May is a beautiful month: Spring flowers, more daylight, Mother’s Day, and maybe best of all, summer’s right around the corner. But if you’re anything like me, May is also the month when it all starts hitting the fan. End of the school year, end of the sports season, birthdays, showers, weddings, you name it, it’s happening. What I need most is some downtime to catch my breath and let go of stress. But how do you do that when there’s so much on your plate?
Don’t over commit. Easier said than done. No is not a 4-letter word. I’m better at saying no that I used to be.
Ask for help. Another tough one. For me at least.
Schedule in downtime. Even if it’s just a few minutes after you wake up, take time to breathe, be grateful and set intentions for the day.
Eat well and hydrate. Aim for whole, unprocessed foods and plenty of leafy greens. Eat the rainbow.
Get enough sleep. Burning the midnight oil to get stuff done is not the answer.
Get outdoors. Fresh air works wonders on the body, mind and spirit.
Move. We all know how great exercise makes us feel. It’s making time for it that’s not easy sometimes.
Rock some aromatherapy. Studies have shown that certain aromas have direct and indirect psychological affects on our mood, memory, creativity and emotions. For example peppermint enhances memory and increases alertness while lavender has calming properties.
I received this ultrasonic diffuser about a year ago when I visited NOW Foods and I still enjoy it almost daily. Depending on my mood I diffuse a mixture of different essential oils according to various “recipes” that NOW has designed. NOW’s essential oils are highly concentrated botanical extracts that are grown free of pesticides, synthetic fertilizer and herbicidal residues. Check out the recipes from NOW for relaxation, meditation, mental focus and more.
WIN IT!
One lucky reader will win a NOW Ultrasonic Diffuser and their choice of 3 essential oils.
This giveaway is part of the Fun in the Sun Giveaway Hop. Be sure to check out the other great giveaways as well!
Amie says
I’d love to try the relaxation recipe!
Lisa @ Running Out Of Wine says
It would be nice if the weather could improve a bit so I could spend some time outdoors. Ive gotten in a couple runs this week but otherwise its been dreary and rainy so I have been hiding inside. I would love to try aromatherapy to help me relax!
Sharon Rooney says
There are so many that like but if I have to choose one it would be the Jasmine Absolute Oil.
Wendy@Taking the Long Way Home says
I’ve been wanting one of these for the bedroom! Lavender? Yes please! Now if it would atomize valium in the hallways at work, we’d be really onto something!
lindsey @livinglovingrunner says
I have gone to so many essential oil meetings…but have yet to purchase! Great giveaway!
charlene says
I would like the lemongrass it is one of my favorite scents
Michele says
The recipe for unwind time sounds amazing! I need to learn how to not over commit. Starting a new job this month will make it essential that I don’t stretch myself too thin. Easier said than done!
Deborah @ Confessions of a mother runner says
Hi my name is Deborah and I am an over committer! LOL good tips #funinthesun
Amy Z says
The Peace of Mind would be great this time of year, also overbooked!!
Amy J. says
I’d love to try “Cheer Up Buttercup”…Sounds like exactly what I need.
Katrina J says
I love lavender!
Angela W says
The lemongrass and lavender oil!
Taylor Closet says
The cheer up buttercup SOUNDS great 🙂
Carly Williams says
Lemongrass appeals the most to me!
Beth E. says
I’d love to try the Cheer Up Buttercup and the diffuser at work!
Molly says
The cheer up butter cup sounds awesome!
Brittani says
My all time favorite mix is orange and clove. It reminds me of my childhood!
Kristen says
I like the peppermint oils!
S Eley says
I love Peppermint, Lemon, and Lavender essential oils. They are soothing.
Crystal Balzer says
Hi there! Thanks for doing this giveaway! Either relaxing or unwind time would be my favorites!!!
Jen says
I think the cheer up buttercup sounds like a perfect blend for this time of year.
Katie-Jean says
The Cheer Up Buttercup sounds awesome!!
Alexandra @ My Urban Family says
These are all great tips! I need to be better about going to bed earlier so I can get enough sleep and not waste the next morning being a zombie.
Jenny Poirier says
I would most like to try Cheer Up Buttercup, I have PTSD and chronic pain. Thank you for the chance to win! Sending lots of good vibes.
Sarah N says
Lavender and peppermint are two of my favorite oils.
Holly @ Pink-Runner.com says
The blends with lavender really sound great – I’ve been wanting a diffuser for my bedroom to help with sleep!
Jenny Scheldberg says
I always a huge fan of lavender. I’d also love to find a recipe to help my sinuses.
Deb E says
I’d love to try lemongrass oil. I have it in a shea butter and love it, but it is just a sample jar. It smells wonderful.
Mary Beth Jackson says
Nice giveaway! I would love love to try the relaxation recipe! and yes we all need to learn to say NO sometimes 🙂
Sonia says
I’d love the cheer up buttercup or the mental focus blend! Great tips and so right. The end of the school year is bonkers!
Sarah L says
I’ve heard a lot about essential oils, but I have yet to try them. I’m interested in the Unwind Time recipe, because I need help unwinding! The blend sounds so relaxing.
Dana says
The cheer up buttercup sounds like it would smell amazing
Jennifer Hayden says
I love both peppermint and lavender for headaches.
Diane says
Mental Focus PLEASE! I already love all things peppermint and could always stand to sharpen my focus…like right now, for instance! haha I have like 10 things going on my computer right now and yet I believe nothing is getting done 🙂
steph says
I like peppermint and lavender for my better half 🙂
Cassi says
I’m considering this for work so I can’t decide if I’d want purifying or balancing. I’m the only one who hasn’t been getting sick.
fran says
Cheer up buttercup
Shannon says
The Cheer Up Buttercup is appeals to me.
Jen @ SprinklesHikes.com says
I use the NOW Lemongrass essential oil in a lot of things – I’ve even used one tiny drop in a pot of Thai soup before when I couldn’t find fresh lemongrass at the store! We use it in dry shampoo, homemade plug ins, and even add it to our castile soap!
Michelle @ LivelyChicken says
I’d love to try one of their relaxing recipes. I’m always go, go, go, and struggle to allow myself time to relax. The Unwind Time recipe with lavender, chamomile and sandalwood blend oils sounds amazing!
LaTanya says
cheer up buttercup
Sylvia says
Cheer up buttercup sounds amazing.
Dawn says
Would like to try cheer up buttercup.
Lisa says
I’d love to try the Jasmine oil.
Judy @ Chocolaterunsjudy says
I’m good at relaxing, except before going on a trip — then it’s hard!
Dana Rodriguez says
Floral Meditation sounds really nice!
Michelle Ward says
I would like to try the lemon grass scented oil.
Michelle Corriveau-Carlino says
I Love Eucalyptus and Lavender essential oils..
Charu N says
I love peppermint, geranium and lemon grass essential oils. I would love to have now diffuser
Marty C says
Relaxation would be the first recipe I’d try.
rachel v. says
i would like to try unwind time…after a busy day i just need to put my feet up and unwind!
lacey@fairytalesandfitness says
I have never used a diffuser. Everyone enjoys a little relaxation. That’d be nice to have.
Christine says
Thanks for both the contest and the helpful tips!
Katie R says
I love anything with Lavender oil in it!
Jessica says
My life so needs this right now and need this to help with my stretching, yoga, meditation and sleeping.
Edye says
The lemongrass sounds great to me 🙂
elizabeth says
anything for destressing!! i love peppermint and lavender, too.
Michelle B. says
I’ve been wanting to try essential oils for awhile now. I’d really like to try “Cheer Up Buttercup.”
Sarah L says
I’d love to have the lemongrass essential oil. Love the aroma.
Thanks for the contest.
Amy L says
I’d like to try the Relaxing blend of Jasmine Oil, Lavender Oil, and Vanilla Concentrate Oil.
Kristen M says
I’m interested in the ‘Calming Night’ recipe.
Rust says
I am interested in the relaxation recipe.
Katie Bellamy says
I would like the Peace of Mind recipe!
wen budro says
I have insomnia so any recipe that helps with sleep and relaxation would be awesome.
Adriana says
Im interested in the goodnight sleep and the relaxing recipes.
Farrah says
The Cheer Up Buttercup one sounds awesome! <3
Steph says
Lemongrass is my fav!
Heather E. says
I would love to try the Mental Focus recipe, which is:
3 drops of Eucalyptus Oil
2 drops of Peppermint Oil
2 drops of Tangerine Oil
AmyBS says
I work from home, so mental focus would be perfect
Rosie Areola (Heather) says
My favorite essential oil is Sandalwood.
Crystal Sell says
Unwind Time sounds perfect for me after a long day.
Ami Knecht says
I seem to really respond to Euclylyptus oil.???
Lisa Stover says
I’d like to try one for stress relief and also energy! I think it would be good to have one that helps with headaches too.
Joye says
I like the minty smelling oils
DeAnna Keller says
I’d love to try the relaxation recipe!
Jill Burcham says
I love lavender! I use it in everything! Bath, bed, cleaning, EVERYTHING!
Paol Trenny says
I like the lemongrass.
sarah s says
I love the smell of pine trees so I would be interested in trying the Balsam Fir Needle oil and the Eucalyptus is another one I would like to try
Maren says
I’ll take some Blissful Thinking, please. ?
Vera Khule says
It seems I can’t get enough of lavender. I’m enjoying it now in a diffuse necklace.
Kelly D says
I like eucalyptus oil.
Darlene Carbajal says
I want to try relaxation.
Tricia @ MissSippipiddlin says
I’ll take a glass of wine, a hot bath and the relaxation recipe, please and thank you! 🙂
I need to look more into the oils, I think they have way more benefits than I know of. Thank you for sharing!
Laurajj says
Oh I have to say Peppermint would be my favorite I think! I have never used essential oils before, but have heard so much about them!
Starla B says
This looks and sounds so awesome. I recently lost my favorite person in the world, my 80 year old Nana. I would love to try the Goodnight Sleep recipe since I have trouble sleeping now. This consists of: 2 drops of NOW Sage Oil, 1 drop of NOW Ylang Ylang Oil, and 20 drops of NOW Neroli Blend Oil.
Teresa says
I have wanted to use a sandalwood blend for awhile!
Becky @ Ok, So Here's the Plan says
The mental focus recipe sounds really interesting! Plus it can’t hurt to have a little extra focus while I do my bookkeeping 🙂
MaryAnn says
I think the recipe for Peace of Mind sounds good right about now. LOL
The Green Girl says
I’ve always wanted to try a diffuser. The first oil I’d diffuse is lavender.
ronalee duncan says
I saw a Goodnight Sleep recipe that I would love to try.
Sadie B. says
I like the Unwind Time recipe. Chamomile, Lavender and Sandalwood sound great!
Jordan D. says
All of the relaxing “recipes” sound interesting, especially the unwind time. Thanks for this giveaway, I could really use it!
Debbie Bray says
Lemongrass appeals to me.
Jeanna Massman says
The lemongrass essential oil sounds amazing.
Nik says
Never tried they all seem nice
Crystal Rose says
Chamomile and rosemary are probably my favorite EO’s.
John @ run. geek. run(disney) says
That’s pretty cool. I’d have to say probably relaxation.
Darlene says
I love lavender
Sandra Watts says
I totally want to try the Cheer UP Butter Cup!
jenny stratton says
I love essential oils my favorites are a relaxation blend or peppermint when I have a migraine.
Cynthia Richardson says
The Mental Focus recipe appeals to me
Nicollette Jackson says
I would love to try a relaxing recipe or something to help with anxiety. 🙂 thank you for the opportunity!!
Lynne says
I would like to try the Perfect Harmony recipe. I could really use some of that in my life right now~
Runaway Bridal Planner says
oooh the Lemongrass one sounds amazing, love that scent!
Awesome giveaway! Thanks for linking up with us in the hop!!!
Laura says
The Relaxing Recipe (2 drops of NOW Jasmine Oil + 2 drops of NOW Lavender Oil + 15 drops of NOW Vanilla Concentrate Oil) sounds like it would be AMAZING! 🙂
jessica says
I would like the jasmine absolut oil.
Rose Santuci-Sofranko says
I really like this one:
Goodnight Sleep
Add the following oils to a diffuser and enjoy:
2 drops of NOW Sage Oil
1 drop of NOW Ylang Ylang Oil
20 drops of NOW Neroli Blend Oil
Rachel Beltz says
I really want to try the Unwind time recipe!
Cheryl says
Lavender appeals to me most.
Jen T says
I want the relaxation recipe , especially after my little one is born in July.
Carolyn Daley says
I like the Mental Focus recipe.
Kathy Davis says
Peppermint smells great, and I love that it improves memory.
Candace says
I would love to try the lavender.
Laurie Nykaza says
Cheer Up Buttercup sounds amazing love to try it .