Summer Slumber
Updated: Aug 28, 2019
The lazy days of summer are a treat! I prefer the carefree days of summer where there can be schedule flexibility and enjoyment outside to the hustle and bustle of year end holidays in the cold. Summer just calls for a time of growth, renewal and uplifting of our souls to take a moment to enjoy the bounties of the planet and blessings of each day.
When I get the chance I love going out to our hammock that is setup in a butterfly garden we have and enjoying the birds, butterflies and soft warm breezes. It’s a pleasant place to drift off into a short nap, read or just mindlessly enjoy. There are so many scents associated with summer and they co-mingle gently to awaken and support our systems. For me smelling the pines, hydrangeas, roses and other flowers in my garden is welcoming and inspiring. I do some of my best thoughts of what to write about in this blog taking in the scenes from my own backyard.
As relaxing as summer can be some of us can have more difficulty sleeping and resting in the summer because of the temperature, stress, overindulgence, air conditioning and dehydration. These factors and others can take away our nighttime and nap time rest leaving us feeling bloated, tired and irritated. I like to change up a little of what I do for supporting sleep in the summer and support the need for rest when I do have an opportunity for one of those carefree afternoon naps.
Hydration and Nutrition
There is always a need to stay hydrated year round but especially so in summer when higher temperatures and humidity can increase what our body is needing and using. Water is the foundation of our body make up and we have to find a way to replace that and keep our body filled with it constantly.
In summer I find it easier to drink more water than I do in other seasons. It tastes refreshing and I find I want more of it when the temperatures are higher. However there are times when I enjoy something to enhance water or change up that basic class of H2O. Luckily there are many options that are natural and still support the hydration purpose.
Add in a doTERRA citrus oil like Grapefruit, Lemon, Lime, Bergamot or Tangerine. These flavors are wonderful summer tastes and provide that detoxification support your body needs to replenish. Carbonated water or mineral water is an excellent way to enjoy the fun of bubbly drinks without the sugars. Add in a drop or two of doTERRA citrus oils or experiment with some of their other essential oils like Lavender for a unique twist.Mix up a quart pitcher of Good Girl Moonshine! This non-alcoholic beverage is a perfect summertime sipper that is refreshing and a delicious treat when you want to jazz up your water.
When it comes to foods in summer the choices can seem endless. I find it a fun time to enjoy grilled veggies, fresh fruits as well as the traditional foods of summer like shrimp and burgers. It seems easier to eat better in summer when things are fully grown and access to fresh veggies can be found in many local farmer markets and roadside stands.
Add a drop of doTERRA OnGuard to apples and fruit salad. Fruit is high in water percentage and can be enjoyed free of sugar by adding on a drop of OnGuard (which also prevents the apples from turning brown) to a drop of Lime with a watermelon serving.Fresh tomatoes with sliced mozzarella and a drizzle of balsamic vinegar and olive oil is a special yummy treat. Add in a drop of doTERRA Basil to enhance the flavor.Grilled shrimp is super delicious with a buttery lemon taste provided through doTERRA Lemon essential oil and melted butter
Eating well helps us feel full but not over the top that we are uncomfortable when its time to sleep. Choosing foods that are lighter and yet filling is super easy in summer.
Stress and Chaos
Most families don’t have the luxury of taking 2 to 3 months off work every summer while school is out. This means getting kids to summer camps, childcare providers and other places while we work adds in a new routine to every day. It’s expensive and can be stressful making it to work on time and to end of day pick up on time every day. While most families try to take some time off whether for a vacation or stay-cation there is a constant pull on our time between trying to enjoy summer time with the kids and the demands of the office. We try to fit as much into our day as possible to maximize family time, balance work demands and “enjoy” our summer.
Stress can mess with our sleep at any time in the year. Summer stress from feeling overwhelmed or tired from trying to fit a lot into one day can leave us exhausted and low on energy to push on the next day. We may find we are restless and toss and turn all night without getting that truly relaxing and rejuvenating rest we need.
I use a diffuser in our bedrooms to help support sleep. During winter I enjoy deeper spicy and woodsy aromas that are comforting and soothing for sleep but in the summer I crave something lighter and gentler. Often I find changing the oils I use for nighttime rest is the perfect formula for easing into a blissful sleep after a busy summer day.
Some of my favorite summer night combinations include: (all are doTERRA essential oils)
3 drops Tangerine and 3 drops Breathe3 drops Lavender with 3 drops Myrrh3 drops Ylang Ylang, 2 drops Breathe and 2 drops Clary Sage
These combinations are sweeter, lighter and still relaxing and supportive for a restful night.
Interested in more?
Using oils in the summer can help us maximize those carefree moments and help balance our desire to be relaxing with the demands of normal life.
If you have questions about the oils in this post or any of the doTERRA products please reach out. I’m happy to help you find the perfect solution for your family’s needs and budget.
Why doTERRA?
I only use doTERRA essential oils because of their commitment to quality and purity. If you have an oil that you wouldn’t trust to take internally then I would question it’s safety for use diffusing or applying to your skin. doTERRA is the wold’s leader in pure therapeutic grade essential oils that you can safely use on your entire family and pets.
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