Put some Lavender in Your Life

Incorporate some Lavender into your life! Not only does it smell wonderful, Lavender can be used for lots of little things. Put lavender bubble bath in your tub, as a result you'll be relaxed and smell lovely. Put a satchel with lavender flowers under your pillow to help you sleep. Lavender infused tea soothes and relaxes at bedtime. Rubbing lavender oil on your temples can help with a headache. Essential oil of lavender even has antiseptic and anti inflammatory properties. If you live near or are visiting an area that has a lavender farm I highly recommend spending an afternoon there. It is an experience for all of your senses. The purple flowers blowing in the wind are a visual feast, and being surrounded by the smell of lavender is intoxicating. If you get close to the bushes you will hear the buzzing of the busy bees, and you can carefully touch the velvet petals of the flowers. Most lavender farms will have a little gift shop where lavender goodies will be sold, so make sure to treat your taste buds to make your visit to the lavender farm a complete sensory experience. NY Times even did a piece about the joys of visiting a lavender farm, you can read it here.

A little Lavender goes a long way.

And that's your daily good thing!

Kula Lavender Farm in Upcountry Maui

Leaping in LavenderFields of Purple

Lip Balm

If you are having an especially hectic or busy day, give yourself just a minute to catch your breath, and put on some lip balm. Sounds silly but it can be very soothing to take a moment to relax and enjoy the sensation putting on chap stick. Find a flavor that you like (I especially like mint or cherry) and you might be pleasantly surprised by how a familiar lip balm not only soothes chapped lips but how the smell can have a calming effect.
A good lip balm might seem frivolous, but it is necessary in extreme temperatures. Make sure to get one with SPF. I try to always have a good lip balm in my bag or in my pocket. Try different flavors and brands to find the one that suits you, or have a few on hand so you can choose depending on your mood.

And that's your daily good thing!

Wind Down

After a long or stressful day, take a moment to wind down. Have a nice hot cup of tea. Herbal teas are especially great for relaxing. Try chamomile, mint, or my personal favorite "sweet dreams" or "sleepy time" which is a blend of chamomile and mint with other relaxing herbs. If you are not a tea person, try hot chocolate or another non-caffeinated soothing drink, like hot cider. Take the time to enjoy it. Find a quiet place, put on some nice music, and don't think about work or cleaning the house or what you have to do tomorrow. Just take a few moments to unwind. A great way to end your day is to take an extra long shower, get into comfy clothes, and sit down with your hot drink and wind down.

and that's your daily good thing!