Easter is a time of renewal, reflection, and celebration. And that sounds like the perfect opportunity to infuse our lives with self-care practices and embrace the beauty of nature's remedies. As a self-care guru and natural solutions educator, I invite you to embark on a holistic journey starting this Easter. Nurture your mind, body, and spirit with gentle, sustainable approaches to your self-care routine and overall wellness.
Honoring Tradition with a Twist
Traditionally, Easter is associated with indulgent treats and sugary delights. While there's nothing wrong with enjoying a sweet treat now and then, let's explore ways to honor this tradition with a healthier twist. Instead of reaching for store-bought candies filled with artificial ingredients, consider making your own treats using natural sweeteners like honey or maple syrup. Get creative in the kitchen with recipes for homemade chocolates, fruit-based desserts, or nutrient-packed energy bites.
Snacking Chocolates are the perfect little snack. With only 4 ingredients and no baking, there’s simply no reason not to make these delicious treats as an alternative to those chocolate Easter bunnies with tons of sugar.
Ingredients
1 c dark chocolate chips
1 tsp coconut oil
½ c almonds
optional added flavor with essential oils: Peppermint, Wild Orange, Lemon, etc.
Instructions
- Place chocolate chips and coconut oil in a microwave safe bowl and melt together until smooth.
- Add in essential oil drops and mix together. Note: One drop or less should be enough.
- Pour melted chocolate onto wax paper on a cookie sheet and spread chocolate around with a spoon, making an even layer.
- Crush almonds and sprinkle over chocolate layer.
Place in the fridge and allow to chill. - Break into pieces for snacking.
- Enjoy!
Eggcellent Self-Care Rituals
Easter wouldn't be complete without the age-old tradition of decorating eggs. This year let's infuse this ritual with self-care intentions. Gather your loved ones for an egg decorating session, using natural dyes made from ingredients like turmeric, beets, spinach, red and yellow onion skins, purple cabbage, blueberries and more. As you adorn each egg with vibrant colors, take a moment to reflect on the beauty of nature's palette and the importance of nurturing your inner creativity.
Naturally Dyed Easter Eggs: Simmer eggs with 2 cups ingredient of choice with 2 cups water for 15 to 30 minutes.
Connecting with Nature
Spring is a season of rebirth and growth, making it the perfect time to reconnect with nature. Take advantage of the warmer weather and longer days by spending time outdoors. Whether it's a leisurely stroll in the park, a picnic amidst blooming flowers, or hiking or biking on a trail, allow yourself to immerse in the beauty of the natural world. Breathe in the fresh air, soak up the sunshine, and let the earth's energy replenish your spirit. Plus, who says that Easter egg hunts just have to be for the kiddos? What a great way to spend time outdoors this Easter – kids or not!
Nourishing the Body with Whole Foods
Easter feasts often center around hearty meals and decadent treats. While it's tempting to indulge, let's prioritize nourishing our bodies with wholesome, nutrient-dense foods. Fill your Easter table with an abundance of seasonal fruits and vegetables, vibrant salads, and lean protein sources. Experiment with some plant-based recipes that celebrate the flavors of spring, such as roasted vegetable quiches, fresh herb salads, and colorful fruit platters. Charcuterie boards can be a fun way to incorporate some creative self-care into the mix and allow you to customize it to your family’s tastes.
Herbed Pasta Salad with Basil Vinaigrette
Ingredients
1 (16oz) pkg. bow-tie pasta 2 c grape tomatoes, quartered 7 oz fresh mozzarella, cubed 1 medium sweet yellow bell pepper, diced ½ small red onion, chopped ½ c of pickled banana pepper rings 1 (2 ¼ oz) black olive slices 8 slices salami, chopped ½ c fresh basil, thinly shredded
Dressing
¾ c olive oil
¾ c red wine vinegar
1 garlic clove
1 tsp salt
½ tsp pepper
2 drops doTERRA Basil essential oil
Directions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse in cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine all ingredients leaving dressing until last.
- Mix dressing ingredients in a blender until emulsified.
- Toss dressing with pasta until coated. Cover and refrigerate for one hour to allow flavors to mingle.
Herbal Remedies for Wellness
As a natural solutions educator, I believe in harnessing the power of plant-based remedies to support overall well-being. This Easter, consider incorporating herbal teas, tinctures, and essential oils into your self-care routine. Calming herbs like chamomile and lavender can help soothe frazzled nerves, while immune-boosting herbs like echinacea and elderberry can help fortify your body's defenses. Experiment with pure essential oils and oil blends that evoke feelings of peace and relaxation, creating a tranquil atmosphere in your home. Two of my favorites from doTERRA are Adaptiv ® Calming Blend and Hygge™ (pronounced hoo-gah) Cozy Blend. Hygge is the word in Nordic countries that encompasses feelings of coziness and contentment. This oil blend only comes around every once in a while, so be on the lookout for it.
As we celebrate Easter this year, let's approach the holiday with a renewed focus on holistic self-care and natural solutions. By honoring tradition with a healthy twist, nourishing our bodies with wholesome foods, connecting with nature, and embracing natural solutions and remedies, we can cultivate a sense of balance and vitality that extends far beyond the holiday season. May this Easter be a time of renewal, rejuvenation, and profound self-care.
xoDanette