We constantly encounter stressors that cause our health to suffer in subtle ways. Often, we do not even realize their effect until we are feeling off and not sure why. Here are three simple tips that can benefit our overall health and wellness.

Creating a bubble: We are only as healthy as our immediate surroundings and we each need a safe space to retreat to—to relax, unwind and heal our body, mind and spirit. Cultivating our personal sanctuary and tending to it allows us to retreat when we are feeling overwhelmed. It is helpful to keep this personal space free of electronics and distractions. We can even expand the bubble by reducing chemical threats in the home. Our brains have become programmed to equate clean with artificial, chemical smells, so replacing store-bought cleaners and air fresheners with more natural, homemade products is simple, effective and gentler on the body and mind.

Becoming a private investigator: We need to take stock of where we are and how we feel, especially if that feeling is based on anger, fear or worry. We should ask ourselves how long we have been feeling this way and what could be causing it—have we had sufficient water, food or rest; did we read or watch something that was unsettling; have we been overthinking a conversation or situation causing us to get stuck in the past. Often, these feelings can take us out of balance without our even noticing. Because the primitive and reactive parts of our brain cannot always differentiate between what is happening to us directly and what we are witnessing, being selective in what we observe can have a big impact.

If we can identify these small stressors and take a moment to address them individually, we can regain our balance and calm. Drink water or eat something, get some rest, take a moment to breathe, exercise or retreat to the bubble. Aromatic use of essential oils can be wonderful for helping our emotional state settle down. For bigger issues, journaling is an underrated tool. Two weeks of tracking our food, feelings and environment may provide a lot of clarity, but even if it doesn’t, a healthcare professional will then have a roadmap to follow.

Relaxing ourselves to sleep: Bedtime can be challenging for many. Often, it is our first chance during the day to decompress, which makes it the perfect time for all of our day’s experiences to come bubbling to the surface. Set a specific time to turn electronics off each night, at least an hour before going to bed. Set up a diffuser with a pure, calming blend of essential oils for atmospheric support. Adding a meditation into the bedtime routine can assist in filtering through our stressors and prepare us for a peaceful sleep and better tomorrow.

Lisa Cusano is a dōTERRA wellness advocate. Contact her at 804-296-9284 or Facebook.com/EarthEssentialsRVA.