Stressed out,feeling on the edge…when those moments happen, I turn to these little things for imminent relief.
Balms
Bodhi Mint Thé Temple Balm
Oh my! A botanical blend of mint, eucalypus, frankincense, white camphor, Cajeput, Babassu Nut oil and other goodies to soothe tension, headaches, muscular aches, travel anxiety etc., it’s simply a must-have in your bedside table, or on your office desk. You rub it in your temples, wrists, feet or any aching part and I tell you, you can already feel some weight being lifted off your shoulder. Because it is very refreshing and contains anti-inflammatory and antimicrobial ingredients, I’ve found it also effective as a decongestant. When feeling a bit under the weather, I delicately apply a tiny amount under the nose, inhale deeply and I already feel less congested.
Essential oils
Solyvia “Take it Easy” Aromatherapy roll-on
I always carry aromatherapy roll-on with me. Several months ago, I purchased “Take it Easy” from Solyvia, a botanical brand from Corsica. The name of the product is self-explanatory, and the combination of essential oils specifically against stress and anxiety offers a real moment of relaxation. Containing Nigella, St-John’s-wort and essential oils of marjoram, chamomile, ylang ylang, bitter orange and mandarin, I keep it in my bag and whenever things start to get hectic, I apply it on my wrists or on the temples and it keeps me zen enough while waiting for the storm to pass (aka. crowded bus/trains 😉
Candles
Emma’s Eco-soy wax candles*
Artificially-scented candles used to give me headaches and frankly, once you’ve tried naturally fragranced candles, it’s hard to go back to those funky scented candles (I once came accross a bacon-scented candle, not sure I’d like my room to smell like meat…) To soothe (lavender) or to energize (lemongrass), candles contribute in adding to the room a more zen atmosphere. Emma’s eco-soy candles are handcrafted, made in Ireland and they are beautifully and delicately fragranced with essential oils. They fill the room with a subtle aroma and instantly lighten the mood. I’m also digging the cute floral and colorful packaging. They are long-lasting (approx 15-20 hours), and I can’t get enough of the lemongrass and lavender scents. Pure bliss!
Books
Martin Seligman & Learned Optimism: How to change your mind and your life.
Known as the father of the science of positive psychology, Martin E.P. Seligman has gathered over twenty years of clinical research in his book to demonstrate how optimism improves the quality of life, and how anyone can learn to practice it. He offers a solid theoretical background to assert his thesis, but the groundbreaking part remains the series of simple techniques and exercices included, which are cited as helping to” break up depression, boost your immune system, better develop your potential, and make you happier”. Optimism can be taught and aquired, it’s not innate, and it is possible to get rid of the “I give up” attitude. I’ve found his book very helpful because the exercises ( such as, the “inner positive talk” or “the explanatory style to interpret your behavior”) do contribute in a change of perspective when facing challenging times. Seligman also explains how our sense of reality is more accurate when we experience pessimism, and how we can actually use our “feeling blue” moments to bounce back. To quote the author, “defeat is a temporary setback”.
What are the little tools you use to unwind?
Take care,
Liz
20 Comments
Usually a nice candle and a hot cup of tea does the trick for me. I love the products you mentioned!
Thanks Ru! Yes, a cup of tea does wonders too (and combined with a book, it becomes pure bliss 😉 xx
I like to go for a run and clear my head, or a long soak in the bath. Some really helpful tips, thank you x
Glad you liked it Karen 🙂 Yes, physical exercise is surely one of the best ways to relax, but I do prefer the pampering bath time 😀 xx
Surprisingly I've never tried Bodhi, but you have just totally sold the Temple Balm to me! I might just have to indulge! X
You'll love it! Along with pretty much every other product Bodhi makes, their lip treatment Cacao cocoon is heaven as well 🙂 Can't wait to hear what you think of it. xx
I've been getting into meditation lately, I always seem to go-go-go it's nice to, even for just 5 minutes, slow down a bit.
I heard great things about meditation's benefits, I never tried it though, I started Yoga but including some meditation is a great idea 🙂 xx
Nice post liz! the book you mentionned looks really interesting…x
Thank you Audrey! Yes Seligman's book is very well documented and as informative as can be. I learned some precious informations 🙂 xx
The book looks great, might have to check that out! I love to have a cup of tea & sit down with a good book to relax xx
Agreed, book and tea make a delightful combination 🙂 The book is definitely very interesting and uplifting, let me know if you get it. xx
Great post! For me the best thing is a bit of yoga, a quick breathing session or a nice walk 🙂 xx
Thank you Jana! Yoga is great, I struggled a bit in the beginning, but you're right it completely relaxes you when you do it 🙂 xx
Good post Liz. A cup of herbal tea, a bit of fresh air and a squirt of Rescue Remedy does it for me most times x
Thank you Annie! Oh yes, Rescue Remedy works great, I had Dr. Bach's pastilles, they also tasted delicious. xx
Loving this post! Yin yoga is always the best way for me to unwind!
Thanks Amber! Never heard of Yin Yoga before, I have to look it up 🙂 Thank you for sharing! xx
What a beautiful post Liz! Love the sound of that book – one for the list! Have you read Happiness by Matthieu Ricard? I wholly recommend it! x
Thank you gorgeous! Ooh Happiness sounds great, I'll add it to my reading list 🙂 xx