Today, I want to share three very creative, yet unconventional self-care ideas. They are different from the traditional bubble bath or massage that we would normally think of as regular self-care activities. So let’s get right to it.

1. Essential Oils

Essential oils have become very popular lately, and I have personally benefited from their use. I recently visited a naturopath who told me that the cortisol levels within my body were too low. This meant that my adrenal glands were severely fatigued. The naturopath recommended that I go take adrenal support supplements and make adjustments to my diet. I didn’t stick with the diet, but I took the supplements as recommended. But I felt that I was on a never-ending cycle of taking supplements.

My friend then recommended using essential oils for my adrenal fatigue. She ordered them for me from the Young Living brand. They are Endoflex and Nutmeg. So I mixed these with fractionated coconut oil in a roller bottle, and then I started applying that on my lower and mid back every day. I gradually weaned myself off the adrenal support supplements, and I have basically replaced my supplements with the roller bottle! It’s been three months since I last took the supplements.

I’ve also used peppermint to help ease my headache pains, and it has worked really well for me. Peppermint also works really well for motivation too. Sometimes I’ll put it on my wrists before I get started with work or I’ll put it behind my ears or on my chest. Even just holding the bottle right up to my nose and inhaling the peppermint smell can motivate me.  Some other essential oils I use are Breathe and Balance Oil from doTERRA. I use the Breathe oil when I’m congested or have allergies, and I use the Balance oil for stress relief.

2. Hypnotherapy

Some of you may be skeptical on this one. I’ll admit, my only knowledge of hypnosis had come from watching TV shows where people are being hypnotized with the pocket watch, and suddenly their eyes glaze over. I did my research and I actually decided to use hypnosis techniques during both children’s labor and delivery. I am living proof that this works.

Remember, hypnosis is  a relaxed state of consciousness, and it’s basically like a guided daydream and not mind control. Hypnosis uses guided relaxation, usually in the form of an audio script, and it uses intense concentration and focused attention to achieve a heightened state of awareness. During hypnosis, you’re neither asleep nor unconscious. You are always in complete control and you can always come out of hypnosis whenever you wish.

The  hypnosis that I used during my pregnancy retrained my subconscious by meditating on positive affirmations about childbirth and how my body was designed for it.  I would lay in bed every night and listen to these hypnosis tracks and they would instantly put me in a really deeply relaxed state as soon as I heard the music. It was incredible you guys! Even to this day, I can remember my hypnosis cues which was peace. So anytime that I want to, I can use my cue ‘peace’ to enter a deeply relaxed state to diminish pain. The program that I used for childbirth is called Hypnobabies, and you can check out their website for more information.

Hypnosis is not just for pregnancy and childbirth. There are so many different ways that you can utilize hypnotherapy. Things such as addiction, depression, and anxiety, healthy eating, self-confidence self-esteem, and even parenting.  I want to direct you to this website (which also has an app) to purchase hypnosis tracks, and this is at hypnosisdownloads.com. So I definitely recommend you guys give it a try if you haven’t used hypnotherapy before.

3. Chiropractic Care

The last creative unconventional self-care idea I have for you is chiropractic care.  I started to visit the chiropractor when I was very young with my parents, as they would go occasionally. I got adjusted maybe a couple times in my childhood. When I entered into adulthood, I had to visit the chiropractor due to an injury I had after running the San Diego Rock and Roll Marathon.  During the run, my legs went completely numb, like they fell asleep during the last 6 miles of the marathon. I returned home from the marathon and my legs returned to normal, and then eventually I went to the chiropractor.

That visit to the chiropractor revealed that there were subluxations in my spine, basically the curvature of my spine changes based on the  activity I’m doing or the environment I’m in. The discomfort I felt was as a result of this curvature in my spine. I went through extensive care with my chiropractor for about three months of going three times a week and doing exercises to realign my spine. 

X-rays also showed that my spine leading right up to my neck was curved too much and putting a lot of pressure on my neck. This may have contributed to my frequent headaches. By going regularly to the chiropractor, I was able to straighten that curve in my spine and relieve the pressure off of my neck. This really helped to alleviate my headaches.  I was sold on the power of chiropractic care and my entire family, including my husband and my children, go to the chiropractor on a regular basis.

I hope that you guys have found today’s post to be informational, but also fun and eye-opening to try some different ideas. If you have tried any other unconventional self-care ideas, please feel free to share with me. I’m always open to trying new things! If you enjoyed today’s post, I would love for you share it with other mamas and share it on Instagram and tag me @thepurposegathering!

As always mama, I am here rooting for you and you are not alone on this journey.

Resources

• Join our Facebook Community
• Find me on Instagram: @thepurposegathering
• Website: thepurposegathering.com
• Free Masterclass: Productivity with a Purpose
• Hypnosis Resources: Hypnobabies and Hypnosis Downloads