Make the Most of Your Snow Day

Snow days are bound to happen. Whether you fear to venture out, can’t leave the driveway, or just plain don’t want to go anywhere, your day might be drastically changed from what you had originally planned or envisioned.

Start your “new” day by diffusing an invigorating scent. My personal favorite lately has been nutmeg oil. Its spicy scent makes for an energizing feel.  https://www.youngliving.com/en_US/products/nutmeg-essential-oil

While your oil is diffusing, come up with a “new” plan. Whether you desire to be a couch potato, or to get some chores done, outline for yourself in general, what you would like to accomplish. Make the most of your time by coming up with a loose plan of saying “Lunch at noon, dinner at six” and fill in the holes from there. If you have a difficult time staying on task (like I often do), dedicate yourself to a specific amount of time and then reward yourself.

Take my chores plan as an example. If I’m watching television, I will get up during the commercials and put things away, vacuum, take the dogs out for a quick potty break, etc. I’m working AND rewarding myself and therefore I have a hard time feeling guilty – especially when I’m having a rough day.

You could also do, say, one load of dishes, then read a chapter in a book you’ve been reading. This works especially well for things you don’t want to do but have to get done. I always tell my students the same thing. It will help if you continue diffusing oil known for mental clarity or energy. If you have had enough of diffusing, you can also rub a drop or two of oil (that is a non-irritant to your skin) into your palms, and inhaling every so often. Try this with Young Living’s frankincense, eucalyptus radiata, or ginger. Avoid direct sunlight when using oils topically and always dilute with a small amount of carrier oil if necessary.

Throughout your snow day, whenever you get up and go somewhere else in your home, pick up an item or two and take it with you to its home. For example, if someone left dishes in the basement, and you are down there, bring up a dirty bowl to the sink the next time you come upstairs. If you’re in the bathroom washing your hands, take out the trash. If you went to grab the mail, take the opportunity to put away some shoes.

Snow days often call for comfort food. I highly recommend a cup of cocoa with peppermint. Peppermint is an aromatic plant that has an energizing property – hence its use in MANY medical and health products. It is also edible! Put a drop or two into a cup of your cocoa for that nostalgic candy-cane taste! (Always consult your doctor before ingesting any oil.)

If you’re feeling extra lazy on your snow day, take the opportunity to pamper yourself. Mix up a salt bath soak. It’s super easy! Read my prior post for the recipe: http://theessentialwife.blogspot.com/2016/12/migraine-help.html . During your bath, you could catch up on your social media, watch an episode of your favorite show, or read a book. The soothing aromas of your bath will help you relax and release your snow day stress.

If you’re the type of person who wants to get a few things done, here are some ideas for your snow day:

• ·         Completely empty a closet, clean the interior, then put things back. While putting things away, separate out what you don’t need, don’t use, or can’t use.
• ·         Move everything out of a bedroom (or office) that you can, and deep clean the floors and walls. Shampoo the carpet (if you have a carpet cleaner). When returning everything to the room later on, create more function and organization by putting things together in places that are easy to find.
• ·         Take everything out of your kitchen cabinets, clean out all the cabinets’ interiors, and exteriors, before putting things back.

If you’re more in the mood for family time or lazy time, gather everyone you live with around for a game that you don’t normally play due to time constraints. Try Monopoly, Risk, Axis & Allies, Carcassonne, Mexican Train, Phase 10, or another longer game that you have access to. If you’re not into tabletop/card games, get out a super difficult puzzle and have everyone work together to try and complete it before the day is over.

Whatever it is you do or you plan, come up with some great ways to incorporate oils. Whether it’s to diffuse, to bathe, to eat/drink, your oils can give you an extra boost throughout your day.