Last week I stumbled across a book describing Ayurveda (aka yoga’s sister science) and how to incorporate essential oils in your daily Ayurveda routine. 

Ayurveda is an incredibly beautiful (and richly complex) holistic practice that originated in India about thousands of years ago.  One element of the practice promotes self-care to help harmonize your heart, mind and body.

One of the self-care rituals the book suggested involves a quick 5-minute hand massage using five drops of gently warmed raw sesame oil (high in omega-6 fats + linoleic acid) mixed with one drop of wildcrafted frankincense (a powerful astringent and cytophylactic). You apply the oil blend directly to your hands. 

Each month, as a new mom, I’ve been trying to carve out small moments for self care. Needless to say, this recipe (and the totally-doable time investment) sounded ideal. I managed to do this routine four times last week and the mini-self-spa time felt oh-so-luxurious. 

Here’s what I do:

• Dim the lights. The Journal of Consumer Psychology recently posted this study discussing how softer light helps regulate emotions.

• Play “Dusk at the Taos Pueblo” by Massage Tribe on Spotify. It’s truly a rare-gem.

• Apply the oil blend to both hands.

• Take a deep breath. Focus on the smell of frankincense.

• Start your massage by rubbing the heel of your left hand—use your thumb in small circular motions. Next, transition to rubbing the palm of your hand in an upward circular stroke. Then gently, apply gentle pressure knuckles and each finger. Repeat with right hand.

My cuticles look impeccable. I feel revived and bit more aligned.

How do you take time for yourself? What small and simple routines make the biggest difference? I’d love to hear! Comment below with your thoughts.

XOXO,

Lemon