Do you feel like you have to choose between enjoying the sun and taking care of your hair? Why can’t we do both?

Unfortunately, many of our favorite vacation activities often involve sun, wind, chlorine, or salt water and can leave hair looking flat; but don’t let that keep you from summer fun. Keep your locks as beautiful as ever with these DIY hair recipes!

DIY Dry Hair Spritz

If your hair is dull or naturally dry, spritz this recipe over your hair throughout the day to keep it from looking dry, particularly if you are planning a day in the sun.

• 1 cup distilled water
• 10 drops Royal Hawaiian^™ Sandalwood
• 10 drops Frankincense
• 8 drops Cedarwood
• 8 drops Ylang Ylang
• 1 tsp. V-6^™ Vegetable Oil Complex

Add all ingredients in a 12-oz. spray bottle. Shake well before spritzing over hair, avoiding the roots.

DIY Detangler

From extreme rollercoasters to an afternoon on water skis, summer activities can tangle up your hair. Smooth out knots with this hair detangler!

• 1/2 cup Lavender Volume Conditioner (or other Young Living conditioner)
• 1 1/8 cup hot (not boiling) distilled water
• 3 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood
• 3 drops Cedarwood
• 3 drops Frankincense

Put conditioner into a 12-oz. spray bottle. Add distilled water and shake. Add essential oils and shake again. To use, spray on dry or damp hair, focusing on the ends.

DIY Highlights

Lighten any hair color with this recipe for sun-kissed highlights. Be conservative with darker hair to avoid brassy hues.

• 1 cup distilled water
• 15 drops Citrus Fresh^™
• 3 drops Frankincense
• 3 drops Ylang Ylang
• 3 drops Royal Hawaiian Sandalwood

Add all ingredients into a 12-oz. spray bottle and shake to combine. To use, shake well and spritz throughout hair when spending time in the sun. Start with a small amount to avoid over-drying hair.

These essential oil DIYs will have your hair feelings soft and looking fabulous after any activity! What’s your essential oil secret to fabulous-looking hair? Tell us about it in the comments!

—Gloria Russo, Young Living International and Portfolio Brand Manager

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/infuse-your-hair-with-these-simple-diys/

Young Living Executive Vice President Mary Young was recently honored at Utah Business Magazine’s 30 Women to Watch awards luncheon in Salt Lake City, Utah. The award recognizes women who are strong leaders, advocates within their communities, and set a strong personal and professional example for their peers.

We were fortunate enough to sit down with Mary to get her insight into network marketing, leadership, and what motivates her to succeed.

What do you enjoy most about the network marketing business?

I enjoy watching people be successful and achieve something they didn’t think they could. I love to see members achieve things they didn’t think they could. It is fun to see everything come together, see it become a whole, and to be part of it. It’s not about money. It’s not about a product. We want to better the lives of others around us. We want others to achieve and know what it feels like to be successful.

What is your leadership style?

I lead by example, and I speak my mind. What I say today will be the same today, tomorrow, and the next day. I don’t like politics or games, so people around me always know where I stand. I like to see people achieve what they are capable of, and I strive to make other people feel like they are the best at what they do.

What do you tell members who seek your guidance?

If I can do it, you can do it. You have the greatest opportunity in front of you that you can possibly imagine. Go out, start talking, and make it happen. Use the products, see how you feel about them, and simply tell others about your experiences.

Do the best you can. If you don’t know something, go ask and find out. If you want to be successful, find out everything you need to move forward.

What motivates you?

Seeing other people be successful and achieve their goals motivates me. I love to say “You can do it!” and afterward say, “See, I told you! How do you feel?” No one can ever describe how good it feels to help someone achieve his or her goal.

Mary’s example has led many members to pursue their dreams. Who inspires you? How do you inspire others? Tell us in the comments!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/mary-young-leading-by-example/

Don’t let the summer heat drain you. Elevate the moment with the uplifting essence of Geranium and the delicious lemon-lime taste of Jade Lemon^™!

Earn a free 5-ml Geranium essential oil, plus 20 Essential Rewards points and Life 5^™ with your qualifying June order. With a qualifying Essential Rewards order of 190 PV or above, you’ll also earn a bonus 5-ml Jade Lemon essential oil! Click here for more information or shop now!

Make the most of these valuable rewards with these easy and fun DIYs:

Geranium

Geranium essential oil is a key ingredient in many of our skin care products, including Evening Peace^™ Bath Shower Gel, Boswellia Wrinkle Cream^™, and KidScents^® Lotion. When diffused or applied topically, Geranium will encourage peaceful and uplifting spiritual feelings.

• Customize an uplifting blend for diffusing by combining Geranium with equal parts Bergamot and Lavender.
• Add 1 drop of Geranium to your daily application of ART^® Refreshing Toner for added benefits. Simply add 1 drop of Geranium oil to the cotton ball after saturating it with toner and apply as usual.

Jade Lemon

Jade Lemon is distilled from fruit grown in the warm, humid climate of southeast China. When taken internally, Jade Lemon adds a wonderful flavor and invigorates the senses.

• Jade Lemon is a great addition to recipes like vinaigrettes, marinades, and beverages for a unique lemon-lime flavor.
• Add 1–2 drops to a glass of water or cup of herbal tea.
• Take as a dietary supplement by adding a few drops to a vegetarian gel capsule.

How will you use the free Geranium and Jade Lemon essential oils in your qualifying June order? Let us know in the comments!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/greet-summer-with-exclusive-rewards/

Join us for a guest post from Dr. Lindsey Elmore, Young Living’s director of global education and health sciences. Drawing from her distinguished background as a pharmacist, Lindsey shares her advice for getting the most from essential oils during the tough, rewarding nine months of pregnancy. Check out what she and five new and expecting Young Living mothers want new mamas to know!

Dr. Lindsey Elmore

For some people it can be very hard to decide whether to use essential oils in pregnancy, and there are a wide variety of opinions on the matter. It is important to discuss usage with a medical professional experienced with essential oils and to be judicious with their use.

Some women choose to avoid excessive use of a few specific oils:

• Clary Sage or Sage
• Idaho Tansy or Hyssop
• Fennel
• Wintergreen
• Blends and supplements that contain these oils

However, there are no hard and fast rules. As with use in non-pregnant individuals, essential oil usage is individualized—just be sure you’re following label directions. Some of Young Living’s products are well loved and well tolerated by pregnant women and women who are lactating. Mild essential oils, such as Lavender and Frankincense, may be used topically for healthy-looking skin during pregnancy.

If you have never used essential oils and are pregnant, I advise you to start low and go slow. Start with just a few drops of essential oils and diffuse in a large area. If you tolerate it well, you may consider applying essential oils to the skin after diluting in V-6^™ Vegetable Oil Complex or inhaling them directly from the bottle.

Mallory P., Young Living Education and Training Team

I experienced severe nausea for about the first 14 weeks of my pregnancy. It was mostly in the afternoon—I don’t know why they call it morning sickness—and would last all night. I had a lot of aversions to smells and different types of food, which made working in an environment that smells like essential oils difficult sometimes. I really tried to stick to using oils that are familiar and fresh. One that really didn’t bother me was Peppermint. I would just dab a little on my tongue; it has a nice minty taste that is as pleasant as its smell. I also used DiGize^™ on occasion after meals. I would just put a drop on my tongue or add to a gel capsule and swallow with a little water. I also liked to diffuse Citrus Fresh^™ and Lemongrass as well to help me feel invigorated.

I experienced fatigue and often found it difficult to complete daily tasks. I loved using oils and supplements to support my energy level. I felt like taking Lemon in my water really helped me feel refreshed. I take NingXia Red^® on a daily basis, and that has really supported my overall energy and my immune system. I also take MultiGreens^™ every day and definitely feel a difference.

At night, I swear by Tranquil^™ Roll-On because its relaxing smell helps me unwind like nothing else. I just roll it on the bottom of my feet each night. I will also take baths at night and put a few drops of Lavender and Frankincense in my bath water to help me unwind.

For me, something that really helped reduce the severity of morning sickness was exercise. I go to the gym at least 3–4 times a week, even if sometimes all I can manage is yoga or a walk. I am really trying to have a very fit and healthy pregnancy, so it’s important for me to have healthy options on hand at all times. I love to snack on the Slique^™ Bars, pretzels, fruits, and veggies. This way I can avoid all of those pregnancy cravings for junk food. I also make a point to have some sort of protein in the morning—eggs, nuts, or our Pure Protein Complete^™. It keeps me full, especially after a workout.

Erin S., Young Living Marketing Team

My three favorite Young Living products for pregnancy are Frankincense, Inner Defense^™, and Slique Bars. I used Frankincense topically every day. I added it to my facial moisturizer, but I also added a lot—probably 8–10 drops—to the lotion I rubbed on my growing belly. I loved the smell, and it helped keep the skin well moisturized.

Being pregnant can be challenging. Snacking regularly helped keep nausea at bay and my energy up. I kept fruit with me at all times and had Slique Bars in my desk drawer. Those bars saved me on the days when I needed an extra boost between lunch and the drive home!

Delila E., Young Living Promotions Team

NingXia Red has always supported energized my mind and body’s energy levels, along with helping support normal digestion. Throughout my pregnancy, I’ve made sure to drink a small glass of NingXia Red as often as possible. In the beginning stages of my pregnancy, I began taking DiGize and Lemon internally. Those oils really helped keep my tummy happy. I’ve also made sure to take wonderful prenatal vitamins and OmegaGize³. OmegaGize³ has really helped support normal cognition for me through what some might call “pregnancy brain.”

Hiromi H., Young Living Diamond

I haven’t avoided any specific essential oils during my pregnancy, but there are a few Young Living products I’ve found particularly useful. The fragrance of Sacred Frankincense^™ helps comfort my spirit when I feel those ordinary anxieties and worries about pregnancy. It’s also a great addition to coconut oil or lotion to rub on my belly and hips to moisturize the growing skin.

I also love NingXia Red. It’s a healthy treat that also gives my body the nutrients it needs as it grows this new addition to my family. Other essential oil-infused supplements I’ve come to rely on are Essentializymes-4^™, MultiGreens, and OmegaGize³.

Once I give birth, I plan to use Lavender, Frankincense, and Trauma Life^™ on my baby right away. The calming aromas of these oils make them perfect for newborns and are great scents for a nursery!

Is your family expanding? What products and habits do you plan to use to stay comfortable during your pregnancy? Let us know in the comments!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/pregnancy-and-essential-oils-a-guest-post-by-dr-lindsey-elmore/

Many children are wrapping up the school year and heading into summer break this week. Keep your little ones’ minds inspired and active by helping them make this fun, kid-friendly DIY to break up summer boredom and boost creative play.

With only two ingredients, our essential oil-infused, two-ingredient play dough may be our easiest DIY yet! Grab your kids and a mixing bowl to make this fragrant, ultra-soft dough that will keep them busy for hours!

Ingredients

2 cups cornstarch

1 cup KidScents Lotion or Lavender Conditioner

Directions

1. Place the cornstarch in a large bowl.
2. Mix in the KidScents Lotion or Lavender Conditioner with clean hands until it holds together and becomes very smooth.
3. Add more of either cornstarch or your choice of KidScents Lotion or Lavender Conditioner to adjust the consistency as needed.
4. Kids can press the dough into molds, roll it out and cut it with cookie cutters, or sculpt it into any shape they can imagine!
5. Store in an airtight container when not in use.

What fun activities are you going to enjoy with your kids during this summer break? Let us know in the comments

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/easiest-ever-two-ingredient-play-dough/

Get up close and personal without worrying about your breath! Stay fresh with Thieves^® Fresh Essence Plus^™ Mouthwash.

Powered by Thieves essential oil blend for incredibly clean teeth and gums, Thieves Fresh Essence Plus also gives you the cool, invigorating taste of Peppermint and Spearmint essential oils for delicious fresh breath.

Rinsing with these naturally derived ingredients for 30–60 seconds will leave your whole mouth feeling fresh, even the areas that a toothbrush or floss can’t easily reach! Best of all, you get these benefits to your teeth and gums without the use of alcohol, synthetic dyes, or artificial flavors. Doesn’t it feel good to put the power of nature to work?

Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash is an important part of good oral hygiene. To learn more about Young Living products that can have your mouth at its best, check out this previous post: Keep Your Smile Its Brightest.

What’s your tried-and-true routine for fresh breath? Tell us about it in the comments!

Gloria Russo—International and Portfolio Brand Manager, Personal Care

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/get-close-with-thieves-mouthwash/

Do you worry that you’re not getting enough sleep each night? You’re not alone. The Centers for Disease Control reports that nearly 30 percent of American adults average less than six hours nightly, rather than the recommended 7–8 hours¹. Chronic sleep deprivation can have long-term health consequences, and on a day-to-day basis, not getting enough z’s can leave you sleepy and slam the brakes on your productivity and creativity.

It might be tempting to turn to junk food or an energy drink to get you through the 2 p.m. lull, but consider taking a power nap instead. Think that a short sleep break sounds a little on the lazy side? Think again! Influential nappers have included Winston Churchill, John F. Kennedy, Ronald Reagan, Napoleon, Albert Einstein, Thomas Edison, George W. Bush², and Eleanor Roosevelt³. Each of these figures already knew what science is now confirming: A power nap can boost your memory, cognitive skills, creativity, and energy levels⁴.

Naps are an underestimated secret weapon for refreshing the mind, boosting memory and cognition, and cultivating a sense of well-being so you can get back to your day sharper than before. Here’s how to put power in your power nap:

• Give yourself the permission to nap: Don’t feel guilty—you’re investing just a few minutes to rejuvenate your mind, body, and mood for the rest of the day. Not only will you enjoy a tiny mental vacation, but the alert, rested version of you will also accomplish much more than the fatigued version⁵.
• Snack strategically: Consuming caffeine, fat, and sugar interferes with your ability to fall asleep. If you’re planning on a nap within a couple of hours, choose meals and snacks that are high in calcium and protein⁵.
• Go dark: Stimulate melatonin production by napping in a dark room or wearing an eye mask⁵.
• Get cozy: Keep a blanket handy—your body temperature drops while you snooze^{5, 6}.
• Timing is everything: Your best, most refreshing results from napping will come from a nap in the early middle of the day—a nap that falls in the late afternoon may more closely resemble nighttime sleep, leaving you groggy⁵.

Speaking of timing, differing nap lengths deliver different benefits⁴:

• 2–5 Minutes: In the time it takes to grab a snack or flip through Instagram, you could take a micronap that banishes those heavy eyelids⁵.
• 5–20 minutes: You can increase alertness, stamina, motor learning, and motor performance in just a few short minutes. Plus, others will barely notice that you’ve been away⁵.
• 20 minutes: Stepping away from you day for less than the length of your favorite sitcom helps increase alertness, stamina, motor learning, motor performance, and muscle memory, while clearing the brain of useless, built-up information. Think of it as housekeeping for your brain⁵.
• 50–90 minutes: More serious daytime shuteye helps you enjoy the benefits of slow-wave REM sleep, including improving perceptual processing. This length of nap also can be great for allowing the body to repair bones and muscles⁵.

What will a power nap help you accomplish today? Let us know in the comments!

¹ http://www.cdc.gov/features/dssleep

²http://sleepfoundation.org/sleep-topics/napping

³http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2010/01/14/famous-nappers-historical_n_423279.html

⁴ http://www.webmd.com/balance/features/the-secret-and-surprising-power-of-naps?page=2

⁵ http://www.lifehack.org/articles/lifestyle/how-to-get-the-perfect-nap.html

⁶http://www.webmd.com/first-aid/body-temperature

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/add-power-to-your-power-nap/

Dear Young Living Members,

This letter is a heartfelt thank you to all our members, who continue to inspire us daily. Your generosity and willingness to help those in need has truly moved all of us here at corporate headquarters. As of today, through our combined corporate, member, and employee donations, we have contributed $100,000 to the American Red Cross Nepal relief efforts, and you helped make that happen.

When we heard about the first catastrophic earthquake in Nepal, we immediately contacted the American Red Cross to privately donate to support relief efforts already on the ground. Letters from you, our amazing members, poured in, asking how you could help be a part of this effort. We then decided to publicly create a combined member and corporate initiative. Within 15 hours of the Red Cross/ Young Living donation site going live, our members and employees had already donated more than $25,000. Throughout the week, the donations from members and employees continued to pour in, totaling close to $50,000. We are proud to say that the combined Young Living corporate, member, and employee donations together equal $100,000 to help the people of Nepal rebuild their lives.

The immediate outpouring of support from our members overwhelms us. It is heart warming to see how quickly and selflessly everyone joined together to provide resources for those in need. This truly represents the core values of Young Living and the foundation on which we continue to build the company.

We thank each and every member and employee for their contribution and commitment to helping those in need. We’re very saddened by the news of the second earthquake in Nepal, and our prayers go out to those who are dealing with the aftermath. We encourage you to continue supporting the American Red Cross and their valiant efforts in Nepal.

Thank you for your generous support,

Travis Ogden
Chief Operating Officer
Young Living Essential Oils

Donations can be made directly to the American Red Cross Nepal Relief Fund, at http://www.redcross.org

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/thank-you-letter-from-travis-ogden-coo/

Young Living was proud to sponsor FitCon Utah, a gathering of professional athletes, nutritionists, and fitness enthusiasts from around the country! From April 24–25, more than 10,000 people gathered to exchange ideas about pursuing wellness.

One exhibition by local fitness experts showed us some delicious and healthy dessert recipes using Young Living products that we want to share with you!

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/essential-oil-infused-desserts-from-fitcon/

No matter where you’re traveling—on vacation, to a conference, or to visit friends and family—chances are, a plane ride isn’t going to be the highlight of your trip. But with a little planning, your time in the terminal or in the air can go a lot smoother. Check out our top tips for flying happy!

Pack Light

The less you pack, the easier your trip will be. Remember—whatever you bring in your carry-on, you’ll need to bring with you across the terminal and through security screenings. Some easy ways to pack light are to:

• Pare down and pick just a few very versatile items of clothing that match interchangeably in different combinations. Accessories such as scarves, belts, and jewelry can go a long way toward refreshing an old outfit without adding much bulk to your bag.
• Roll your clothes instead of folding them—they’ll fit better in your suitcase, and you’ll avoid wrinkles.
• Be sure to check recent Travel Security Administration (TSA) guidelines before packing and make sure all of the liquid and gel toiletries you have in your carry-on are TSA compliant. We’ve specifically designed our Bon Voyage travel kit to fit those regulations and make it easy to take Young Living necessities on the road. The kit includes 10 travel-sized Young Living personal care products: Thieves® AromaBright Toothpaste, Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier, Thieves Dental Floss, Thieves Fresh Essence Plus Mouthwash, Young Living branded Toothbrush, Lavender Shampoo, Lavender Conditioner, Cinnamint Lip Balm, Morning Start™ Bath Shower Gel, and Genesis™ Hand Body Lotion.

Stay Clean

Airports and airplanes have a lot of high-contact surfaces. Thousands of people from all around the world touch restroom door handles, arm rests, tray tables, call button lights, and everything else. Stay well with a few common sense strategies:

• While you’re waiting to board, be sure to take a moment and wash your hands. Be thorough—at least 20 seconds of hand washing is recommended. Try singing the ABCs to yourself twice while you lather, scrub, and clean under your fingernails with soap and hot water.
• Take one Inner Defense™ capsule the morning before traveling and up to four additional capsules throughout the rest of the day. With essential oils such as Oregano, Thyme, and Thieves blend, Inner Defense is formulated to support normal immunity.*
• When you don’t have a sink and soap nearby, pull out the Thieves Waterless Hand Purifier in your Bon Voyage kit. Rub a dollop over your hands before reaching for those free peanuts.

Keep Busy and Comfortable

A lot of the discomfort of traveling can be simple boredom. But your time in the air is a great opportunity to catch up on work, relax guilt-free, or even cut the cords and enjoy a little time away from electronics. Even if you pack light, no carry-on should be without a few items to keep you busy. Make a few hours seem like a few minutes with these ideas:

• Just relax. With electronics restrictions, flights are a good opportunity to be totally switched off—make the most of letting a few texts and emails wait.
• Rub a little AromaEase™ between your palms and inhale deeply to enjoy its minty and calming aroma as needed.
• Whether you prefer paper books or e-readers, tackle a book you’ve been meaning to read.
• When the beverage cart comes around, try adding a drop or two of Stress Away™ to your drink for a boost of vanilla-lime flavor.
• Get to know your row mates! Strike up a conversation.
• Organize your life and make a to-do list.
• Watch a movie.
• Chew gum.
• Feel cramped? Get your blood flowing and do simple leg and foot stretches or get up to walk to the restroom or to visit with others in your party.
• If electronics are permitted on your flight, pay the fee for Wi-Fi and go online to shop, read the news, or browse social media. You could switch your smartphone to airplane mode and take some snapshots of the landscape below.
• Order a snack or beverage you normally don’t.

Have a flight coming up? How do you plan to make your trip fun and hassle free? Which Young Living products are a must in your carry-on? Tell us in the comments!

*This statement has not been evaluated by the FDA. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

Article source: https://www.youngliving.com/blog/fly-happy-three-strategies-for-a-better-trip/