Self care — not something I was ever taught to do. It has always been much easier for me to take care of others. To actually carve out time to be still, to go on a retreat, to take time out of my day to get into the mountains, to get my hair cut, to join a friend for tea has been quite difficult.

Especially since having children, self care feels more like a luxury, not a necessity. But, I am living proof that we cannot neglect our basic self care needs without succumbing to stress and put our wellbeing at risk. In fact, my daily soaks have become more important than ever to stay calm and centered in an otherwise crazy and full life.

I have nice containers of my rose and citrus infused salts near the tub. I add a tablespoon of the salts in the hot water and am instantly transported to a far away land. Imagine if I had soft music and candles as well!

I love the floral salts and I actually love to bathe with the flower petals. I have since changed my recipe to include smaller pieces of the flowers given some customer feedback that they did not want to clean the tub afterwards. And, I have subsequently added disposable tea bag salts to my offerings because that makes it even easier to clean the tub as all the contents are contained in the tea bag!

There are other days when the citrus salts just make my heart sing. The uplifting and clearing aroma of lemongrass and eucalyptus are invigorating and I am enjoying a different experience all the while getting the mineral rich salts (high in magnesium) to be absorbed through the skin.

Ahh, the mere thought of how a simple ritual of a nightly bath can not only release any energies that might have been picked up throughout the day, but it can set the tone for a nice and relaxed mood for sleep.

All this to say that self care is essential. To soak with the beauty of the natural world is very healing to the body, mind and spirit. Consider gifting yourself a subscription to a CSA “Care of Self Always” package. That way, from the first Saturday in April – the third Saturday in November, you can swing by the Blair’s Herbals booth at the Downtown Farmers Market and pick up your monthly bath salt.

It makes a great holiday gift and you can order your subscription service today!!!