Shower Yourself

by Cheng-Ling Chen — January 23, 2008

Exercise helps you stay healthy and feel great about yourself. The last thing you want to do is get injured by overdoing it (see yesterday's article about how to avoid going overboard). Take time to treat your body to a little pampering. Concoct a special shower oil for those days when you've done too much or just feel tired and achy. Here's a recipe from holistic spa expert Barbara Close.

What You'll Need (makes 1 ounce)
1-ounce bottle or container
1 ounce carrier oil (can be as simple as the olive oil, safflower oil, or sunflower oil from your kitchen or fancier alternatives like sweet almond oil, avocado oil, grapeseed oil, or jojoba oil)
7 drops juniper essential oil
3 drops lemon essential oil
4 drops grapefruit essential oil

To Prepare
Fill the bottle halfway with your choice of carrier oil. Add the other essential oils and mix well. Add the rest of the carrier oil and mix again.

Treat Yourself
Stand under a hot shower for a few minutes. Follow immediately with cold water for a few seconds. If you want a more relaxing effect, go for a shorter spray of cold water. For a more rejuvenating effect, leave the cold spray on for longer. Return to hot water. Repeat the cold spray a couple more times. Alternating hot and cold water promotes circulation and minimizes lactic acid build up.

Add a few drops of your special shower oil to a washcloth or in your palms. Rub the oil all over your limbs. Let the natural scents invigorate you. The refreshing juniper and citrus will revitalize sore tissues and restore stiff muscles and joints.

Take it easy for a couple days. When you've rested, your body will spring to fitness again.