diy Friday - Heating Pad

So, I love heating pads. At least once a month we become very good friends and I feel like my life would be over if we were ever to be separated. I'm sure it wouldn't, but that's how I feel.

Now, essential oils are a part of my every day life, but about once a month they become the foundation of my existence, the elixir of hope, and the rescue of my family from PMS mom.

I seriously don't know what I did before I had these two items, oh right, drown my emotions and pain in ibuprofen and acetaminophen every 4 hours, eat a tub of ice cream and watch sappy movies. Yuck! Well, the ice cream and movie part isn't yuck, but, well, you get it...

Ok, so, all that to say, heating pads and oils are not just a best friend during a period, but they are actually a best friend all the time and I'm learning this with increasing speed! Cold nights when you just can't get rid of the chill (a problem for us in the Northern Hemisphere), when you're not feeling 100% (I can't say sick, because mom's aren't allowed to be sick), and sometimes, I just like to curl up with my heating pad, have some oils going and read a good book or watch a movie!

Heat and aromatherapy are easily an essential part of a healthy and happy life....in my world anyway, and thus in the world of my husband and children.

Hence, for today's DIY segment, I'm going to take you to another blog, like a field trip, if you will (this could become a regular occurrence, just saying) where they walk you through how to make your very own heating pad (for beginners, intermediate and advanced). Now, I'm so a beginner and would be reaching for a sock normally, but I feel now that I'm almost 35, it's time to branch out, it's time to be rid of my fear of all things "sewing", and perhaps the remedy is to make myself a real, tried and true, heating pad. I mean really, what could be more simpler right? It's a square piece of cloth and you sew the edges together. Right?

No really, I'm trying to convince myself right now, help me out. ;)

Now, let's talk about pairing of oils with said heating bag. Well, that all depends on your situation! Why are you using the heating pad and what time of the day is it (Don't laugh, it matters! I wouldn't use, say vetiver in the morning unless you want to be uber relaxed and drowsy all day)? Are you hunkering down for the night with a book and want something to relax and calm you before sleep? Are you sad? Are you emotional in any way at all? Are you not feeling well? Do you need a jolt to wake you up. Ask yourself these questions and then research which oils best fit the mood you are trying to match.

For me, if it was before bed, I'd personally add some Serenity or Balance. Or Maybe cedarwood and frankincense (LOVE that combo), or a bit of vetiver. If I was feeling emotional, I'd look to the emotional aromatherapy oils and see which ones could help my current feelings and mood. If I was sick, maybe some peppermint or cardamom to help with feelings of nausea. If I just wanted a smell that I love, it would be the combo of arborvitae, white fir, cedarwood, juniper berry and cinnamon. You get the picture. :)

So, without further delay, click here to read the tutorial on how to make your own heating pad, in whatever capacity you are able/desire. It's nice to have a variety of pads for mood as well and so you can have one for each time of the day (or month ;) )

And if you're like us, and don't have a microwave, you can easily heat it up in the oven on the lowest setting, just making sure you keep an eye on it so it doesn't overheat :) Supper al a heating pad. :P

Have a happy Friday and let the weekend commence!

Stay real

~Aryn