This holiday season, for many of us is all about comfort and feeling happy!  Let us lighten our loads and do it right now, so that we may maximize our enjoyment.  There are always things that we can let go of and do without for a short period.  Make way for good intentions and meaningful time spent making lasting, loving, treasured memories.

     Striking a balance, is it even possible?  Finding one’s balance can at times be almost effortless, other times it can be a struggle and even feel impossible.  Every year at some point in November, we buckle up and strive to achieve the perfect blend of stamina and nourishment that will carry us through to the New Year.  Maybe it all comes together and maybe it does not, either way there is no harm in trying to create a little organized chaos.

     Regardless of the point of balance that we reach, it is always good to engage in some sort of physical activity.  Let us do whatever it takes to fit in a workout, a walk, a run, playing in the yard with the kids.  It will help to clear our minds, we will become more focused, stress is not gone, but is lessened and those things that we have to do around the holidays (and in our everyday lives) that are not so joyful will not seem so bad.

     Solo or group acts of kindness to others in need can go along way in triggering that unconditional joyful feeling that lives deep within all of us.  I include solo because in reality, this is not for everyone.  Do not allow resistance from others to take away your joy, a force of one is better than none.

     Nurturing ourselves, it is essential to everyone’s happiness!  Relax and unwind using your own traditional methods or try some new ones.  Here is a favorite soaking recipe that I sometimes use:

     As the weather gets colder, skin usually gets drier. I know mine does! I can feel my skin nudging me to be sure to take extra special care of it during the colder season.
 
     So I am going to share with you my Top 10 Winter Body Care Keep-Me-Smooth Tips.
 
     As always, remember to take time out for yourself every day to care for the vessel that houses your spirit. When you feel better on the outside, I can almost guarantee that you will feel better on the inside. Invite the amazing aromas of essential oils contained in Aromatherapy skin care to awaken your senses and lead you on your journey to your pathway to presence.

1. Keep up your water intake - Most people tend to drink less water as the temperature drops. Try to drink room temperature water – it is better for your digestion too!   
2. Exfoliate! - I cannot say enough about what an important step this is. Develop a ritual of using a body scrub once a week (it takes less than 3 minutes to exfoliate your body). This will help remove dry, flaky skin and reveal your radiant, smooth, touchable skin. Plus, your moisturizer will do its job better.
3. Moisturize skin while wet - After your bath or shower, massage on body oil, then gently pat your skin dry with a soft towel. The water helps the natural plant oils sink in and hydrate your skin.
4. Keep shower and bath water not too Hot Hot Hot! - The hotter your water, the drier your skin! 
5. Avoid harsh chemicals - use natural products - Many people may become sensitive to the man-made chemicals, causing dry, itchy skin, that are in many body care products. Using natural ingredients, and organic whenever available, feels so much better and it is better for the earth. Just be sure to read ingredients because I know some people can be allergic to some natural ingredients as well (such as nuts).
6. Moisturize hands and feet every night - Your hands and feet are deserving of great care. Because we rely on them for so much they should always be taken care of year-round, but especially in the colder months. Massage your body oil (you just need a little) on them every night before going to sleep and I bet you will have sweeter dreams too.
7. Windy & Cold? Go under cover! - Protect your skin from the outdoor elements. Put on extra serum and moisturizer and also cover your skin with a scarf, hat, gloves and or neck warmer if you are going to be outside for long periods of time (maybe even put on some nice cozy thermal wear!)
8. Avoid the 3 moisture zappers! - alcohol, caffeine and smoking
9. Use a humidifier - Helps keep the moisture in your skin rather than the indoor heat zapping the moisture out of your skin.
10. Do not forget your scalp - Just because it is hidden, (unless of course you shave your head or are bald), does not mean it should be neglected! Put a little of your body oil, about a dime size, in your hands and rub it onto your scalp. Leave on for a few minutes before you shampoo or leave on overnight, then shampoo in the morning.

     Be sure to inhale in the magnificence of the essential oil aromas that calm and soothe mind, body and soul! 
Enjoy!



*Important Note: Before using any essential oils, check with your medical practitioner if you have any health concerns or conditions or if you are pregnant or nursing.

     Gina Rafkind is the owner and founder of VedaSun; a company whose mission is to be your Aromatherapy Luminary and inspire you to Break Out and unleash your vibrant inner being by enhancing your awareness practice of using your senses as a pathway to presence.

Visit http://www.vedasun.com to learn more and sign up for Gina’s free report, Break~Out, Be~Free.