Winter got you feeling down? Even if you’re currently blanketed in picturesque snow, winter can feel like a time of stagnation. You might be stuck in the house, and you might find that the combination of cold air, blasting heat, and that constant hunched position you take to protect yourself from the chill is beginning to wear on your body and mind.
Luckily, there are a few simple, healthy things you can whip up to rejuvenate yourself, even on the coldest of days. Check these out and see if your winter days seem a little brighter.
For the Home
Spring is the traditional season for cleaning. However, since you’re stuck inside anyway, you might as well do it in the winter. Then you can spend springtime outside!
Room Spray with Essential Oils
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This is really easy to make. All you need are three-quarters of a cup of ethanol (you can use vodka) and fill the rest of your container with distilled water. More water will have a more diluted scent. Then, simply add 30 drops of your favorite essential oil, or blend to create a signature scent. Shake to mix ingredients, and spritz throughout the house for a quick pick-me-up.
Oil and Lemon-Based Furniture Polish
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This is all you need to keep wooden furniture looking bright. Mix a cup of olive oil with a teaspoon of lemon extract (or 20 drops lemon essential oil, or half a juiced lemon–just be sure to use the fresh lemon variety immediately). Blot some onto a rag and rub it into wood furniture for a fresh sheen.
All-Natural Scrub
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Heavy cleaning doesn’t need to be heavy on the harshness. Instead, you can mix a cup of baking soda with a third of a cup of liquid castile soap (like Dr. Bronner’s) and mix into a paste. Add some water if it’s too thick. You can then use the abrasive paste to scrub sinks, tubs, and toilets. Using a brush helps, too.
Glass Cleaner
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This glass cleaner is great for wiping off the nose prints left from watching a blizzard. It’s a mix of two-and-a-half cups of water, a quarter cup of white vinegar, and half a teaspoon of liquid dish soap. You can scent it with essential oil if vinegar isn’t your thing. Put it in a spray bottle, shake to mix, and use it like Windex.
For You
Your house isn’t the only thing that can feel blah in the winter. Chapped skin, dull hair, and overall malaise is a characteristic of the winter that too many feel. Brighten up with these simple recipes that will restore your sparkle.
Hand Salve
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If your hands are rough from the cold air, try this. It’s a little labor intensive, but worth it. You’ll need 15 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil and 1/4 cup beeswax (pastilles or grated wax). If you have a pure beeswax candle, you can also cut that up. Heat up the oil in a double boiler on low heat (no boiling!) and slowly add the wax. Some people also like to use coconut oil, too. You can also add in essential oils for scent. Stir until it’s smooth and then pour the mixture into a shallow, lidded container to cool. More beeswax will result in a more solid product; more oil will make it goopier.
Avocado Hair Mask
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This moisturizing hair mask is made from one avocado (pitted and mashed), 4 tablespoons sour cream, and 3 teaspoons of olive oil. Yes, it’s edible. Puree all the ingredients until smooth, and then slather on your head! A comb will help distribute it. Rub it in, and leave on for an hour (wear a shower cap unless you want a mess). Then rinse out in the shower and shampoo.
Sugar and Honey Foot Scrub
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This foot scrub relieves tired toesies perfectly. Mix a quarter cup brown sugar with 2 tablespoons of honey (which has antibacterial properties), 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, and 3 drops peppermint essential oil. Mix into a paste and massage into feet. Rinse off and towel dry. It works best if you soak your feet for about 20 minutes before.
Bath Salts
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Bath salts are just three quarters of a cup each of Epsom and sea salts, and a cup of baking soda. Once that’s mixed up, you can add pretty much anything, including essential oils (about 30 drops per batch), dried flower petals, teas, and citrus peels. Experiment with scent combinations. Just be aware that non-dissolving ingredients can clog drains, so take proper precautions if using them.
Sleep Salve
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Sleep is important at any season, and a good night’s sleep will help you feel less sluggish during the day. This sleep salve is made with the same basic recipe as the hand salve above, in the double boiler, but special oils are added to increase relaxation. You’ll use 3 tablespoons of olive oil and a tablespoon each of sesame oil and beeswax pellets. Then, add 15 drops lavender essential oil and 10 drops of any of the following: tangerine, sandalwood, rosewood, neroli, chamomile, or ylang-ylang. Cool in a container and rub some into your temples and a bit under your nose before bed. Sweet dreams!
(via DesignSponge)
The nice thing about these recipes is that they use, for the most part, ingredients you probably already have lying around the house. These ingredients are also a lot healthier for you and your family than some of the other choices. The bath and beauty products that don’t require refrigeration also double as easy holiday and birthday gifts!
