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I am not a veterinarian nor am I an expert in using essential oils. There is a ton of information online about using essential oils with pets. Please be sure to do your research. I've learned that every dog is different and I've learned to go slowly as I find the right amounts and blends for each of my dogs. Two sources for more on using essential oil with pets are Dr. Melissa Shelton and Dr. Jodie Gruenstern.
I write A LOT about ways to raise healthier dogs. My focus has been on my dogs for years and thanks to everything I've learned about my dogs, I'm starting to take better care of myself and would love to share what I'm learning with you each Saturday. Fun, right? This blog post was originally published in July 2018 and then I completely spaced so I'm dusting it off in 2020 to start again. This is a great year to start looking for ways to chill the hell out.
I Lost More than 10 Pounds
I kept reading about the benefits of fasting for dogs, and before I got started, I decided to try it out for myself first. I follow a modified version of the 16/8 intermittent diet. I stop eating at 8 pm. I can drink water or tea (no sugar or cream), but that's it. I don't eat again until around 11:30 am the following day. I thought it would be hard, but it was surprisingly easy and as a result…
- I have more focus – ideas come to me quickly.
- I have more energy – I'm working out more.
- I sleep better.
- I have a happier mood.
- I'm losing weight.
Intermittent fasting, drinking tons of water, and exercising daily has been a huge contribution to weight loss and calming my mind. 2020 has been a stressful year for most and it's reminded me of the importance of self care.
Treating My Anxiety Naturally
Each of my dogs has some level of anxiety with Rodrigo leading the charge with a list of phobias that crack me up. Years ago, I decided to tackle his fears naturally. He doesn't harm himself or destroy things when he's afraid, he's simply uncomfortable, and a bit freaked out. CBD oil has worked wonders for him, so I decided to look for natural options to help ease my anxiety as well.
I've lived with anxiety and depression for decades. There was a period of time when my depression was so dark that I didn't know how I would make it through the day. Today, I can honestly say that I've never been happier and because I'm not alone, I want to share what I'm doing to help others.
Diet and exercise are important. Cutting way back on sugar (I'll never give it completely up) was the first step. Adding a probiotic to my diet was the next step. And I've been using a natural supplement for anxiety, and I joined a monthly essential oils club. I diffuse essential oils every day – a few drops in a large room is fine for me and safe for my dogs and cat. And I have a necklace that allows me to carry the scents around with me all day.
- Natural Balance Happy Camper – I take one or two capsules when I feel anxiety coming on.
- Plant Therapy – join the essential oil of the month club is an affordable way to learn about oils
10 Essential Oils for Anxiety
My favorite Plant Therapy essential oils for anxiety, which are a combination of scents known to provide calm and scents that I love that naturally calm me down, like Sandalwood and Citrus.
Workout While Watching the Housewives
I love TV, and I love Bravo! But why sit on the sofa and watch The Housewives when you can get a light workout in? I picked up a few things that help me get in shape while relaxing my mind and body:
- 3 lb exercise bands
- 5 lb kettlebells
- 3 lb wrist weights
- 5 lb ankle weights
- 10 lb medicine ball
- 3 lb, 5 lb, 8 lb, 10 lb, 15 lb dumbbells
I also invested in an elliptical which I rock on most of the year while listening to an Audible or reading on my Kindle (we're an Amazon household, for sure). During the summer, I walk the dogs around our property several times a day, using a FitBit HR to track my activity.
Essential Oil Recipes for Relaxation
I belong to the Plant Therapy “Oil of the Month” club and each month, I receive a subscription box from Simply Earth. I have oils coming out of my ears, and I love it. The following recipes are from my Simply Earth subscription box. What I love about the subscription box is that most everything I need to make these recipes is included.
Diffuser Relaxing Summers Day
- 1 Drop Marjoram essential oil
- 1 Drop Lime essential oil
Add essential oils in a diffuser (I prefer to use ultrasonic cool mist humidifiers) and enjoy the relaxing scent of a bright summer day. I diffuse this in my office when I'm working.
Relaxing Clay Scrub
- 2 tbsp Kaolin clay
- 1 tsp oatmeal
- 2 tsp finely ground soap
- 20 drops carrier oil
- 15 drops lime essential oil
Blend the Kaolin clay, oatmeal and ground soap in a blender (I use my mixer). Add the carrier oil and the lime essential oil slowly while mixing. That's it! Spoon your mixture into a jar, and you're done.
To use the clay scrub, spoon about a half a teaspoon of the scrub into the palm of your hand. Combine it with a small amount of warm water before massaging it into your face. Rinse with water to remove.
- CLICK HERE to check out Simply Earth. It's truly a fantastic deal for people who love to use essential oils.
- CLICK HERE to read my review of Simply Earth.
- Check out my full inventory of essential oils; I have over 150!
Interesting in reading more about being a dog mom? Check out my second blog, Dog Mom Style!
