self-care chronicles: homemade lavender body oil

A couple years ago, when I started to get really committed to everyday self-care, I began using coconut oil as a moisturizer. It felt more intentional than slathering on store-bought lotion, and after establishing an every-morning routine of using it, I’ve never gone back to plain old lotion. Since then, I’ve started adding essential oils to my coconut oil, which makes the experience of dipping into it each morning remind me of a spa. And I’ll take any reminder of a spa I can get.

While more expensive self-care measures like massages and therapy are lovely and often necessary, I like to also have simpler, cheaper ways to remind myself that I care for my own wellbeing. Moisturizing with coconut oil does that for me. I try to be mindful about applying it, which simply means that I try to remember to enjoy it. Even when I don’t have time for other things in the morning, I make time to put on my coconut oil.

I currently scent it with lavender oil, but once the bottle runs out, I’m thinking of switching to eucalyptus. Of course, you can use whatever essential oil floats your boat. Or none at all. Here’s how I make it.

Lavender Body Oil

Ingredients:

A small container, such as a jar or Tupperware

A spoon (or your fingers)

Some coconut oil

Lavender oil (or another essential oil)

Instructions:

1. Pour some coconut oil into your container. If it’s cold and your coconut oil is solid, chip it out with a fork or run the jar under warm water until it softens. Start with just a little until you get the ratios to your preference.

2. Add a drop or two of essential oil (really, you don’t need a lot).

3. Mix it together, and add another drop of essential oil if you’d like a stronger smell.

4. Store at room temperature, and use at your leisure.

Note: I like to store mine under the bathroom sink. In the summer it becomes liquidy; and in the winter, it gets pretty firm but is still soft enough to scoop out with the pads of my fingers.