Self-Care Saturday: Essential Oils

Sometimes I feel like an apothecary. A corner of my kitchen is dedicated to little bottles and vials of fragrant oils used for all sorts of maladies. But since I read a lot of fantasy and enjoy Colonial Williamsburg, I guess it’s fitting.

Also, essential oils are a perfect self-care strategy in the classroom and at home. If you’ve been curious about essential oils but haven’t taken the plunge, you can sign up or learn more here.

Some essential oils can stimulate focus and attention. I recommend diffusing these during tests or other intense lessons, or even while watching a film to prevent sleep :). You could also diffuse them at home while slogging through a late-night grading sesh.

Other oils can be diffused to bring calm and relaxation, perfect for a mindfulness activity with students, or after school to help you, Teacher-Friend, unwind after your last class or before bed with a mug of tea.

I use Young Living essential oils because they are of the highest and purist quality. Young Living owns their own farms and has Seed to Seal quality control over their products. When you do decide to make essential oils a part of your mental health and wellness, I highly recommend Young Living.

Some of my favorite Young Living oils to diffuse:

Lavender and Cedarwood: Smells ah-maz-ing, cues my crazy brain to slow down and shut down for sleep. You can substitute Copaiba if you don’t have Cedarwood.

Lavender, Peppermint, and Lemon: This combo supports clean air and respiratory health. What classroom wouldn’t benefit from that?

Thieves and Lemon: Do you teach middle schoolers after lunch? Or anyone after PE? You need this blend in your classroom. Odors-away!

Citrus Fresh and Lemon: Mood enhancing. A great way to greet your students and start the day 🙂

Some of my favorite Young Living oils to use topically:

I usually combine complementary oils into rollers that I can just carry in my purse. These are some of go-to recipes. [Obvious reminder not to actually apply these to or share with your students]

Focus Roller: 15 drops Lavender, 15 drops Cedarwood, 15 drops Vetiver, and fill the rest with carrier oil (I use fractionated coconut oil).

Immunity Roller: 5 drops Thieves, 5 drops Frankincense, 5 drops Oregano, 5 drops Lemon, and fill the rest with carrier oil.

Happy Roller: 10 drops Orange, 10 drops Bergamot, 10 drops Joy, and fill the rest with carrier oil.

Happy New Year, Teacher-Friend! You can find these oils here. Cheers to wellness in your classroom, your body, and your home!