We’re well into January – how’s your New Year’s resolutions going?

Sometimes, motivation to keep going is in short supply especially at 6 AM on a cold wintry day. Yep, that new exercise routine seems mighty lofty when your bed is so very warm and you can smell coffee brewing.

I get it. While it’s not necessarily a New Year’s resolution, I’ve committed to move my body at least 4 days a week. I’m not getting any younger and I know that if I practice strength training, balance and lateral movements, my 99 year old self will be thankful that my younger self got motivated.

Getting motivated is one thing, but staying motivated is quite another.

How Essential Oils Can Help You Stick With Your Resolutions

Setting goals and taking action isn’t as easy at it looks. The life coach in me comes out in full force whenever I hear someone say they are beginning an exercise routine every morning for an hour or a walking program of 5 miles a day.

Mmhm…how long do you think that will last?

Jumping off a cliff with a brand new routine can set you up for failure before you even get started. Baby steps are much better and lets you inch your way into sticking with your goals.

Let’s say starting with 3 days a week for 20 minutes and working your hardest is a better way to go. Why? Because that’s basically every other day with a day of resting your body in between. Yes, you’ll be sore at first (stretching does help this) but as you get used to your routine, your body can adapt better when you change up the exercise.

Long time readers know just how much I believe in the power of pure essential oils to support healthy living. Through my careful training, I know that each oil has physical and energetic qualities to help your motivation and your sore muscles. Some companies have made them out to be the “latest fad” but they have been around for thousands of years. There’s both an art and science to them.

Let’s look at the art and science behind some essential oils that can help you keep those New Year’s resolutions.

• Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) energizes both mind and body; provides motivation to start your workout by circulating energy through the head. It also offers the mental clarity to stay focused while you exercise.
• Lemon (Citrus limon) has a component d-limonene that’s been shown to inspire positive emotions. Simply taking a big whiff of lemon can fill you with energy! D-limonene can also calm spasms. Use lemon before a workout to feel upbeat and protect your muscles.
• Peppermint (Mentha x peperita) is a stimulating and refreshing oil that awakens and stimulates your senses and improves your concentration.

Add two drops of each to your cold mist diffuser to wake up your senses and get you motivated for the day ahead.

After your workout and a hot shower, try using these oils to sooth your muscles:

• Juniper Berry (Juniperis communis) does a nice job of preventing muscles from tightening up after your workout. The warmth of juniper berry essential oil helps keep energy circulating through your body, while releasing knots of tension.
• Eucalyptus (Eucalyptus globulus) opens up your bronchial system to support your breath. And since it’s cooling, eucalyptus adds an “icy hot” feel in your massage oil for knots of muscle tension.
• Black Pepper (Piper nigrum) calms your cramps and keeps muscles warm after your workout.

Add two drops of each oil into 1 ounce of unscented body lotion or coconut oil and massage into your skin after a hot shower. You can also add a drop of Peppermint to enhance the “icy hot” sensation.

What other goals are you working towards?

Trying to quit smoking? Black Pepper, Grapefruit and Clove are all excellent choices to help curb the “urge”.

Beginning a new lifestyle change with your eating habits? Try using Peppermint, Lemon, Grapefruit and Ginger to keep you on track.

There’s way more to using pure essential oils than just making life smell better! They’re amazing gifts of nature to help you feel good physically and mentally as well. Oh, and they’ll help you with your New Year’s resolutions!

Want more information? Reach out through this quick contact form and let’s talk today!

Blessings,

Melissa

Hongratanaworakit, T. (2011). Aroma-therapeutic effects of massage blended essential oils on humans. Natural product communications, 6(8), 1934578X1100600838.