Best Essential Oils for Anxiety

Posted on April 9, 2020 by Krissyar

With everything that is going on I have to admit, it’s given me a bit of anxiety. The stress of keeping your family safe, homeschooling your kid, worrying about your bills, and wondering if we will ever get out of the house again! It can build up and really cause anxiety to start in. I’m not big for prescription anxiety meds (which if they help you, that’s great!) I prefer to try some natural remedies whenever possible. Recently I have been trying my hand at essential oils – I believe there is a place for for modern medicine, and that there is also a place for natural remedies and help as well. So through my journey these have been the best essential oils for anxiety that I’ve found.

Aromatherapy is one of the best ways to use essential oils to help improve your well-being. By stimulating the smell receptors in your nose, they can send a message to your nervous system. They also are known to have a subtle effect on the body’s chemical and energy systems. Aromatherapy is often used as a natural remedy to relieve anxiety and stress.

The FDA doesn’t regulate essential oils, so make sure to do your research. You should only use pure, therapeutic grade oils that do not contain synthetic fragrances. If the price of an oil seems too good to be true, it probably is!

With most essential oils you will want to dilute them with a carrier oil before you apply them to your skin. This actually helps protect your skin so it’s not irritated, and actually helps get the oil deeper into your skin. For about every 15 drops of oil, you want to dilute with about 1 oz of carrier oil, such as fractured coconut oil.

Some essential oils are safe for ingestion, however again, please make sure you do your research. To be honest I wouldn’t ingest anything but Doterra or Young Living oils (everyone has their preference, and also certain oils are not made to ingest, no matter what the brand, so make sure that you are super careful!)

best essential oils for anxiety

Lavender

Lavender oil is often considered a must-have oil to keep on hand at all times due to its versatile uses, including calming and relaxing properties that promote peaceful sleep and ease feelings of tension when used internally

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity

Bergamot

With both calming and uplifting abilities, Bergamot oil can dissipate anxious feelings while simultaneously providing cleansing and purifying benefits. A 2015 study in the journal Forschende Komplementärmedizin (Research in Complementary Medicine) found that people who inhaled bergamot essential oil (diffused with water vapor) had reduced levels of stress hormones, improved mood, and reduced fatigue when compared with a control group.

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in 4 fl. oz. of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

With multiple health benefits from internal use and an uplifting, energizing aroma when used aromatically. Sweet orange essential oil, extracted from the peel of the orange fruit, has been shown to improve markers of post-traumatic stress disorder in mice. And in a 2015 randomized clinical trial published in the Iranian Journal of Nursing and Midwifery Research, women in labor who were exposed to orange essential oil had lower anxiety scores than those exposed to distilled water

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

Chamomile

A 2015 review published in the Asian Pacific Journal of Tropical Biomedicine noted that chamomile’s “antianxiety, stress relieving properties ease out depression, worry, and overactive mind. Its use before sleep for bath can relax both mind and body and brings on sleep, with a peaceful and spiritual awareness

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of your choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity

 

Basil

The spicy, yet herbal nature of Basil oil makes it a versatile oil that can be used to create a calm, relaxed environment or to add a little extra flavor while cooking. According to a 2015 study Trusted Source on mice, the phenol compounds in sweet basil oil helped relieve anxiety. These compounds were found to be less sedating than the anxiety medication diazepam.

Diffusion: Use three to four drops in the diffuser of choice.
Internal use: Dilute one drop in four fluid ounces of liquid.
Topical use: Apply one to two drops to desired area. Dilute with a carrier oil to minimize any skin sensitivity.

 

So far these are the best oils for anxiety that I have found  – as I delve deeper into the essential oil world, I will make sure I update this post!

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How Dangerous is Your Job? Discover 5 Dangerous Vocations Here

Posted on April 8, 2020 by Krissyar

Do you have a dangerous job? Or do you wish your regular 9-5 was a little less, regular? For most people a bad day at work usually involves sleeping in, arriving late and missing a deadline or two, but for some people, a bad day at work can be life-threatening! 

From injuries to illness and even death – click here if you’re looking for a lawyer – some people really do take their lives in their own hands regularly. So, what are the most dangerous jobs out there? And what makes them so dangerous? Read on to discover 5 dangerous vocations below.

Loggers

Working in the middle of nowhere, miles away from any real medical support, large falling objects, trip hazards, falling from great heights, chainsaws, blades and heavy machinery – need I go on? Logging work is some of the most dangerous work in the entire country. The roles involved are incredibly, physically demanding and loggers are required to work outdoors in most weathers. Often making conditions even more treacherous. 

Fishing work/trawlermen

When we order seafood at our favorite restaurant, we give very little thought to how it got to our plates. Believe it or not, it’s one of the most dangerous vocations in the world that allow you to eat seafood regularly. Fisherman and trawlermen work out at sea, in physically demanding conditions, battling high seas and dangers such as slipping overboard, capsizing boats, drowning, getting caught in lines and nets and that’s just for starters. 

Taxi drivers

Getting into a cab sounds like a pretty normal thing to do. However, your driver is actually in one of the most dangerous professions out there. Professional drivers are of course, more likely to be involved in car accidents and they’re also exposed to dangerous people at night, thieves and other dangerous people. Working late hours and being in stressful scenarios most of the time also makes the job incredibly demanding on their mental health.

Electricians

From installing a new outlet to rewiring an entire house, electricians are multi-skilled people, however, it doesn’t always stop them from being exposed to life-threatening and often fatal accidents. Electrical burns, slips, trips and falls, as well as electrocution, are the biggest dangers electricians face. 

Agricultural workers

Whether they’re working with animals or dealing with heavy machinery out in the fields, agricultural workers are in some of the most dangerous jobs. Slips, trips, fatal incidents with machinery, animal bites and accidents and more! 

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Dating Under Quarantine

Posted on April 7, 2020 by Krissyar

If you are social person, especially a single one, this quarantine has been a rough one. When you are used to running around here to there and hanging out with your friends, going on dates, and just enjoying your life – there is still a way for you to be dating under quarantine. Here’s some tips on dating under quarantine:

Take a Virtual Museum Tour

With amazing apps, like Zoom, you can share your share and share the amazing experience of visiting the Louvre, the Metropolitan Museum of Art or even the Sistine Chapel – all from the comforts of your couch. It can be a great ‘internet’ date that can spark some great conversations that you might normally not have.

Dinner Delivery “Surprise”

If you are dating someone (or someones) casually, they probably know a decent amount about you. Maybe by this point you would have invited them over for dinner. Since we can’t do that right now, exchange addresses for a surprise takeout night that also helps support a local business. Set a time for delivery and schedule your favorite local dish to be delivered to their doorstep; get on Zoom or FaceTime and have ‘dinner together’ and see how they like your favorite meal. Definitely a fun virtual date night!

“Visit” the Zoo

Break out the Zoom and share your screen with your date and do a virtual zoo tour, or even a wildlife cam. Watch a baby eagle eat breakfast, watch the elephants play with their toys, or the polar bears take a plunge. You can even view the wolves in Minnesota, or see the gorillas in the Congo!

Not Dating Seriously Yet?

If you hadn’t met a special someone yet – here’s your time to shine. Everyone is online dating right now, so here’s your time to find the best site to meet your special someone, like the Glasgow dating site. Feel a bit more mature than those on a typical dating site? There are sites like over 50s dating in Glasgow that might be just the right fit for you.

Netflix Party

You can Zoom or Facetime while binging on a new show together, or laugh and crack jokes watching crazy documentaries like the Tiger King. You can learn a lot about a person based on what they watch! Sure you can’t cuddle up in person, but this is the next bst thing.

Play Games Online Together

You can play Scrabble, chess or card games. Be on the phone ,or FaceTime while you play so it ‘feels’ in person. It’s fun to challenge and even trash talk each other – competition is good for any relationship!

Get Your Dance On

Hundreds of fitness trainers and celebrities are live streaming their workouts to make working at home even easier. (Hello Chris Hemsworth, aka Thor). So schedule a time to take this class together -from afar – and have some fun! They even have some dance only based work outs that will make your heart race. Pop open the Zoom video and get your booties moving!

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Seamless vs. Seamed: What Gutter System Is Best for My Home?

Posted on April 6, 2020 by Krissyar

Gutter systems are just as essential to your house as the HVAC unit, plumbing system, or electrical wiring. Without an efficient gutter system, your home can fall victim to flooding, water damage, and cracks in the foundation, to name a few. Despite the importance of gutters systems to everyone’s homes, they are often an afterthought on the list of repairs, upgrades, and renovations. When it comes time to get a new gutter system for your home, you should not hesitate.

Gutter systems are an investment in your house. You should take the same amount of consideration you use on appliances, roofing, and floors when deciding on the next gutter system for your home. Gutter systems come in several different materials and styles, but there are two distinct categories of gutters: seamless and seamed. Find out which gutter system is right for your home so that you can keep your home safe from water damage for years to come.

Seamed Gutter Systems

Seamed gutter systems are more commonly found in homes because they are relatively inexpensive and easy to install. These gutters require regular maintenance to avoid debris build, which can eventually lead to more severe problems like clogs and water leaks. Homeowners should clean their seamed gutters three to four times a year, making sure it’s free of leaves, sticks, and other debris. This traditional style of gutter system comes in a variety of materials with vinyl, aluminum, and stainless steel are the most popular.

Vinyl Gutters – Vinyl is one of the most common choices for gutters because it is lightweight and easy to install. Vinyl will not rust in the elements; however, it is susceptible to damage from severe weather.

Aluminum Gutters – Like vinyl, aluminum gutters are lightweight and will not rust. The advantage to aluminum over vinyl is that it is a better option for colder climates. Aluminum can become dent or bent from hail or other weather conditions.

Stainless Steel Gutters – Although these gutters are more expensive, they are the sturdiest among seamed gutter systems. Stainless steel gutters hold up well in extreme weather conditions and are not easily damaged.

Seamless Gutter Systems

A relatively new option is a seamless gutter system, which is often referred to as maintenance-free. Each brand of seamless gutter systems uses different materials, which are specifically engineered to make them seamless. These materials are durable, holding up well in thunder and hailstorms as well as ice and snow.

A seamless gutter system is created to fit your home, allowing it to have fewer joints for the best possible functionality. This design prevents debris buildup, allowing only water to flow through the gutters and downspouts. In addition to debris buildup, seamless gutter systems are less likely to develop other damages, such as leaks and cracks.

Since seamless gutters are specially made using your home measurements, they are the more expensive option. Many homeowners find the cost of seamless gutter systems to be worthwhile because of their durability and resilience. Additionally, the fact that there is little to no upkeep required makes these gutters very appealing to individuals who value convenience over cost. Many of these maintenance-free gutter companies offer warranties to ensure each homeowner who installs these systems gets the best possible product.

Although seamless gutter systems may appear to be the better choice, this isn’t necessarily the case. When deciding which gutter system is better for you home, you need to weigh the pros and cons. Ask yourself if you live in an area that would make a seamless gutter system worth the cost. If you live in a mild climate that sees little rain, the answer is probably no. However, your home may see all four seasons, in which case installing a seamless gutter system could be a wonderful investment in your home. The idea of any home renovation projects is to get the best ROI. As the homeowner, you will have to decide which type of gutter system is the most appropriate option for your home. The important thing to remember is that you should not wait to fix or replace your gutters, because waiting could lead to expensive damages no matter where you live.

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DIY Spa Treatments at Home

Posted on April 1, 2020 by Krissyar

These are weird times; though worrying about what is going on in the world is important, sometimes its just as important to turn off the news, take a hiatus from Facebook and Twitter,  and just decompress.
Besides just shopping and eating out (which I really miss) I also miss treating myself. By this time I’ve usually added some highlights and gotten a pedicure. But since that isn’t possible, I started doing some DIY spa treatments at home to make me feel a little closer to ‘normal’.

Thankfully places like Amazon, Ulta and Sephora are still shipping (though it may take a few extra days) so if you don’t have this at home or even your local Walgreens or CVS you can order online and try it in a few days!

Foot Peel Mask
So this is one I LOVE but don’t always have a chance to do except in the winter. This foot peel is amazing, you can use it on dead skin, cracked heels, or even callouses. This is pretty much your at home pedicure without the dangerous tools. You soak your feet with this mask for about 20 minutes or so, and then wash off. Within a few days you’ll start to notice the dead skin peeling off your feet, which can be pretty icky if you aren’t wearing shoes that cover your feet! So since you are at home, just make sure you have socks clean to keep all the dead skin from getting all over your floors. Your feet will be so soft and smooth!

Foot Pedicure/Spa 
You can use this foot spa along with your foot peel, that offers a soothing vibrating massage that is deep enough to fully immerse your feet for relaxing! Easy toe touch control for foot massage vibration, and has a splash guard  as well.

Self Tanner
Another great thing you can try right now is self tanner! Find out what is best for you, but I have read great reviews on this Own Your Glow kit from Sephora. I ordered it myself, so I will let you know how it turns out. (I also ordered this gradual tanner as well) You actually add drops to your regular moisturizer, so you can add a drop or two, or more if needed, to get the base tan you want. Perfect time to experiment!

Hair Masks
There are several out there, but one of my favorites is the apple cider vinegar scalp scrub and hair rinse. It’s pretty amazing and on sale right now at Sephora. They also have a pretty amazing over night hair mask as well.

Temporary Hair Color
Wanted to see what you’d look like with silver hair? blue? Maybe darker or lighter? Try some temporary hair color (I would not go permanent lol) You have some time for it to fade, so play around and have some fun!

Nail Dipping Powder Starter Set 
A good way to practice doing your own nails, this starter set is perfect for giving you a pretty awesome at home manicure. I need to let my nails grow a little before I try this, but its definitely on my list!

Face Masks
I don’t always have time for them because a lot of them have to stay on for so long, so quarantine time is the perfect time to give a few a shot. Some of my favorites are a Deep Sea Mud Mask or carbonated Bubble Clay Mask (feels weird, but does its job). I have used both of these specific brands and I like them a lot. You can also try lip masks,eye masks, and even butt masks to help exfoliate and give you clean and clear shimmering skin!

You can also make your own homemade bath bombs to try out (those are a lot of fun) massage bars and even your own moisturizing foot cream! Let me know of some of your favorite DIY Spa Treatments at home and I’ll make sure to share!

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