Happy "Oily Days"

Ok ok, bad puns and all... The holidays are upon us!

And with the holidays come sniffles, sneezes, and generally vulnerable immune systems...

I’m going to give you a couple of quick tips to keep your home and workplaces feeling festive, and at the same time to safeguard your health during the busy, sometimes stressful days ahead.

Ready?

Number One: Bring Thieves Wherever You Go!

I always get a chuckle out of telling people this, but seriously- the combination of oils is a power-packed protector against a wide range of bacteria, molds, and viruses. Plus, the superantioxidant Clove has a smell that many folks associate with winter holidays anyway, so you get an “air-freshener” that is not only non-toxic, it is actually Good For You! I diffuse it, spritz it, and take it internally if I’m starting to feel depleted (a few drops in a capsule with v-6 oil, or the pre-made Inner Defense softgels).

When traveling I always rub Thieves oil on the bottoms of my feet, carry the hand sanitizer and lozenges with me, and spray my hotel room with the spritzer. I usually offer a bottle of the foaming handsoap as a gift to my hosts- they really love it, and it’s a great introduction to more natural things than most folks have in their guest bathrooms (and I have something I trust to use while I’m there).

Number Two: Diffuse, diffuse, diffuse!

Whether you are using the elegant Aria or the Efficient TheraPro, getting Young Living Oils in the air will benefit everyone. Unlike toxic air “fresheners”, our oils carry physical and emotional benefits along with fresh and lively scents. Balsam fir is reminiscent of cut trees, without the mess and with all the health benefits- for respiratory soothing and general uplifting of spirits, it’s a great winter companion. Frankincense is also a nice choice, as are any of the citrus oils. Experiment and discover your own holiday signature.

Number Three: Get it on you!

Consider Valor or Stress Away as your cologne of choice, or offer everyone a little dab of Joy... get creative and keep your favorites close at hand. One member in my group started offering bedtime foot rubs to the kids in her family. She made sure to apply Peace and Calming each time- not only did the kids quiet down and rest peacefully, they began looking forward to bedtime!

Number Four: Get it in you!

Keep a bottle of NingXia Red right alongside the other imbibements. An anti-oxidant boost with added essential oils will go a long way to making sure any indulgence is tempered with great self-care. Consider recipes that include Young Living oils. Maple-glazed nuts with cinnamon oil added at the end, a drop of tangerine while the cranberries cool, a drop of nutmeg in the eggnog... remember start small and add only add to heated foods once the cooling has begun.

Number Five: Give it Away!

For frugal gift giving, here’s one sure bet: you, a box of ziplock baggies, a few pounds of epsom salts and a bottle of your favorite oil. Combine salt and oil, shake well, give it a clever name and label it. Done!

Another trick~ Young Living’s unscented shower gel, empty bottles, your favorite oil. Combine, Shake, and Give. Don’t forget the clever name. My favorite? “A Wash With Gratitude”.

I also love to give mini bottles full of my favorite oils, and bunches of little things like lip balms, hand sanitizers, and for that one joker in my family with the huge stocking- NingXia Red!

You can always take the easy road and let Young Living ship it for you- their Holiday Gift Catalog even features a number of item already packaged up in holiday finery.

A great compliment to a gift of Young Living oils is a bit of support in using them, and understanding how vastly different they are from what many people think of when they hear “aromatherapy”. Consider inviting your gift recipients to a little get-together to explore the oils more in-depth, once the holiday bustle is over. They will welcome the chance to reconnect with you, and develop a deeper understanding of what a profound gift they have received. What better way to welcome the New Year than helping people discover natural ways to wellness?

Most important,

HAVE FUN! Love your people, be good to yourself, and stay in touch with your Young Living Family. We love you.