. In addition, lavender is hydrating (great for dried out over-sanitized hands), anti-microbial, and anti-inflammatory properties. It also acts as a nerve tonic and an antidepressant, boosting one's spirits as well!

Over the years, we have experimented with a lot of lavender products and the best we have ever found is Fleur de France. It all began when Joanne, a young mother, was looking for relief for her babies case of eczema. The doctors suggested cortisol, but her mother sent her lavender oil from the Luberon in France instead and within days it was gone and a lavender company was born. Joanne has since created a line of face and body products with only organic and the highest quality products from around the world. We have recently added them to our website for you to try for yourself.

Last but not least, let’s get out there and exercise! What are the benefits of exercise? Well, this may seem like a no-brainer because for most of our lives, we have been told to exercise. Not only does exercise help strengthen our muscles and keep our bodies in shape, it can help with a better night’s rest, put us in a better mood and decrease our risk of developing certain diseases. There are so many more reasons, so why not find a mode of exercise that suits you and get out there! We love our yoga practice every Friday with Andrea Bogart , pilates and simply walking around the block in the early morning always starts the day off on a good note.

STAY HEALTHY,

SARAH