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whentherewerebicycles · 4 years ago

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some thoughts that might seem unrelated but aren’t, i promise:

— in that atomic habits book I read a couple weeks back the author talks about using a specific, action-oriented question repeated throughout the day to help you build or break habits (like “what would a physically fit person do?” or “what would a sober person do?”).

— the aging books i was reading last month noted that people who score high in conscientiousness (on the Big Five personality traits) tend to age most successfully ie enjoy the longest stretch of active years. to quote this article, conscientiousness is “a fundamental personality trait—one of the Big Five—that reflects the tendency to be responsible, organized, hard-working, goal-directed, and to adhere to norms and rules...Conscientiousness comprises self-control, industriousness, responsibility, and reliability. A conscientious person is good at self-regulation and impulse control. This trait influences whether you will set and keep long-range goals, deliberate over choices, behave cautiously or impulsively, and take obligations to others seriously.” I tend to score very high in openness but very, very low in conscientiousness. more on this in a bit...

— my sister and i were talking recently about different kinds of intelligence, and also about core values. one of hers is efficiency, a word that i have all kinds of negative associations with lol but that she explained in ways i found really intriguing. for her efficiency isn’t about, like, Maximizing Productivity for Capitalism but is about methodically searching for the most effective, least confusing or redundant, most easily-communicable-to-others way to solve complex problems. when she encounters a system that has all kinds of weird bottlenecks or inefficient, time-consuming ways of completing a task (esp if the rationale for those methods is just “well.. that’s how we’ve always done it”), she starts immediately examining the larger structures and workflows around those bottlenecks to see if the established ways of doing things can be rerouted or simplified, and then she constructs new protocols or tools for people to use instead of the old inefficient way of working. efficiency will never be a core value of mine, in part because i think my humanities-oriented brain accords more value than her STEM/medicine-oriented brain does to wandering, daydreaming, slowed-down thinking, doubling-back or retracing one’s steps, and other “inefficient” modes of thinking that slow down the process but can lead you in unexpected directions or spark unanticipated epiphanies that illuminate the larger structures differently. i think we both share a keen interest in systems-level thinking and in examining whether established ways of doing things are the most effective ways of doing things, but we prioritize different modes of thinking and problem-solving in figuring out how to alter or redesign those larger systems (which is probably a result of temperament differences + our field-specific training).

THAT SAID, i have been thinking a lot about how one area of my own intelligence i would like to sharpen/hone in both my professional and personal life is like... a mode of intelligence that is linked to rigor, a more methodical approach to problem-solving, and the ability to construct & more methodically test detailed mental schemas. not quite sure how to articulate that but i feel like my thinking has gotten a little fuzzier than i want it to. and I think maybe this sensed fuzziness in thinking is linked to some of my ongoing feelings of restless discontent re: work. I also just in general want to be more conscientious in how I approach and solve problems, or in how I tackle big and small projects.

— this is more tangentially connected but: i feel like one thing i’ve noticed this year is that a lot of the people i admire professionally are really good at seeking out & taking on lots and lots of additional challenges or commitments, and they can do this in part because they tend to be very conscientious people, ie people who have big-picture vision but are also very detail-oriented and good at managing their time effectively & doing things efficiently so they can take on multiple projects without feeling overwhelmed. i feel like my own low-conscientiousness means that i can’t take full advantage of my high-openness—often i want to take on new projects or challenges but i worry that i’ll overextend myself or that the project will become more time-consuming than i anticipate. i think is linked to a different sort of fuzziness, ie a lack of clarity about how long things take or how much time i have — all combined with a deeply ingrained sense of myself as someone with executive dysfunction issues (poor time management, poor planning skills, poor organizational abilities, etc.). i think of myself as a very inefficient and extraordinarily disorganized person, whether this is 100% accurate or not, and that can sometimes lead to me taking myself out of the running for opportunities or limiting the number of projects i take on out of a fear that i won’t be disciplined enough to see them through.

— another thing my sister and i were talking about recently is how within large families, siblings tend to get assigned a “role” or a personality within the family dynamic very early on, and then they get sort of locked into that over time. everyone in the family expects them to always behave in that way, and there’s often a lot of unconscious resistance to letting your family members change or grow or develop in ways that contradict the clearly defined family role that’s been assigned to them, or the family “story” that everyone else in the family tells about them. you can get locked into both positive and negative roles—or like, often the positive role has a negative flipside. we were talking about how within our family, i’ve been “assigned” to be the “deep thinker” ie the introspective one who spends my life writing and thinking and daydreaming, whereas my sister has been assigned the role of being most like my father, ie very methodical, analytical, unemotional, and action-oriented (and therefore not introspective or inward-looking). and we were talking about how both of these have a negative flipside: my sister feels like she doesn’t get to be a “deep thinker,” or an introspective, emotionally intelligent person; whereas i feel like in my family’s story for me i am forever in “lalaland,” as my mom always says—head in the clouds, an ineffectual dreamer, the absentminded professor who has lots of big thoughts and feelings but is incapable of bringing any of my fantastical ideas to fruition because i have very little practical knowledge or stick-to-itiveness.

— as i’ve said many times before, i feel like i can’t solve the big-picture issues with my job right now, since so many of them are linked to shitty pandemic realities. but i was thinking that maybe one way to begin laying the groundwork for this final year in my job might be to work on strengthening my conscientiousness at the micro-level, ie in small everyday habits and interactions. my hope is that maybe by practicing conscientiousness in lots of small, low-stakes situations, i can start strengthening those muscles and building trust in myself as “the kind of person who does ____” (which i feel like is necessary for me to begin challenging the family story i’ve internalized what i am like). i mean, there is a lot of truth to that family story! but i bet that those aspects of my personality are nowhere near as inflexible or as like, divinely preordained as i have often assumed they are. like, i bet that through practice & through building better habits i can actually become significantly more conscientiousness (reliable, responsible, hardworking, efficient, good at follow-through, self-disciplined, etc) than i am now. and while efficiency may never be as central a value for me as it is for my sister, i think there is probably a way for me to see efficiency and conscientiousness as linked to my own core values, if only because those qualities or traits will allow me to better enact/embody my core values. so i think i can see it not as working against the grain of my personality, but as working to build out less-developed parts of my personality to strengthen the parts of my character that i value most.

— anyway this is all to say that for the last week i’ve been asking myself aloud “what would a conscientious person do?” multiple times a day, really any time i find myself at a small crossroads where i have to make a small decision. do i pick up that piece of cardboard and put it in the recycling bin now or leave it till later? (what would a conscientious person do?) do i return that call from the plumber now or put it off until later? (what would a conscientious person do?) do i take two minutes to pay that $4 toll bill now or put it on the giant stack of “tasks i will definitely deal with when i’m in the mood to deal with them,” where it will inevitably become a $25 and then $50 bill because i forgot about it and now have to pay late fees? (what would a conscientious person do?) do i comment on that student’s draft now when i’d rather be on the couch scrolling through social media? (i could probably do it tomorrow, when i have another block of free time, but what would a conscientious person do?) i have no idea if it will work in the long term!! but it’s been an intriguing experiment so far, mostly because i think it is teaching me that many of the tasks i build up in my head as incredibly time-consuming are actually quite quick, and once you finish them you also free up all the mental energy you were putting into procrastinating on them, and are better able to move onto the next thing. i also feel like it is teaching me that uhh maybe a conscientious person is not like, a completely different species of human being, but just a person who has different habits or patterns of response to daily choices than i do. that feels important too: if we are what we repeatedly or habitually do, then changing what i habitually do can probably change the kind of person i am! i’m finding that there’s something very useful about the simplicity of the question, too. deliberately posing the question to myself interrupts my habitual, unconscious response (which is always some version of “i don’t have the energy to deal with that / don’t want to expend that energy right now -- i’ll put it off till later”) -- it requires me to stop and focus my attention on the present situation instead of sliding right past it without thinking about it. and there’s also something quite satisfying about framing it as a choice or a decision: i get to choose what to do, ie i get to exercise agency, and exercising agency makes your brain feel happy (we like to feel in control! we like making choices!). so throughout the day i get to experience lots of little bursts of whatever gets released in the brain when you make a decision and immediately follow through with it, and i think/hope that this kind of positive reinforcement is helping to strengthen those circuits and lay down the groundwork for new patterns of habitual response.

those are some thoughts this morning!! now i am going to allow myself a few minutes of sloth lol and then i’ll get up and exercise.

#mw #thinking aloud #long post

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selenaxnewf · 6 years ago

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“You can talk to my assistant about scheduling interviews.” When she’d initially brushed a reporter off after the season opener, Selena wholeheartedly believed that she managed to circumnavigate a potential disaster. She wasn’t opposed to giving interviews -- - truth be told, she should have been more liberal with her time during the 2017 season - -- but she had a full schedule and had yet to figure out a way to find time to lick her wounds. A more careful approach to press-related functions was out the window, however, when her assistant proudly chirped that she had ‘scheduled that interview you wanted!’

Unfortunately, no amount of animosity toward the girl could prevent the interview from taking place. The schedule was set and Selena hosted the interviewer from Witch Weekly with a gracious smile and the insistence that it was no trouble -- - no trouble at all, dear! - -- to answer a few questions from the comfort of her office.

Are you happy with the way the quidditch season is going so far?

“I-- -” Shock gives way to humor as Selena leans back in her chair, twirling a pen between her fingers. “You did see the last game, didn’t you? I can’t say I’m happy with a loss.” Who would be? A smile is attempted but abandoned as she leans forward, elbows planted on mahogany so can lace her fingers and rest her chin atop the cradle of her digits. “I will say that I’m over the moon with how the team’s responded to the loss, though. Our next match is going to go very differently, I think. Then again, I might be biased.” Smile. Wink. Breathe.

What words would you use to describe yourself?

So it’s one of those interviews, then? She doesn’t falter, but she makes a show of considering the options presented. “What’s the word everyone likes to use? Ah, right -- - intense.” She’s playing to her audience now, showing her distaste with a well-placed shake of her head and a wrinkled nose to boot. “I prefer passionate. Intense is the kind of thing men say about women who refuse to be silenced. But, at any rate, I think I’m passionate. Shrewd, when I need to be. I like to think I’m funny, but doesn’t everybody? Overall, I’d say I’m smart and ambitious.” Nothing wrong with that.

If you could change one aspect of your personality, what would it be?

Rude. She hides her disgust by leaning back in her chair, passing her thumb under her lower lip while she contemplates a question she knows the answer to. “I’d like to be a more relaxed person, I think.” As if her morning was spent doing anything other than sipping mimosas with Cordelia, laughing about the idea of giving an interview. “I throw myself into projects and take it personally when things don’t turn out quite the way I want them to. That’s difficult with quidditch, since I can’t control what happens on the pitch. Still, I’d be lying if I said I didn’t often think about last year’s cup and the moves I could’ve made.”

Briefly talk about a defining moment in your life. What made it so important?

Her throat tightens, though she hides it with all the practiced ease of a woman who’s done hundreds of interviews and expects to do a hundred more. “Did you know I once tried to break into the Shrieking Shack?” Is that shock on the interviewer’s face, or is it fear? Either way, Selena smiles. “I did. When I was a sixth year at Hogwarts, a friend of mine and I tried to sneak our way into the Shrieking Shack. And you know what we found?” She leans forward, all smiles as the poor journalist meets her intensity. “Nothing.” A beat, “Absolutely nothing. No ghosts. No curses. Bit disappointing, really. But it taught me that most things are only as scary as we make them.” She shrugs, confident that embellishments won’t be properly researched by Witch Weekly. “At the end of the day, the Shrieking Shack was just an old building. The detention and losing the house cup was worth it to learn that there was no reason to pay any attention to the eyesore.”

If you weren’t involved in the quidditch scene, what kind of job do you would have?

“Am I supposed to tell you I’d go back to being a housewife?” Selena purses her lips a the interviewer across from her blushes a deep scarlet. And why shouldn’t she? It’s an insulting question, at best; a sad attempt to get a sound byte, at worst. Selena crosses her legs, leans back and scrutinizes the interviewer while weighing the pros and cons of firing her assistant as soon as the interview comes to a close. “I toyed with being an auror.” It’s the shock that Selena hates -- - the raised brows and slacked jaws that say ‘you could be an auror?!’ But she indulges the girl, she breathes and shrugs, “I had the NEWTs for it. I was young and thought it would be some sort of adventure.” Her lazy hands motion to the window behind her, to the sky and the clouds that hang motionless in the atmosphere, “It turns out, I’m best suited to this.”

What are some similarities/differences between yourself and your teammates/coworkers?

“Well, the difference is about thirty years.” They both laugh, though Selena finds no humor in her joke. “But I believe all of us at Puddlemere are capable and driven. Really, the only thing that’s different is that I hold the cheque book and the quill. We’re all equally committed to Puddlemere’s success.”

What kind of things do you think about when you’re alone?

She laughs. It’s reactionary, loud and genuine, but it’s a laugh nevertheless. The poor witch sits embarrassed with her notebook and quill, but Selena waves her hand as if to say there’s been no harm done. “No, I’m sorry, but… Why?” She knows the answer, or some variation of it. The witch insists it’s so the readers will get to know her better. Selena sighs and drags her hands through her hair. Hadn’t Cordelia mentioned knowing someone who was interested in working as an assistant? Perhaps Selena would give them a call. “I’m afraid I’m rarely alone. I have a husband, a house, friends -- - if you can believe it - -- and I’m always busy. When I am alone, though, I usually find myself thinking about whatever it is that I have to do next.”

What are three good habits and three bad habits that you have?

“The good is that I keep an immaculate ledger.” This, of course, because of her wealth, but that doesn’t need to be said. The last thing she wants is to read a headline about how she forced a poor reporter to look at her bottom line. “I try to keep a neat and organized schedule, too. But you know that, since you spoke to my assistant. And… was that two?” Yes, ma’am. “Well, I suppose the third would be that I always try to be where I’m supposed to on time.” She smiles, fully aware that the poor witch across from her was ten minutes late. The girl squirms. Selena continues. “Bad habits?” It’s suddenly as if all of her mother’s lessons come back to haunt her, and Selena suddenly understand why Mrs. Sinclair was careful to teach her daughter to only divulge things she wouldn’t mind being used against her. “I have a habit of biting my nails when I’m stressed. I know that sounds cliche, but I walk away from every match with my nails chewed down to the quick.” She didn’t. “And I often overextend myself where the team is concerned.” She doesn’t. “But, I suppose my worst habit is talking to anyone who cares to listen. I like having a broad social circle, and I tend to prattle on if I’m not stopped.” She smiles, feigns embarrassment -- - Look at me, I’m just like you.

What is your personal philosophy?

“Nobody actually has a personal philosophy.” She sighs, but reels herself back just in time. “Everybody breaks their own rules.” Is she smiling enough? Selena tries, she leans forward and strums her fingers on the desk. “But I like to think that I wake up every day and try to improve my life a little bit. That’s as close as I can get to a personal philosophy.”

Would you rather be liked or respected? Feared or loved?

“Respected.” Merlin, how many times has she answered this one? Selena bobs her foot and shrugs her shoulders; she plays the part of someone who’s just a little embarrassed about how quickly they’ve answered an import question. “If I was focused on being liked, I couldn’t get this job done. It’s hard to make trades and to get rid of certain players, but sometimes that’s the best thing for Puddlemere’s future. As far as being feared or loved goes, has anyone actually ever answered that they’d like to be feared?” No? Of course they haven’t.

What are your thoughts on Puddlemere United?

“I…” It’s a serious question. Selena stops herself from rattling off some sort of joke. “I love this team.” She sinks easily into honesty, which is more than she can say for the first half of the interview. “There’s history here, and I’m ecstatic to be a part of a team that’s won a significant number of World Cups. I feel honored to be the first woman to own a team in the league, and I’m glad that team was Puddlemere.” For a moment, she wishes she was a better actress. Perhaps a tear or two would be appropriate.

What about The Chudley Cannons?

Of course. Of fucking course. Selena wonders, albeit briefly, if the last question was designed to gear her for this one. “Well, I can’t say I’m about to start wearing Chudley orange any time soon.” She thinks -- - or feigns the motions of thinking - -- while fighting the tension in her jaw. “No, that’s not really my color.” There’s your quote, Witch Weekly. Selena Newf thinks orange isn’t her color. “They’ve proven to be a formidable team, though I’m not sure that all the credit should go to Mr. Beaumont. He purchased them and upgraded their equipment, but the roster was decent enough before he came along. I think the management should be proud of what they’ve done with a losing team, don’t you think?”

If given a more lucrative position with another team, would you take it?

Do you know my husband? She bites back the words and the self loathing that comes with the thought. “I wouldn’t.” It takes a minute, but Selena finally rises from her seat as if to indicate that she’s grown tired of the interview. “But I’m not in this for the money. Would you like a drink?”

Would you consider yourself an optimist or a pessimist?

She pours herself a humble portion of scotch from a decanter on the other side of her office. The witch declines and plows ahead, but Selena swirls the contents of her glass. “Neither.” It’s taken no time at all for her to tire of the antics of Witch Weekly. Selena smiles as she sips. “I try to be realistic about most situations. Some deserve more optimism than others. Are you sure you don’t want a drink, dear?”

What’s one thing you would change about your team, if given the opportunity?

No drink. No, really. It’s the last question, ma’am; no need to stay longer than necessary. Selena waits out the excuses and examines the final question while she’s shepherding the girl to the door. “I can’t tell you that, I’m afraid.” Her smile is genuine, if not a bit ashamed. “I wish I could, but we’re already in the works to make some big changes.” Lies, lies, and more lies. Selena leaves a drink in her glass -- - best to avoid Witch Weekly reporting that she’s guzzling alcohol during an interview - -- but she shows the reporter the door anyway. “Be on the lookout. If I want something changed, I’ll make it happen.”

#qd:task

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gethealthy18-blog · 6 years ago

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Cocoa-Mint DIY Lip Scrub Recipe (And Self Care Tips for Your Busy Lifestyle)

New Post has been published on http://healingawerness.com/news/cocoa-mint-diy-lip-scrub-recipe-and-self-care-tips-for-your-busy-lifestyle/

Cocoa-Mint DIY Lip Scrub Recipe (And Self Care Tips for Your Busy Lifestyle)

My simple cocoa-mint DIY lip scrub recipe not only nourishes your lips in a deliciously minty way, it is also a wonderful way that we can harness our creativity for self care and nurture our emotional health and well-being in just five minutes.

In these modern times, we often take on multiple roles throughout our lives. Often these roles overlap at the same time, leaving us overwhelmed and overextended. By taking just a few minutes out of each day to practice self care, even with a simple homemade lip scrub, we are better equipped to handle stressors in our lives.

What is self care?

We hear a lot about self care. That is, taking the time out to do something for yourself that benefits your physical or emotional health in some way. However, it’s easy to forget that we need to practice self care on a regular basis. When we have too much on our plate, and not enough time to get everything done, taking care of ourselves falls to the wayside.

Self care shouldn’t feel like a chore. Instead, it should be a simple exercise to help ground you. By making the time to practice self care exercises on a regular basis, the hope is that they’ll, in turn, become healthy habits. So not only are you carving out a little extra time for yourself each day, you’re also taking actions that lead to better emotional health. After all, self care isn’t self indulgence. It’s an act of survival.

What are some easy ways to practice self care?

Here is a list of my favorite ways to take time out for myself. Working these self care ideas into your busy lifestyle can really make all the difference in your life. Therefore, I recommend starting with just one or two, then working more in as you can.

1. Drink an extra glass of water everyday.

Easy, right? Most of us don’t drink enough water. And if you’re chugging coffee in the mornings to get going, you actually need to drink double the amount of water to counteract the caffeine. The simple act of drinking more water not only helps with digestion, it also combats fatigue and can help prevent acne.

2. Get up and move!

When work gets overwhelming, take a mini break. Get out of that ever so uncomfortable office chair and take a spin! (Or spin in your office chair even!).

I’ve found that something as simple as standing up and doing a Cinderella like spin, your arm circling down so you can magically don a ball gown, will lift your mood and give you a little chuckle. Likewise, if you can get away with dancing to a single song, go for it! Sneaking in just a little exercise can help to reduce stress. It also leads to better sleep. Here’s a another awesome fun way to get some steps in every day.

3. Don’t skimp on sleep.

Our bodies need sleep to stay healthy and keep us on top of our game. I promise the world won’t go spiraling into the sun if you don’t finish every single thing on your to do list by the end of the day.

So if you’re exhausted, take a nap. Also be sure you’re getting an adequate amount of sleep every night. A good night’s rest helps to improve memory, spur creativity, sharpen attention and lower stress levels so you can, in turn, be more productive. If you have trouble getting a good night’s rest, you’ll find some great tips for getting a restful night’s sleep here.

4. Crank the music on your car ride to and from work – and sing along!

Belting out to your favorite playlist when you’re alone in the car is fabulous for relieving built up stress and tension. I mean, there’s just something about being able to scream (sing) at the top of your lungs to help you get over a bad day.

5. Reward yourself at least once week for all of your hard work with a little treat.

Instead of saving the things you love for special occasions, make the occasion special to brighten your mood. Spoil yourself with your favorite Korean face mask. Or buy yourself that pretty party worthy cake pop. Pick up a bouquet of your favorite flowers. Do something you wish your ex would have done for you, but never did.

6. Clean and organize your living space.

If you’re a type A personality like I am, cleaning off your desk or organizing your pantry will help to clear your head, reduce stress and ground you. I find that this helps me when I’m having trouble starting on a new project or task for work.

7. Unwind with a relaxing bubble bath at the end of a hard day.

Or buy a fun new nail polish color and give yourself a mani-pedi! This extra bit of attention is a great way to meditate without realizing you’re meditating. Especially if you’re one of those people that has trouble sitting still for more than five minutes (I’m raising my hand on this one too!). These homemade lavender and chamomile bath bombs are the perfect way to relax in the bath.

8. Learn to say no.

Your time is already stretched. Adding on another task as a favor to someone else will only make things harder and more stressful. It’s impossible to take care of your own needs, if you’re drowning in obligations to other people.

Your friends and family will understand and you’ll feel empowered by taking back a little piece of time for yourself that you would ordinarily give away.

9. Eat healthier.

Start replacing processed foods with raw foods rich in nutrients. Processed foods contain preservatives that can be unhealthy when they start to consume your eating habits. Not only do they offer fewer nutrients your body needs, they can also contribute to stress and anxiety.

Learn more about how to prevent binge eating.

10. Take a break from social media.

Social media has become a large part of daily life. Unfortunately, the content is not always desirable. Politics and negative news stories can easily bring you down, and the comments can be even worse than the posts themselves. In addition, reading about how happy your friends and family are can often lead to feeling that our own lives are inadequate.

Rather than scrolling through facebook or instagram, take that ten minutes to walk around the block instead. Studies have shown that a simple walk outdoors can boost serotonin levels in the brain more than antidepressant medications.

11. Use your chores as a way to interact with people outside of your day to day life.

Instead of a chaotic trip to the grocery store after work, visit the farmer’s market on your day off instead. Not only will the walk reduce stress, but it will give you the chance to interact on a personal level with the people you’re buying from. It’s also an easy way to shop healthier and support people in your community.

12. Try aromatherapy.

Certain essential oils, such as lavender, can help to promote calm and relaxation. While other essential oils, such as lemongrass, can help relieve stress. I personally LOVE peppermint essential oil in my diy lip scrub recipe and many other diy beauty products.

Elizabeth’s Note: Ready to learn more about essential oils? Start my FREE SUPER SIMPLE 9-STEP EMAIL COURSE to start learning – without all the stress! I focus on the absolute essentials (pun totally intended, haha) and keep everything simple. That way you can learn what you need without information overload! Start my free course now.

13. Create something with your hands.

There’s a certain satisfaction and feeling of accomplishment when you make something with your hands. Creativity not only makes us happy, it can also help us overcome trauma and manage negative emotions.

DIY Lip Scrub: A simple 5-minute self care project

If you’d like to create something, but aren’t sure where to start, why not give my natural DIY lip scrub recipe a try? Making something simple, such a lip scrub, is an easy self care exercise. And it only takes five minutes of your time.

Not only will it give you a feeling of accomplishment, the end product also allows you to take that one extra minute a day to focus just on you. Or more specifically, your lips!

I love this cocoa-mint DIY lip scrub recipe for a number of reasons. Not only is it easy to make, it’s also a great project that you create with your friends or family without having to make a huge time commitment. Of course, there’s also the added benefit of having smooth, healthy looking lips! Especially if you are prone to chapped lips in the winter, or if you live in a particularly dry climate.

By the way, this Cocoa-Mint DIY lip scrub would pair perfectly with chocolate mint body butter recipe, peppermint foaming sugar scrub recipe, chocolate mint foaming salt scrub, and chocolate mint lip balm recipe as a gift or as a complete self care package! You could also add these Foot Scrub Cubes with Menthol Crystals.

Cocoa-Mint DIY Lip Scrub Recipe

INGREDIENTS:

.75 oz. unrefined cocoa butter .75 oz. virgin coconut oil or fractionated coconut oil .25 oz. emulsifying wax 4.5 oz. granulated sugar 1 mL (or about 20 drops) peppermint essential oil

DIRECTIONS:

You will need a digital kitchen scale to craft my cocoa-mint DIY lip scrub recipe.

STEP #1:

Using a digital scale, weigh out the cocoa butter, coconut oil and emulsifying wax. (If you live in a hot climate, use virgin coconut oil. Otherwise, for cooler climates, use fractionated coconut oil.)

STEP #2:

Combine these ingredients in a double boiler and heat the ingredients on the stovetop over medium-low heat until melted.

STEP #3:

Remove the melted butter, oil and wax from heat. Then add the peppermint essential oil to the mixture and stir to combine.

STEP #4:

Using a separate container weigh out the sugar. Then pour the sugar into the liquid ingredients. Then use a fork to mix the lip scrub until all of the ingredients are evenly distributed.

STEP #5:

Spoon your cocoa-mint natural lip scrub into a container or containers of your choice. Allow to cool, then screw on the lid(s) to your container(s).

To use your natural DIY lip scrub, simply massage a small amount of the scrub onto damp lips in the shower as part of your daily self care routine.

How do you practice self care each day? Do you make DIY lip scrub to nourish your lips? I’d love for you to share your experiences in the comments!

More DIY Beauty Recipes You Will Love:

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Source: https://livingthenourishedlife.com/cocoa-mint-diy-lip-scrub-recipe-and-self-care-tips/

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