SELF CARE SUMMER:

Self Care Summer: The sweet smells of summer are upon us: freshly mowed grass, the salty sea air, sunscreen, bug spray, and gorgeous flowers!  I love this time of year as we move into warm, sunny days and late sunsets. Summer is an amazing experience for the senses.

For my family, it means my son’s baseball games, swimming in the lake (or pool), and celebrating birthdays, graduations, and barbeques. Summer is a busy time, and self-care can sometimes fall by the wayside. Changes in schedules, busy vacations and parties can leave us depleted and exhausted. It is vital to move with ease, give ourselves grace, and nourish ourselves. I am constantly working on my nutritional needs, attempting to regulate my sleep, and being more consistent with my yoga practice. Some days it goes well, others it does not. But progress, not perfection, is a mantra I keep reminding myself of.

One of my favorite self-care moments to take is adding some of my favorite oils to an inhaler to carry around with me. This time of year I love citrus mixed with herbs: Sweet Orange and Rosemary, Lemon and Lavender or Red Mandarin and Thyme. These keep me relaxed, focused, and uplifted, while also inspiring grounding to help me manage my busy schedule.

I also think it is important to schedule a massage or some form of bodywork during the summer. Some time on the table helps us resettle and calm the mind- something we could all benefit from.

I hope you have a fabulous summer, and do at least one thing a day, no matter how small, to be good to yourself. You deserve it!

SPRING BREAK!

The transition from winter to spring is powerful, energetic and chaotic. As we shift and the days get longer, and warmer and the snow and ice melt away, we feel an awakening in our bodies, hearts and minds. This is a wonderful time of year to start walking outside, doing yoga or stretching, engange in some energy work, and recieve massage!

I also love using essential oils in my spring cleaning. Whether its via cleaning products, room diffusers or linen sprays, it is a wonderful to open the windows and enjoy some aromatic air! 

Spring is a busy time for all if us. Yardwork, spring cleaning and busy schedules can leave us feeling overwhelmed and tired. Take your time, allow yourself rest and pace yourself! I have a packed schedule this spring between teaching, travelling, massage work and the AMTA conference in Syracuse, New York. I will be sure to carve some time out for myself!

I wish you a happy and healthy April! Time to spring forward!

Much love, Erica

MARCH-BRIGHTER DAYS AHEAD

We are finally shaking off the long winter and moving into the most transitional months of the year. March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb, and it is important to stay the course with ourselves. Spring is coming and we need to prep our bodies, minds and spirit for the change. March is a great month to readdress our goals and our new years resolutions. Start planting seeds, walking outdoors and cleaning out the closets. Create space for new energy and rebirth. Enjoy nourishing food, herbal tea and rest, so we can embrace the brighter days. I love florals in my diffusers this time of year: hyssop, lavender, geranium, and rhododendron.  Floral oils are uplifting, supportive and nerve supportive. A few drops of a single note or a blend can set the tone and inspire creativity. I wish you all a wonderful spring- keep blooming!