Essential oils have numerous health benefits and can be incredibly relaxing. Used in both aromatherapy and skin care, essential oils can help you create spa-like experiences in your very own home. Treat your feet right with an invigorating peppermint foot cream and slough away dead skin cells with a DIY sugar scrub. You can even use whipped body butter to establish a smooth skin tone. 

Although the aromatherapy shower mist recipe in this article doesn’t turn back the hands of time, it can transform your shower into a full-on steam room. Spray the mist in your steamy shower and the aromas will transport you to a relaxing oasis. The best part is that you don’t even have to leave your bathroom!

Typically, spa scents are made with a custom blend of essential oils. Because you are making this aromatherapy blend, you can also customize to your liking. If you prefer more eucalyptus essential oil than peppermint essential oil, alter the recipe. You can also use essential oils that help contribute to more alertness and energy to help you get your day started. A relaxing blend of essential oils, including lavender essential oil, may be beneficial for winding down before bed. 

What Is A Shower Mist?

A shower mist is basically a spray that you spritz into the water or steam of the shower, which transforms it into a spa-like experience. The steam from the hot water creates a natural diffuser, spreading the aromas of the essential oils in the shower air. While showering, you’re surrounded by the shower steam and an amazing fragrance. 

A shower mist is about more than a pleasant aroma, though. The essential oils in the shower mist have therapeutic properties, which you benefit from during your steamy shower. A few spritzes in your shower may help relax the body, calm the mind, wake you up, lift your spirits, regulate emotions, and rejuvenate your senses. 

Shower Mist Vs. Shower Steamer

You may have heard of a shower steamer. In fact, you can click here for our DIY recipe! They are scented discs that you place on the shower floor. As hot water flows onto them, they release their aroma into the shower air. A shower steamer is very similar to a shower mist, as both release the aromas from essential oils that you choose. Shower steamers are not for everyone, though, especially if you use oils or butters to make them. They can cause the shower floor to become a bit slippery, which is dangerous if your balance is not 100%. 

A shower mist is also a lot easier to make. All you have to do is pour the ingredients in a bottle, screw on the cap, shake the bottle up, and you are good to go. A shower mist also does not depend on humidity, so you can use the same recipe whether the humidity level is 0% or 100%. Shower steamers are a lot harder to make if you live in a humid environment. Finally, there is no setting time for a shower mist. Use it as soon as you make it, unlike shower steamers, which occasionally take days to set. 

DIY Shower Mist

Ingredients:

• 20 drops lavender essential oil
• 15 drops orange essential oil
• 5 drops frankincense essential oil
• 1/4 cup high-proof grade alcohol (such as Everclear)
• Distilled water

Instructions:

• Add the essential oils to an eight-ounce spray bottle and then pour in the high-proof grade alcohol. 
• Should you choose to use other essential oils, that is also fine. The general recommendation for this recipe is 30-40 drops of essential oils. You can keep the high-proof grade alcohol and distilled water measurements the same in that eight-ounce bottle.
• Fill the rest of the bottle with distilled water (leaving a small amount of space at the top to prevent overflowing), screw on the cap, and shake well to combine. 
• Put your spray to use! Spritz the shower mist in your hot shower and reap the benefits.

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If your skin is dry, then it lacks moisture. What causes this lack of moisture, though? To correct the problem, you apply moisturizer, but that doesn’t seem to relieve dry skin. It’s more likely that there are other, more surprising, causes for your dry skin. In this article, we aim to highlight some of these causes, so that you can address the problem accordingly. 

Dermatologists agree that dry skin is caused by an impaired skin barrier and a deficiency or dysfunction in the healthy fats in the skin’s top layer. This outermost layer is made up of natural oils and dead cells, which trap moisture to keep the skin supple and soft. If there isn’t enough water in this layer, however, the skin dries out. The good news is that dry skin is not really a major concern, as it can happen to people of all ages at any time, on any area of the body. 

Although your first thought may be to lather on the moisturizer, you may want to first get to the root of the problem. What is causing that dryness? Read on to find out. 

Hard Water

If tap water has a high concentration of minerals, such as magnesium and calcium, the U.S. Geological Survey classifies that as hard water. Those minerals leave a film on the skin that dries out. Heavy metals turn the skin’s oils into a thick substance that can clog glands, which aggravates acnes and rosacea. They also make it so the skin cannot absorb moisturizers. You can invest in faucet filters or skin care products that contain vitamins A and C to help counteract the hard water problem. 

Overzealous Hand-washing

Ever since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, people started washing their hands a lot more than they did before. Clean hands are great, and you should wash your hands. The problem is that constant hand-washing will not help dryness. In fact, it increases the risk of cracked or dry skin. That can be a problem if you work in an industry that requires frequent hand-washing, such as healthcare or food service. Try to use lukewarm water instead of hot water and opt for moisturizing soaps. Gently wash your hands and finish with a lotion or moisturizer. 

Fragrances Cause Irritation

If you see the word “fragrance” on a lotion, soap, or other skin care product, you should avoid it. Dermatologists note that fragrances have a tendency to irritate dry skin or make it worse. Fragrances are common sources of allergens, including those that cause contact dermatitis, and endocrine disruptors. It may take a few exposures or applications before your skin reacts, or your skin may react the first time. Always check the ingredients on your skin care products, especially if you deal with dry skin. 

Soap May Zap The Skin’s Moisture

A lot of soaps, shampoos, and detergents can zap the skin and scalp of moisture. These products are made to remove oil, which is not something you want if you deal with dry skin. Choose your face washes, body washes, and laundry detergents carefully. A moisturizing body wash is better than a harsh soap, so long as that body wash doesn’t have harmful fragrances. Additionally, watch out for harsh detergents and fabric softeners if you have dry skin. 

Genetics

Researchers note that you can inherit dry skin. Thanks a lot, parents. One study observed mutations in genes that control filaggrin, which plays a role in forming and hydrating the skin barrier. The findings indicated that people with these mutations suffer from drier skin and have a higher risk of developing eczema. If you have dealt with dry skin throughout your life, or it runs in your family, be diligent with moisturizing. Ceramides and lipids, which you can find in moisturizers, help build and strengthen the skin barrier. 

Long Hot Showers Can Dehydrate The Skin

How great does it feel to stand under steaming, hot water for a long time? It’s quite relaxing, especially if the weather is colder. Standing in that hot water can cause skin issues, though. If you take long, steamy showers or baths, you can dry out the moisture in your skin. Limit your showers to no more than five minutes and try to keep the temperature lukewarm. Apply a moisturizing cream within one minute of exiting the shower because moisturizers work best on damp skin.

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The nose is susceptible to dryness in both summer and winter weather. Both seasons, although they are literally hot and cold, can have severe dry weather, which is not kind on your nose. The lack of humidity, which is more common in dry, desert areas in summer, can dehydrate the mucous membranes in the nostrils. Indoor, air-conditioned spaces can also cause dryness.

Ever notice that you feel congested after being in dry heat and then transitioning to a cold indoor space? Dry air can make you feel like you have nose crustiness, or even dry boogers. Mucus plays an integral role in the body, protecting it from viruses and bacteria. Mucus is sticky, which helps to trap foreign particles, which the body then removes. Additionally, mucus contains antibacterial properties that help fight infection. 

Beyond dry weather, vaping, smoking, and certain medications may cause nasal dryness. As if there weren’t enough reasons to quit smoking! Now, we’ll explain a variety of remedies that may help prevent your nose from drying out. 

Don’t Forget To Hydrate

Drinking water throughout the day can help you avoid dehydration, which is especially important in the summer heat. Keep a reusable water bottle on hand and don’t forget to keep filling it up. In addition to hydrating your organs and systems, water also helps to keep the nostrils moist. Aim to drink half your body weight in ounces of water each day to optimally hydrate. If you weigh 180 pounds and divide that by two to get 90, aim to drink 90 ounces of water per day. 

Take A Hot Shower Or Bath

A steamy hot shower or bath in the middle of summer may not sound like the most appetizing activity, but it may help relieve nasal dryness. The steam may temporarily relieve a dry or itchy nose. You can even use homemade shower melts to help relieve congestion. Consider adding a few drops of eucalyptus essential oil to your bath to help you breathe better. 

Use A Humidifier

Some people have a humidifier installed in their home, so they can monitor humidity levels at all times. You can also use a portable humidifier to introduce moisture into a room in your home. This is especially beneficial if you tend to experience a dry nose at night. That may help you avoid allergies, illness, or overall stuffiness while you sleep. If you are traveling, humidify the space by hanging wet towels in various places around the room. 

Try Saline Sprays

A nasal saline spray can help keep your nostrils nice and moist. How often you’ll need to use one of these sprays will depend on the person, and the level of nasal dryness. Usually, you use a spray twice a day, or once every four to six hours. If you find that you have to use nasal sprays all the time, consider a gel, which lasts longer. A saline gel is preferable to olive oil, coconut oil, almond oil, or petroleum jelly, which some people try with cotton swabs. You don’t want to inhale those home-based remedies into your lungs, though. 

Experiment With Damp Cloths Or Wipes

Sometimes, all you need is to apply a warm, wet washcloth to your face to help moisten the nasal passageways. You can do this several times a day to provide relief, according to the National Library of Medicine. You can even use a wet wipe or baby wipe to help moisten the inside of your nose. 

Use A Nasal Rinse

You may be familiar with a Neti pot if you have a cold and want to get rid of congestion. This form of nasal irrigation may also help relieve a dry nose. According to the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), Neti pots use a saline solution to moisten the nasal passages, which are exposed to dry air. Make sure to read the instructions before you rinse out your nostrils. Neti pot sells its own saline solution, but you can also make your own with distilled water, baking soda, and salt.

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If the warm summer temperatures and high humidity have been messing with your sleep, you are not alone. Record temperatures continue to sweep various parts of the United States and Europe. In the words of Glenn Frey, “The heat is on.” The surge in temperatures and changes in sunrise and sunset can affect sleep quality and sleep duration. That’s why experts encourage people to employ certain strategies that make sleeping during warmer weather easier. 

Why Is It Difficult To Sleep In The Heat?

Sleep experts say that the ideal temperature for sleep is 65º F, give or take a couple degrees. It is completely normal for body temperature to drop a little during sleep, and a cool environment promotes a better night’s sleep. It is natural for the body to produce melatonin before you go to sleep. This process causes the body’s core temperature to drop in order to experience sound sleep. Hot weather can interrupt this process and make it more difficult to fall asleep and enter deep sleep, making it harder to stay asleep at night. This is why people have an easier time sleeping during winter than they do during summer. 

Maintaining a lower body temperature during sleep in the summer can prove challenging, but there are things you can do to help this process. Beat the heat, and the humidity, and incorporate one or more of the following tips into your nighttime routine to sleep better this summer.

Invite The Air Inside

Well, this tip really only applies if the air outside is fresh enough to invite inside your home. If the breeze is beautiful and cool, open up those windows! Opening up the windows will also depend on how safe you feel with the windows open while you sleep. Additionally, if it is very noisy outside, you may not want to have the windows open. Another option is to open the windows in your bedroom before you go to sleep and put a fan near them. When you’re ready for bed, close the window, or leave it slightly ajar, and keep the fan going. 

Shower Off Before Bedtime

Want to help cool your body down before bed? A systematic review of 5,322 studies in 2019 found that taking a lukewarm shower one to two hours before bed significantly improved sleep. The body feels colder after leaving the shower and it will accelerate the cool-down process that prepares it for sleep. You don’t need a steaming hot shower; rather, a warm shower between 104 and 109 degrees F is perfect. 

Sleep In The Nude

If the nights are warm where you live, wearing clothing to go to bed will only increase body temperature. Plus, the heat will only increase if you sleep under sheets and a comforter or blanket. There isn’t a lot of scientific evidence about the effects of sleeping naked, but anecdotal reports say that people sleep better in the nude. Without clothing, the body can maintain a lower core temperature more easily. If you don’t want to sleep in your birthday suit, try sleeping in pajamas made from fibers like light wool, silk, or cotton. A 2019 study found that people who slept in natural fibers instead of synthetic fibers were able to fall asleep faster. 

Lay Low

You don’t have to dodge the sleep police or anything like that. What we mean by “lay low” in regards to sleep is that you may want to sleep lower to the ground. The Japanese futon, for example, is a bed that traditionally goes directly on the floor. The ground is always cooler, especially if you have tile or cement floors. You don’t have to lay on the floor because there are many low-to-the-ground bed options these days. 

Use A Dehumidifier And A Fan

If you do not have air conditioning, or your AC unit isn’t powerful enough, try to place a bowl of cold water and ice in your bedroom. Position the fan behind the bowl and face it toward the bed to increase the fan’s cooling effects. Now, if you live in a very humid area, do your best to keep humidity levels at or below 50-60%. The National Asthma Council Australia stated that optimal indoor humidity levels are between 30-50%. A dehumidifier in the room can help with moisture control and may create a more pleasant sleeping environment. 

Invest In The Right Mattress And Pillow

You spend one-third of your life in bed, so it pays to invest in a quality mattress and pillow. How comfortable you feel in bed can dictate how you sleep, and how easily you fall asleep. Thick foam mattresses tend to absorb and trap body heat, which can overheat the sleeper. There are new mattresses that have cooling layers or ways to release heat that your body generates. The same can be said for pillows. Do your research and try to sleep on mattresses and pillows that help keep the body cool.

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Do you soak in a warm bath in the evening to promote relaxation and prepare the body for bed? Perhaps you use a trusty supplement or a great sleep mask that works every night. These things signal your brain that it is time for bed and help you wind down. Hopefully, you don’t rely on alcohol or medications to get a good night’s rest, though. 

One medical expert recently shared three products that have helped her get sound sleep almost every night. For years, she has slept with earplugs, blackout curtains, and kept her room at 68 degrees Fahrenheit or cooler. When you keep your bedroom dark, quiet, and cool, you can promote deeper, high-quality sleep. For a guide to how you can incorporate these three products into your nighttime routine, continue reading. 

Blackout Curtains

Some people are very sensitive to light and cannot sleep if a red button on the bottom of a TV is in the room. Others can simply fall asleep no matter what, even if a giant searchlight is beaming through the window. Too much light exposure in the evening can keep the brain awake and disrupt your sleep. When you sleep in a dark bedroom, you can better regulate your circadian rhythm, which is the body’s sleep-wake cycle. It works best when you are exposed to bright light during the day and darkness at night.

Light exposure can still throw off your sleep even when your eyelids are closed. That’s why blackout curtains are a smart choice if you want to create a more restful bedroom. There are many blackout curtains that do not effectively keep light out, though. For this reason, make sure you read reviews of the blackout curtains you decide to buy. The best ones usually drape all the way down to the floor. 

Earplugs

If you are someone who prefers to use a sleep machine and find it to be effective, keep doing what you’re doing. If you are a light sleeper and find that any noise disrupts your slumber, earplugs may be a great product for you. The majority of repair and restoration occurs during the later stages of sleep, you want to minimize your exposure to things that can wake you, such as traffic or loud air conditioning. 

Foam earplugs are available at most stores. Ideally, choose ones that are extra comfy and easily stay in your ears all night. If you cannot get them to stay in your ears, though, you may want to consider a sound machine that produces rain, wind, ambient, or other noises that keep you asleep. According to experts, a pink noise setting is better than a white noise setting because white noise isn’t the best sound range for optimal sleep.

A Fan Or Some Cooling Device

Every person should have some sort of cooling device in their bedroom. The ideal temperature for an optimal sleeping environment is 68 degrees Fahrenheit or less. This temperature range assists a drop in core temperature, which helps prepare the body for sleep. You don’t need to buy an expensive fan to improve your sleep, but some people are attracted to fans that have built-in air purifiers. Not only does this device help to move air around the room, but it also works to remove potential irritants from the bedroom air. 

As you are getting ready for bed and the room is cooling down, take a hot shower. This works to get blood flowing away from the body’s core, which leads to a temperature dip that can help you fall asleep.

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Listen to any number of podcasts these days and you’ll likely hear someone talk about their ice bath or cold plunge. Health gurus and average Joes alike swear that submerging their bodies in cold water promotes better mood, more energy, heightened recovery, and less anxiety. The benefits may change from person to person, but one thing is for certain: cold plunges are not accessible to everyone. 

It’s safe to say that the average person doesn’t have a few thousand dollars to drop on a cold plunge. It’s also safe to say that nobody wants to go buy bags of ice at the store every day, nor do they want to buy a commercial-grade ice maker for a makeshift cold plunge. That begs the question: can you achieve the same benefits by standing in a cold shower? Experts believe that cold showers count as a form of cryotherapy, so long as the temperature is cold enough (between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of cryotherapy. 

It May Boost Metabolism

When you expose the body to cold temperatures, you can increase the metabolic rate and activate brown adipose tissue, both of which aid weight management. According to a 2022 study, immersing the body in cold water seems to transform adipose tissue, in addition to reducing insulin resistance. The combination of these benefits may also have a positive effect on cardiovascular health and metabolic diseases. 

It May Enhance Circulation

Doctors explain that cold exposure prompts immediate vasoconstriction followed by vasodilation, which improves blood flow to all organs. That is why a lot of people use cold plunges to accelerate exercise recovery. Although cold seems to reduce muscle soreness, it is unclear if the cold benefits muscle function. Improving circulation, regardless of athletic level, is beneficial. When you improve blood flow throughout the body, you help deliver fresh blood and oxygen to major organs, which helps them function optimally.

It May Beautify You

Cryotherapy will not turn back the hands of time, but it may positively impact your hair and skin. Cold water seals hair cuticles and helps lock moisture into hair strands. Additionally, the cold helps the scalp retain moisture content, while hot water strips it of its natural oils. The cold temperature strengthens hair cuticles to strengthen them and keep them healthy over time. Cold temperatures may also benefit people with inflammatory skin conditions, such as eczema, psoriasis, or rosacea. Hot water can dry out the skin and cause slushing, which may pronounce redness in those struggling with it already.

It Can Encourage A Breathwork Practice

When you are in the cold, you have to steady your mind and control your breath. The power of controlling your breath can help you embrace the cold and know how to stay calm in the water. When you can control your breath, you can regulate your stress and stay calm in extreme conditions, such as the frigid water. The more you expose the body to cold and breathe through it, the easier it becomes. 

Are Cold Showers Cold Enough? 

Most of the existing research on cold water immersion therapy is focused on cold plunging or being in a cryochamber for a few minutes. Some studies have found that cold showers are a legitimate form of cryotherapy, provided the water temperature can be between 50-59 degrees Fahrenheit or colder. Some experts believe that cold showers fall under the cold water immersion umbrella.

Getting in a cold shower will have a similar effect to entering a cold lake, ocean, or pool. You don’t get cold as quickly as if you were to enter a cold plunge, but you can still reap some benefits. The last thing to remember is to have access to a heat source after stepping out of the cold shower, so that you can bring up the body’s core temperature to normal range. If you don’t bring core temperature back up after any type of cold immersion therapy, you increase the risk of hypothermia. 

How Long Do You Remain In The Cold Shower?

Typically, you remain in a cold plunge or cryochamber for three minutes. Since a shower does not get as cold, how long do you stand in the water? One study found that 10 minutes of cold exposure can aid muscle recovery, but that’s a long time to just let water run. If you want to reap the brain boosting benefits, the study found that you may only need five minutes or less in the cold. Other research says that two to three minutes of cold exposure is sufficient. Start off with less time in the cold and gradually increase the time.

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You don’t need an expert to explain how beneficial sleep is for your overall health. You already know how much better you feel when you wake up after a good night’s rest. The benefits extend beyond an energy boost and better mood. Optimal sleep may help support your health far more than you realize, which is especially true if you aren’t sleeping enough right now. 

According to sleep experts, the average adult should get seven to eight hours of sleep every night. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) states that getting less than that may reduce immunity and increase the risk of chronic conditions, such as type 2 diabetes, depression, obesity, and heart disease. Yet, one in three people do not get enough sleep per night. Even though this is the case, you can improve your chances of getting better, more restorative sleep. The following tips explain how you can set yourself up for sleep success.

Lower Your Thermostat

There is an attraction to being warm and cozy and snuggling up like a little fox in a bed. According to sleep experts, though, keeping your bedroom cool at night can support more optimal sleep. The body’s core temperature naturally dips in the evening to prepare the body for bed. For this reason, experts recommend that you put your thermostat between 60 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit to keep the body cool. If you run hot at night, consider purchasing sheets or nightwear that is moisture-wicking or cooling. 

Move Your Body

Some evidence suggests that exercising during the day leads to more restful sleep, especially for adults and older adults. Physical activity actively tires out the body’s major muscles and helps to relieve stress, both of which relax the mind and body, making it easier for you to fall asleep. You don’t have to run a marathon or take part in a Spartan race to reap the benefits. A 2017 study found that regular movement can improve both sleep quality and duration, regardless of the intensity of your exercise. 

Make Your Bedroom A Sleep Haven

You do not need to do any major remodeling to your bedroom to sleep better. Set your bedroom up for sleep success by making it very dark, cool, and as tranquil as you can. Darkness is paramount because the more light you have, the likelier your mind is to race and wake up. Research from 2018 found that even a soft glow can disrupt your sleep, so consider purchasing blackout curtains or shades and unplug any devices or charges that emit light. Sleep experts also encourage you to make your bedroom a sleep-only zone, meaning you don’t spend time in bed catching up on work emails or scrolling social media. Treat your bedroom as a sacred space for sleep, which may help train your brain to power down when you go under the covers at night.

Try Relaxation Techniques In Bed

If you struggle to fall asleep because you get tense or anxious at night, it can be beneficial to engage in relaxation techniques. Many people benefit from guided imagery, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation. Trying to force yourself to fall asleep usually has the opposite effect. If you are not able to doze off with the relaxation techniques we just mentioned, consider reading, listening to an audiobook, or listening to calming music. Accepting your sleepless state can actually relax the mind and make it easier to fall asleep. 

Create A Relaxing Bedtime Routine

Sleep experts suggest going to bed and waking up around the same time daily to regulate the body’s internal clock. Research from 2015 found that consistent sleep and wake times may make it easier to fall asleep at night and wake up with more energy the next day. In order to do this, consider establishing a nighttime ritual, which can include pre-bed activities that aid sleep, such as: 

• Dimming the lights: A study from 2019 found that exposure to bright light suppresses the body’s production of melatonin. Turning off or dimming the lights an hour or so before bed may help you drift off more easily. Additionally, stop looking at screens an hour or so before bed to reduce your exposure to blue light. 
• Take a hot shower or bath: Taking a steamy, hot shower or warm bath is very relaxing, but it’s the aftermath that may have a positive effect on your sleep. Research from 2019 found that the body’s core temperature starts to go down after a hot bath/shower. That supports that natural temperature dip that occurs every evening to prime the body for sleep.

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Love bombing, which is a popular term nowadays, is a type of emotional abuse. A love bomber uses grand gestures to manipulate the other person, i.e. they adorn the other person with gifts, compliments, and affection. The unfortunate reality is that these actions do not come from a place of love. Instead, love bombing is a technique that someone uses to make a friend, partner, or loved one dependent on them, which helps them control the relationship. 

Why Do People Love Bomb?

Psychologists theorize that love bombing comes from insecurities around trust or dependence on others. The idea is that if one person love bombs another person, they can gain control in the relationship. They then use that control to make the other person feel guilty about questioning their actions. Love bombing can be both intentional and unintentional and even though it is more common among romantic partners, anyone can do it. That said, it is a manipulative tactic that is more common in people with narcissistic personality disorder. Love bombing can also be a behavior that you learn, especially if you emulate parents or have done it in past relationships.

What Are The Signs Of Love Bombing?

Although the signs can vary from person to person, the typical indicator is an unwanted grand gesture that may make the other person uncomfortable. The key thing to note is that this gesture doesn’t make the person feel loved. Other signs of love bombing can include:

• Constant calling or texting to check in: The partner may not respect the other person’s schedule or time by constantly communicating. They may also get angry or frustrated if the other person doesn’t respond, given their “concern.”
• Giving unnecessary or unwanted gifts: A love bomber will usually pay for extravagant/unwanted gifts to make the other person feel loved. The gift giving is not in the other person’s best interest, and the love bomber will bring up the cost/significance of the gifts like a debt. 
• Over-the-top declarations of love: A love bomber may continuously flatter or shower the other person with praise, and usually way too early into the relationship. Over-the-top public displays of affection are common as well. 
• Constant praise or compliments: The right things are seemingly said, but compliments are typically an over-exaggeration. A love bomber may become overly interested in the other person’s hobbies or achievements. 
• Ignoring boundaries: It’s very common for a love bomber to respect healthy boundaries. They do not like being told no, similar to a child. If the behavior starts to overwhelm the other person and they communicate it to the lover bomber, the feelings are usually ignored. 
• Rushing into a relationship: Love bombers usually make future plans way too early into relationships. They tend to rush into committed relationships before getting to know the other person. 

Why Is Love Bombing Harmful?

As we have covered thus far, love bombing does not indicate a healthy individual or relationship. The behavior is manipulative and emotionally abusive, which is why some experts cite love bombing a mode of domestic abuse. Some experts believe that love bombing is a way for someone to gaslight their partner in order to isolate and control them. As a reaction, the person on the receiving end of the love bombing will likely experience mental health issues and remain in that unhealthy relationship. If love bombing persists, the emotional abuse can worsen and even become physical. Love bombing often includes the following modes of a narcissistic abuse cycle. 

• Idealization: The love bomber showers the other person with gifts and affection early on in the relationship. There may be feelings of sudden romance or intense love/caring. The love bomber will confess their love for the other person and what their future plans are. This constant communication and interest seems genuine, but it often isn’t.
• Devaluation: All of the grand gestures and compliments can make the person on the receiving end of the love bombing very comfortable. Gaining that comfort level can cause the love bomber to demand more of the other person’s time. They become irritated if they don’t get what they want and may attempt to gaslight or become violent. That is when the person should notice the red flags and get out of the relationship. 
• Discarding: If the person realizes that the love bomber’s behavior is unhealthy, confront them and try to establish boundaries. The love bomber may retaliate, refusing to cooperate. They may even go so far as to blame the other person for their actions, making them feel at fault. It’s also possible for the love bomber to move on and find a new replacement partner. 

The Takeaway

To conclude, love bombing is a manipulative tactic that is common among people with narcissistic personality disorder. It’s a tactic to gain control in a relationship, often to make the other person feel dependent on that person. Love bombing happens quickly, so be on the lookout for this unhealthy behavior early on in the relationship.

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Do you have lemons and hate chemicals and artificial fragrances? If that describes you then it’s time to start making your own non-toxic household cleaning spray. The beauty of the cleaning spray recipe in this article is that it only contains two ingredients: lemons and distilled white vinegar. If you don’t have lemons but have an abundance of limes or oranges, feel free to use them instead. Any citrus fruit will do!

Citrus season runs from late fall to late winter, so you may have a lot of oranges, lemons, tangerines, limes, or grapefruits on hand. This is especially true if you have citrus trees in your yard or neighborhood. Do you have friendly neighbors who leave boxes of wonderful citrus fruits outside their house for the neighborhood to take? Those are the best people! The point we are trying to make is that you will most likely have a lot of citrus scraps if you have a lot of citrus. Instead of throwing them in the trash or compost (more ideal than the trash), save them and make your own cleaning spray. 

Vinegar For Cleaning

It is important to note that vinegar is not a powerful disinfectant. It has some disinfectant properties, but it is nowhere near as effective as bleach or other commercial disinfectant products. This is why it is important to decide if you want to clean or disinfect. If you want to disinfect surfaces (kill most bacteria), you may want to use a classic disinfectant spray or cleanser that specifically kills germs. 

Distilled white vinegar can be an effective household cleaner on certain surfaces. It is an inexpensive, easy-to-obtain product that is about 5% acetic acid, which works to break down the structure of certain stains, oils, films, or bacteria. That same acidic quality can harm certain surfaces, such as hard wood floors, aluminum, cast iron, waxed wood, or natural stone. Vinegar can be a highly effective cleaner for glass, refrigerator shelves/drawers, or removing water stains from showers. Just make sure to do the research on whether the surface you want to clean will or won’t be harmed by vinegar. 

Gather Your Lemon Rinds

In order to make the cleaning spray in this article, you have to gather lemon rinds (or other citrus rinds) in a large glass container. Ideally, you should use a half-gallon mason jar, but a small pitcher or a few smaller jars will also work. A great time to make this cleaning spray is after you make freshly-squeezed lemonade, pesto, or similar recipe involving lots of citrus. If it is going to take you more than a week to collect all your rinds, add a little white vinegar to the jar by day six or seven. Pour enough to submerge the citrus rinds in order to prevent molding. 

Once you have a good amount of citrus rinds in the jar (doesn’t have to be completely full), pour the white vinegar into the container to submerge the rinds completely. You can add some fresh herbs for increased aromatherapy, if you so desire. Let the rinds soak for at least one week, and up to three weeks. You can let the container sit out at room temperature, but make sure to give it a shake every few days to mix things up. 

Lemon Vinegar Cleaning Spray

Equipment:

• Large glass jar (or other container for steeping)
• Spray bottle
• Fine mesh strainer/cheesecloth

Ingredients:

• Lemon rinds or citrus rinds (enough to fill the jar)
• Distilled white vinegar 
• Optional: fresh aromatic herbs (such as lavender, rosemary, or thyme)

Instructions:

• Collect your lemon or citrus rinds and stow them inside a large glass container. If you cannot collect all the rinds at one time, store the jar in the fridge as you continue to collect them. Should you need longer than a week, freeze the jar. 
• Once your jar is nearly full of citrus rinds, pour distilled white vinegar into the jar to completely submerge the rinds. Feel free to add a handful of fresh herbs at this time before you screw on the lid. 
• Allow the citrus rinds to soak in the jar of vinegar at room temperature for at least one week, and up to three weeks. Give the jar a shake every few days.
• Strain the citrus rinds after the soaking period, removing as many rind chunks as possible to avoid clogging the spray bottle. 
• Pour the strained liquid into a spray bottle and use when ready. It’s great for laminate kitchen counters, stainless steel appliances, showers, sinks, inside the fridge, or other durable surfaces.

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Bedsheets and towels are materials that touch your skin daily, especially the most intimate parts of your body. Like most people, you probably hang your towel up after drying off when you exit the shower. You don’t think about it (perhaps) until the towel starts to smell. That is downright gross, and it raises the question: How often should you wash your bath towels?

Why Washing Your Bath Towels Is So Important

There’s no other way to say this without being blunt: you get up close and personal with your bath towel on a daily basis. You use it to dry off every square inch of your body, from head to toe. After a few uses, your towel can be contaminated with several pathogens or bacteria that increase your risk of infection. Some of those things include:

• Fecal pathogens (norovirus, C. diff, and E. coli)
• Fungal species (such as the ones that cause ringworm and athlete’s foot)
• Skin pathogens (such as Staphylococcus aureus or MRSA)
• Bacterial and viral pathogens that can cause conjunctivitis 

How Often Should You Wash Your Bath Towel?

Some researchers suggest that you should wash or change your bath towel after every use. This isn’t exactly feasible for everyone. Other researchers say that you can stretch your bath towel to three uses (max), so long as it dries fully between each use. According to one dermatologist and cofounder of Audubon Dermatology in New Orleans, Louisiana, she changes her bath towel every day. She added that it is acceptable to throw them in the laundry after every two to three uses.

What all researchers can agree on is that the towel must fully dry between each use. The reason for this is because drying helps kill potential microbes and inhibits them from growing. Your towel’s ability to dry will depend on the climate in your house. A towel may never fully dry in a more humid environment, and your bathroom tends to stay more humid than other areas in the home. For this reason, you may want to hang dry your towels outside the bathroom. 

As a quick note, there are some exceptions to the three-day towel rule. If you have open cuts or scrapes, had a recent surgery (such as mole or skin cancer removal), or have a lot of eczema or psoriasis, you will want to change towels more frequently. The reason for that is because the skin barrier is not intact, which is why you want to be more careful. Use a fresh towel after every shower until the skin has properly healed. 

How To Correctly Wash (And Dry) Your Towels

Make sure to wash your towels with detergent and then dry them on high heat. Health experts agree that that is the most efficient washing and drying routine to kill germs and keep mold counts down. Choose a detergent that contains enzymes, which break down dirt and kill germs during the wash cycle. The detergent will have that listed on the front label, saying that enzymes fight stains. 

If you have sensitive skin, it is possible that using a new detergent may cause irritation. If you experience any irritation after using a new detergent, stop using it. You can also find dye-free and fragrance-free detergents that incorporate enzymes into their formulas, as they may be gentler on the skin. You can also use liquid bleach or laundry products that contain activated oxygen bleach. Those products increase the efficacy of the cleaning process. 

What Happens If You Don’t Wash Towels Twice Per Week?

The short answer is that your skin will never be the same. No, of course this is not the truth. The reality is that not everyone will have problems with infrequent towel washing. If you notice that your towel has a mildew smell, that stink can transfer onto your skin when you dry off after showering. That could potentially trigger or contribute to allergy symptoms if you are allergic to mold. 

The transferring of pathogens from your towels to your own skin is possible, as we stated earlier in this article. That is true even if they are your own germs. You can get something from your towel, but it depends on how long the specific pathogen can survive and whether or not it will transfer from the towel to your body. On the other hand, some people won’t have any skin problems from overusing one towel. It really just depends on your skin and your body’s risk of infections.

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